International Board of Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Practice Exam

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What happens to lysozyme levels as lactation progresses, starting around 6 months of age?

Decreases
Remains the same
Increases
Fluctuates

The correct answer is: Increases

As lactation progresses, particularly after around 6 months of age, lysozyme levels in breast milk tend to increase. Lysozyme is an enzyme that plays a significant role in protecting infants from infections by lysing bacterial cell walls. The elevated levels of lysozyme during this period contribute to the nutritional and immunological benefits of breast milk, which are crucial as the infant's diet starts to diversify with complementary foods. This increase in lysozyme coincides with the infant’s growing gut microbiota and exposure to environmental pathogens, necessitating higher immune protective factors in breast milk to support the developing immune system. Understanding the dynamics of lysozyme levels is vital for lactation consultants as it underscores the ongoing immunological benefits of breastfeeding, which adapt as the infant grows.