What are advantages to breastfeeding? Select all that apply.

A. Hemoglobin is the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells. Its production depends on iron and vitamins such as B6, B12, and folate, but vitamin C does not directly synthesize hemoglobin. Although vitamin C can enhance iron absorption, it is not a component of hemoglobin formation itself.

B. Albumin is a major plasma protein synthesized in the liver. It helps maintain blood osmotic pressure, transports hormones, fatty acids, and drugs, and contributes to overall fluid balance. Vitamin C is not required for albumin production, so this is not the correct answer.

C. Iodine is an essential trace element used to produce thyroid hormones, not a protein. Vitamin C has no role in iodine metabolism or thyroid hormone synthesis.

D. Collagen is a structural protein found throughout the body in connective tissues such as skin, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and blood vessel walls. Vitamin C is a critical cofactor in the enzymatic hydroxylation of proline and lysine residues during collagen synthesis, which stabilizes the triple-helix structure of collagen. Adequate vitamin C ensures strong, healthy connective tissues, proper wound healing, and tissue repair. A deficiency in vitamin C leads to scurvy, characterized by weakened connective tissue, bleeding gums, poor wound healing, joint pain, and easy bruising. Collagen synthesis is therefore the primary way vitamin C helps maintain tissue health.

A. Meals on Wheels provides nutritious meals to older adults, particularly those who are homebound, to support health and prevent malnutrition. It is not a program designed for children.

B. The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is a federally assisted program that provides low-cost or free lunches to children in public and nonprofit private schools during the school day. The program aims to improve the nutrition and overall health of children, ensuring they receive balanced meals that meet federal dietary guidelines. It also plays a role in reducing food insecurity and supporting academic performance.

C. The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program provides coupons to low-income seniors to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs at farmers’ markets. It is targeted at older adults, not children.

D. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) offers financial assistance to low-income individuals and families to buy groceries. While it supports household nutrition, it is not specific to children or designed for school-based meals.