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Multiple Choice
What is most likely to happen to the composition of a mother's milk if she lacks certain essential nutrients in her diet?
A
The composition of the milk will remain unchanged regardless of the mother's diet.
B
The milk will become completely devoid of all nutrients.
C
The levels of some nutrients in the milk may decrease, potentially affecting the infant's nutrition.
D
The milk will automatically compensate by increasing all nutrient levels.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the biological context of the problem. Breast milk composition is influenced by the mother's diet and nutritional status. Essential nutrients in the mother's diet can directly affect the levels of certain nutrients in her milk.
Step 2: Clarify the role of essential nutrients. Essential nutrients are substances the body cannot produce on its own and must be obtained through diet. If the mother lacks these nutrients, her body may not be able to supply them adequately to her milk.
Step 3: Analyze the options provided. The first option ('The composition of the milk will remain unchanged regardless of the mother's diet') is incorrect because scientific evidence shows that maternal diet can influence milk composition. The second option ('The milk will become completely devoid of all nutrients') is also incorrect because milk will still contain some nutrients, even if the mother's diet is deficient.
Step 4: Evaluate the correct answer. The third option ('The levels of some nutrients in the milk may decrease, potentially affecting the infant's nutrition') aligns with biological principles. If the mother lacks certain nutrients, the milk may have lower levels of those nutrients, which could impact the infant's nutrition.
Step 5: Reject the fourth option ('The milk will automatically compensate by increasing all nutrient levels'). This is incorrect because the body cannot create nutrients that are not available in the mother's diet. Compensation mechanisms are limited and cannot fully overcome dietary deficiencies.