In a 100 ml of human milk, how much protein is present?

Appeared in: NVS Staff Nurse - 2019

Explanation

Mature human milk contains approximately 1.1 to 1.2 grams of protein per 100 ml.
This lower protein concentration, compared to other animal milks, is ideal for the metabolic capacity of a human infant's kidneys.
The protein in human milk has a whey-to-casein ratio of about 60:40, making it easier to digest and absorb than the casein-dominant protein in cow's milk (20:80 ratio).
This composition supports optimal growth without overloading the infant's developing organs.

Option B: This value (7.0 g) represents the approximate amount of carbohydrates (mainly lactose) in 100 ml of human milk, not protein.
Option C: This value (4.0 g) is a close approximation of the fat content in 100 ml of human milk, not the protein content.
Option D: This value (3.5 g) is nearly three times the actual protein content of human milk. It is much closer to the protein concentration found in 100 ml of cow's milk (approximately 3.2-3.3 g).

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Nutritional Composition of Human Milk as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding the composition of human milk is fundamental for nurses in maternal and child health to provide accurate nutritional counseling to new mothers.
The low protein and mineral (solute) load of human milk is a key reason it is superior to unmodified cow's milk for infants, as it prevents renal stress.
Nurses must be able to explain these benefits to mothers to encourage breastfeeding and address concerns about whether breast milk is 'enough' for the baby.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question. It asks for a specific nutritional value (protein) in a specific substance (human milk).
This is a factual recall question. Access your knowledge base regarding the composition of human milk.
Recall the approximate values for the main components per 100 ml: Protein (~1.2 g), Fat (~4 g), and Carbohydrates (~7 g).
Compare these recalled values to the given options. 1.2 g is a direct match for the protein content.
Analyze the distractor options to confirm your answer. Recognize that 7.0 g corresponds to carbohydrates, 4.0 g to fat, and 3.5 g is similar to the protein in cow's milk, making them incorrect for this question.
Select the option that accurately reflects the protein content.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QXQA-Zi0_7tw-F-T2M-nCl

E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 2 — Subpart A (pp 1-232 of 464) p. 35-37

E6 Nutrition Kumud Khanna 2e p. 428-430

E6 Textbook of Biochemistry for medical StudentsDM Vasudevan Part 2 — Subpart A (pp 1-239 of 478) p. 98-100

Practise the full NVS Staff Nurse - 2019

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.