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Compared to term breast milk, what is a key difference in the composition of preterm breast milk?

  1. Higher carbohydrate content

  2. Higher lipid content

  3. Higher protein content

  4. Lower caloric values

The correct answer is: Higher protein content

The composition of preterm breast milk is specifically adapted to meet the unique physiological needs of preterm infants. One of the key differences is its higher protein content compared to that of term breast milk. This elevated protein concentration is crucial because preterm infants often have increased protein needs due to their rapid growth and development, limited ability to absorb nutrients, and the need to build lean body mass and support organ maturation. Higher protein content in preterm breast milk also aids in providing essential amino acids necessary for growth and tissue repair, which is particularly important for fragile preterm infants who may struggle with growth and development compared to their term counterparts. In contrast, other components such as carbohydrates or lipids are not as significantly altered; in fact, preterm milk tends to have slightly lower fat content than that of term milk. Therefore, the specific adaptation of increased protein content is what makes preterm breast milk especially beneficial for its intended audience.