International Board of Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Practice Exam

By which enzyme are triglycerides in human milk broken down into glycerol and free fatty acids?

1. Lactase

2. Amylase

3. Lipase

4. Protease

The correct answer is: Lipase

Triglycerides in human milk are primarily broken down into glycerol and free fatty acids by the enzyme lipase. Lipase functions by hydrolyzing the ester bonds in triglycerides, facilitating the release of fatty acids and glycerol. This breakdown is crucial for effective digestion and absorption of fats, which are significant components of human milk. In the context of breastfeeding, lipase has a specific role in enabling infants to utilize the fat content of breast milk adequately, supporting their nutritional needs and growth. The presence of lipase in human milk is particularly important since it allows infants to digest the milk effectively even if it has been stored, as some forms of lipase retain their activity after freezing or refrigeration. The other enzymes listed serve different functions and are not involved in the digestion of triglycerides. For example, lactase is involved in breaking down lactose, the sugar found in milk. Amylase is responsible for breaking down starches into sugars, while protease breaks down proteins into amino acids. Thus, the role of lipase is critical in ensuring that the fats in human milk are made available for infant metabolism.