International Board of Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Practice Exam

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Prepare for the International Board of Certified Lactation Consultant Exam. Enhance your skills with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, offering detailed explanations to boost your confidence. Master the essentials and excel in your certification exam!

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What type of substance does amylase in human milk digest?

  1. Protein

  2. Fat

  3. Sugar

  4. Starch

The correct answer is: Starch

Amylase is an enzyme that specifically targets starches, breaking them down into simpler sugars like maltose and glucose. In human milk, the presence of amylase plays an important role in the digestive process for infants, particularly during the early stages of their development. The composition of human milk is uniquely suited to support an infant’s nutritional needs, and the action of amylase aids in the effective digestion of starches that may be present in the diet as the infant’s feeding evolves beyond exclusive breastfeeding. Understanding the digestive functions of the components of human milk, including enzymes like amylase, provides insight into how infants can process various nutrients during their growth and development. This is why the correct answer indicates that amylase in human milk digests starch.