International Board of Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Practice Exam

Which of the following locations contains lipase, aiding in the breakdown of fats in breast milk?

1. In the breast milk

2. Under baby's tongue

3. In baby's intestinal tract

4. All of the above

The correct answer is: All of the above

Lipase is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in breaking down fats into smaller, more easily digestible molecules, which is especially important for infants who rely on breast milk as their primary source of nutrition. In breast milk, lipase is naturally present and aids in the emulsification and digestion of the fats contained in the milk. This helps ensure that the baby can efficiently absorb and utilize the essential fatty acids necessary for growth and development. Moreover, lipase can also be found in the baby's oral cavity, specifically under the tongue. While the amount may be less significant compared to what is present in breast milk, the enzyme contributes to the initial enzymatic breakdown of fats as the baby feeds. Finally, lipase is produced in the baby's intestinal tract as well. Once the milk reaches the intestines, the body secretes its own lipase to further break down the fats from the consumed milk. Thus, the presence of lipase in breast milk, its initial contribution in the baby's mouth, and its production in the intestinal tract highlight the multiple locations within the feeding process where lipase provides vital assistance in fat digestion. This comprehensive understanding supports the notion that lipase is indeed present in all these locations, confirming the validity of the selected answer.