The protein content of preterm human milk ______ over the first few weeks of lactation.

• A. Declines
• B. Increases
• C. Remains constant
• D. Fluctuates

Answer: (A)

Protein content in preterm human milk is highest in colostrum and early transitional milk to support the rapid growth of the preterm infant, but it gradually declines over the first weeks as the milk matures. This downward trend happens even though preterm milk can stay relatively higher in protein than term milk for a period, the overall pattern is a reduction. So the protein concentration declines during the first weeks of lactation.