International Board of Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Practice Exam

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Prepare for the International Board of Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Exam. Study with interactive questions and expert guidance to help you ace your certification. Elevate your career with confidence!

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What percentage of an infant's energy needs is supplied by fat in human milk?

The correct answer is: 50%

The correct percentage of an infant's energy needs supplied by fat in human milk is approximately 50%. Fat is a crucial component of human milk, contributing significantly to an infant's overall caloric intake and providing essential fatty acids necessary for brain development and growth. Human milk typically contains about 3.5-5.0% fat on average, but when considering that fat is the most energy-dense macronutrient, it can account for nearly half of the total energy requirements of breastfeeding infants. This high fat content supports not only growth but also helps with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, which are essential for various biological functions. In contrast, the other options represent lower percentages, which do not align with the nutritional profile of human milk. Understanding this information is vital for explaining the importance of human milk in meeting infants' energy and developmental needs.