Does breast milk lose antibodies when frozen?

The Impact of Freezing on Breast Milk Antibodies
Breast milk is renowned for its rich composition of antibodies, which play a crucial role in bolstering an infant’s immune system. However, many parents wonder about the effects of freezing on these vital components. Does freezing breast milk diminish its antibody content? The answer is nuanced and involves understanding both the benefits and limitations of frozen breast milk.
Antibody Preservation in Frozen Breast Milk
Research indicates that while frozen breast milk does experience some loss of antibodies, it still retains a significant portion of its immunological benefits. A study highlighted that although frozen breast milk may lose some of its antibody properties, it remains a better option than formula, which lacks these natural immune boosters altogether. This means that even after freezing, breast milk can still provide essential protection against infections and diseases for infants.
Quality Over Time
The extent to which antibodies are affected by freezing can depend on several factors, including the duration of storage and the temperature at which the milk is frozen. For instance, freezing breast milk at temperatures below -20°C is recommended to ensure microbiological safety and to inhibit the growth of harmful microorganisms. However, some enzymatic activity may persist, potentially impacting the milk’s overall quality over time.
A study published in the *Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry* noted that while frozen breast milk showed signs of lipid oxidation after three months, it still contained antibodies that could benefit infants. This suggests that while there is some degradation, the milk remains a valuable resource for feeding babies, especially when fresh milk is not available.
Comparative Analysis: Fresh vs. Frozen
Experts agree that fresh breast milk is ideal for infants, as it contains the highest levels of antibodies and nutrients tailored to the baby’s developmental stage. However, frozen breast milk is still a viable alternative. It has been shown that thawed milk retains a comparable nutrient and antibody profile to fresh milk, albeit with a slight reduction in quality. This means that while parents should aim to provide fresh milk whenever possible, frozen milk is a commendable substitute that still supports infant health.
Conclusion
In summary, while freezing breast milk does lead to some loss of antibodies, it remains a beneficial option for feeding infants. The preservation of essential immune components makes frozen breast milk a valuable resource, particularly when fresh milk is not accessible. Parents can feel reassured that even thawed milk can provide significant nutritional and immunological support for their babies, making it a practical choice in the journey of breastfeeding.

How many ounces of breastmilk does a baby need to get antibodies?

In fact, there is some research that indicates that even as little as 50 ml of breastmilk per day may help prevent disease in breastfed babies. Additionally, our body recognizes the importance of this protection and increases the concentration of SigA as our milk supply begins to decrease.

How long do frozen antibodies last?

1 month

	aqueous, 4°C	frozen at -20 – -80°C or in liquid nitrogen
typical shelf life	1 month	years
antibody concentration	1-5 mg/ml	1-5 mg/ml
carrier proteins for dilution	BSA	BSA
sterile or antibacterial requirement	yes	no

Do babies still get antibodies from pumped milk?

Pros of pumping. Babies who feed exclusively on pumped milk do not get the benefit of a feedback loop between their body and the breast milk. However, they do still gain access to a well-designed food that is rich in healthful fats and antibodies.

Does freezing breastmilk affect quality?

Thawed milk is an excellent alternative when fresh breast milk isn’t available. Previously frozen breast milk has similar nutrient and antibody content to fresh milk. It does lose a small amount of those qualities but can still provide a baby with the nutrition it needs.

Do antibodies survive in frozen breastmilk?

Thaw milk in the refrigerator or in warm water just before feeding. Thawed milk must be used within 24 hours. Note: freezing breastmilk destroys some of its antibodies.

Can bacteria grow in frozen breast milk?

Results: Significant declines in bacterial colony counts were seen from 2 to 12 weeks freezer storage for all bacteria. There were no differences in colony counts between freezer types. Once thawed, no further bacterial growth occurred. Conclusions: Short-term freezer storage for 12 weeks resulted bacterial killing.

Is 2oz of breastmilk a day beneficial?

The good news: Any amount of breast milk is beneficial for your baby, whether you’re exclusively breastfeeding or supplementing with formula – and whether you’re nursing, pumping some breast milk, or exclusively pumping.

Can bacteria survive milk pasteurization?

Gram- negative bacteria generally don’t survive pasteurization, unless total bacteria in the raw milk exceed the thermal destruction capability.

Does frozen breast milk lose benefits?

Keep in mind that research suggests that the longer you store breast milk — whether in the refrigerator or in the freezer — the greater the loss of vitamin C in the milk. It’s also important to note that your breast milk changes to meet your baby’s needs.

What are the disadvantages of frozen milk?

One common issue that arises when cow milk is frozen is its tendency to change consistency or texture. In particular, when frozen milk is brought back to liquid form, fat can separate, resulting in a graininess that some find worrisome or even off-putting.