Which statement correctly describes a change in preterm human milk protein content over the first weeks?

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

Answer: (A)

Protein content in preterm human milk is highest right after birth as colostrum, then gradually decreases as the milk matures over the first weeks. This shift reflects the mammary gland transitioning from producing high-protein colostrum to mature milk with lower protein but relatively more fat and carbohydrate. For preterm infants, the early high protein helps support rapid early growth and immunity, but as lactation progresses, the percentage of protein in the milk declines. In practice, this means the statement that protein content declines over the first weeks is the best description. Minor day-to-day variation can occur, but the overall trend is downward.