The amount of protein provided in the nutritional supplement program for a lactating mother is?

Tripura CHO - 2021

Applied Nutrition & Dietetics

Easy

Appeared in: Tripura CHO - 2021

Explanation

During lactation, there is an increased physiological demand for protein to support the synthesis of breast milk.
Nutritional supplement programs, such as India's Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), are designed to meet this increased need and specify a provision of 20-25 g of protein for lactating mothers.
This range aligns with several dietary guidelines, including the ICMR 2010 recommendation of an additional 23 g/day during the first six months of lactation.
Meeting this protein requirement is crucial for maintaining the mother's health and ensuring the quality and quantity of breast milk for the infant.

Option A: This range is too low to meet the additional protein demands of a lactating mother, especially during the first six months of exclusive breastfeeding.
Option B: Similar to the first option, this range is insufficient to cover the peak protein needs for milk production.
Option C: While this range is closer to the requirement, it may not be sufficient to cover the higher end of recommendations for early lactation.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Nutritional requirements during lactation, specifically protein supplementation as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses play a vital role in educating lactating mothers about their nutritional needs to prevent maternal depletion and ensure optimal infant growth.
Inadequate protein intake can lead to reduced milk quality, maternal muscle wasting, fatigue, and a weakened immune system.
A nurse counseling a lactating mother should advise on incorporating protein-rich foods like pulses, milk, eggs, and meat into the daily diet, in addition to any supplements provided by health programs.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question: it asks for the specific amount of protein provided in a 'nutritional supplement program' for a 'lactating mother'.
Recall or look up the recommended dietary allowances (RDA) for lactation. Note that needs are highest in the first 6 months.
Consider that 'supplement programs' often use standardized values based on these RDAs.
Evaluate the given options against the known recommendations. The additional protein requirement is significant, so lower ranges are less likely to be correct.
Compare the higher ranges with specific guidelines. The ICMR guidelines and ICDS program standards recommend 20-25g of protein.
Select the option that aligns with established public health program standards, as this is a practical, application-based question.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Nutritional requirements during lactation, specifically protein supplementation.
Stem keywords: protein, nutritional supplement program, lactating mother
Lead-in keywords: amount

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