International Board of Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Practice Exam

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How do HMOs help to protect infants?

  1. By providing essential vitamins

  2. By binding nutrients

  3. By preventing pathogen attachment

  4. By enhancing enzyme activity

The correct answer is: By preventing pathogen attachment

Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) play a critical role in protecting infants by preventing pathogen attachment. These complex carbohydrates are a major component of human breast milk and serve as a decoy, binding to pathogens such as bacteria and viruses that would otherwise adhere to the intestinal mucosa of the infant. By doing so, HMOs help to inhibit the growth and colonization of harmful microorganisms, thereby contributing to a healthier gut environment and reducing the risk of infections. In addition to their protective role, HMOs also promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, further enhancing the infant's immune response. This combination of preventing pathogen attachment and promoting a healthy microbiome is crucial for the overall health and well-being of the breastfeeding infant. Other options, while they might play a role in nutrition or health, do not encapsulate the specific protective mechanism that HMOs provide against pathogens in a way that is as direct and impactful as their ability to prevent pathogen attachment.

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