Question

Which of the following protein fraction is absent in protein profile of human milk?

• A. \(\beta\)-casein
• B. \(\alpha\)-lactalbumin
• C. Bovine serum albumin
• D. \(\beta\)-lactoglobulin

Hint:

Infant formula manufacture requires modifying cow's milk because cow's milk contains high levels of \(\beta\)-lactoglobulin, which is absent in human milk and is a primary allergen for infants.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Human and bovine milks have distinct protein profiles, which is a key consideration when formulating infant formulas.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us compare the major whey protein fractions:
- \(\beta\)-lactoglobulin: This is the most abundant whey protein in bovine (cow's) milk, making up about 50% of its total whey protein. However, human milk lacks \(\beta\)-lactoglobulin entirely. Its absence makes human milk less allergenic to infants compared to unmodified cow's milk.
- \(\alpha\)-lactalbumin: The major whey protein in human milk, providing essential amino acids to infants.
- \(\beta\)-casein: The primary casein fraction in human milk.
- Bovine serum albumin: A blood-derived protein present in cow's milk; human milk contains its counterpart, human serum albumin.

Step 3: Final Answer
\(\beta\)-lactoglobulin is absent in the protein profile of human milk.