UPSC-CMS 2021 — Biochemistry

Q: Compared to breast milk, colostrum has

higher protein content. ***higher protein content*** - Colostrum is rich in **immunoglobulins** (antibodies) and other **protective proteins**, which are crucial for the newborn's immune system. - These proteins, including **IgA**, **lactoferrin**, and **growth factors**, contribute to its higher protein concentration (2-3 times higher) compared to mature breast milk. *lower water content* - Colostrum does have **slightly lower water content** (~87%) compared to mature breast milk (~88-90%), making it more concentrated. - However, this difference is minimal and not the most clinically significant distinguishing feature compared to the marked protein difference. *higher carbohydrate content* - Colostrum has a **lower carbohydrate content** (primarily lactose) compared to mature breast milk. - Mature milk develops a higher lactose content to support the infant's increasing energy demands. *higher fat content* - **Mature breast milk** has a significantly **higher fat content** than colostrum. - The fat in mature milk provides the primary source of energy for the rapidly growing infant, which is less critical in early colostrum feeding. [Practice more Biochemistry PYQs on OnCourse]

Q: A 25 year old woman is a sedentary worker. She is a lactating mother with a 3 month old child. Which one among the following is the best approximation of her energy requirement in terms of kilocalories per day ?

2500 kcal/d. ***2500 kcal/d*** - A lactating woman generally requires an additional 500 kcal/day above her baseline energy needs to support milk production. - For a sedentary woman, a typical baseline intake is around 2000 kcal/day, making 2500 kcal/day a good approximation during lactation. *1500 kcal/d* - This value is significantly low for a lactating woman, as it would likely lead to a **caloric deficit** and could compromise milk supply and maternal health. - This energy level might be appropriate for a woman on a **weight-loss diet**, but not for supporting lactation. *2250 kcal/d* - While closer than 1500 kcal/d, this value still falls slightly short of the recommended additional energy intake for lactation, which is typically an extra 500 kcal/day. - This might represent a moderate activity level for a non-lactating woman, but not optimal for **milk production**. *2830 kcal/d* - This amount would be more appropriate for a lactating woman with a **higher activity level** or a greater baseline energy requirement than a sedentary individual. - While some lactating women may need this much, it is likely an **overestimation** for a sedentary worker. [Practice more Biochemistry PYQs on OnCourse]

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Compared to breast milk, colostrum has

A 25 year old woman is a sedentary worker. She is a lactating mother with a 3 month old child. Which one among the following is the best approximation of her energy requirement in terms of kilocalories per day ?

UPSC-CMS 2021 - Biochemistry UPSC-CMS Practice Questions and MCQs

Question 1: Compared to breast milk, colostrum has

A. higher protein content (Correct Answer)
B. lower water content
C. higher carbohydrate content
D. higher fat content

Explanation: ***higher protein content*** - Colostrum is rich in **immunoglobulins** (antibodies) and other **protective proteins**, which are crucial for the newborn's immune system. - These proteins, including **IgA**, **lactoferrin**, and **growth factors**, contribute to its higher protein concentration (2-3 times higher) compared to mature breast milk. *lower water content* - Colostrum does have **slightly lower water content** (~87%) compared to mature breast milk (~88-90%), making it more concentrated. - However, this difference is minimal and not the most clinically significant distinguishing feature compared to the marked protein difference. *higher carbohydrate content* - Colostrum has a **lower carbohydrate content** (primarily lactose) compared to mature breast milk. - Mature milk develops a higher lactose content to support the infant's increasing energy demands. *higher fat content* - **Mature breast milk** has a significantly **higher fat content** than colostrum. - The fat in mature milk provides the primary source of energy for the rapidly growing infant, which is less critical in early colostrum feeding.

Question 2: A 25 year old woman is a sedentary worker. She is a lactating mother with a 3 month old child. Which one among the following is the best approximation of her energy requirement in terms of kilocalories per day ?

A. 2500 kcal/d (Correct Answer)
B. 1500 kcal/d
C. 2250 kcal/d
D. 2830 kcal/d

Explanation: ***2500 kcal/d*** - A lactating woman generally requires an additional 500 kcal/day above her baseline energy needs to support milk production. - For a sedentary woman, a typical baseline intake is around 2000 kcal/day, making 2500 kcal/day a good approximation during lactation. *1500 kcal/d* - This value is significantly low for a lactating woman, as it would likely lead to a **caloric deficit** and could compromise milk supply and maternal health. - This energy level might be appropriate for a woman on a **weight-loss diet**, but not for supporting lactation. *2250 kcal/d* - While closer than 1500 kcal/d, this value still falls slightly short of the recommended additional energy intake for lactation, which is typically an extra 500 kcal/day. - This might represent a moderate activity level for a non-lactating woman, but not optimal for **milk production**. *2830 kcal/d* - This amount would be more appropriate for a lactating woman with a **higher activity level** or a greater baseline energy requirement than a sedentary individual. - While some lactating women may need this much, it is likely an **overestimation** for a sedentary worker.