International Board of Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Practice Exam

What is the effect of pasteurization on the living cells in human milk?

1. They are destroyed

2. They remain intact

3. They multiply

4. They denature

The correct answer is: They are destroyed

The correct answer highlights that pasteurization effectively destroys the living cells present in human milk. Pasteurization is a heat treatment process primarily aimed at eliminating pathogenic microorganisms and extending the shelf life of products. In the case of human milk, the high temperatures used during pasteurization are sufficient to kill not only harmful bacteria but also beneficial living cells, including immune cells like leukocytes. While pasteurization protects the milk from certain health risks, it does compromise the complex cellular structure and living components that provide some of the unique immunological benefits of raw human milk. Therefore, it is crucial for practitioners to understand the implications of pasteurization, particularly in settings like milk banks, where the balance of safety and the preservation of nutritional and immunological properties is of paramount concern. This understanding underscores the need for careful consideration in decisions related to feeding practices, particularly for vulnerable populations such as preterm infants who may benefit significantly from the live cells found in fresh, raw human milk.