Does breast milk lose nutritional value when refrigerated?

The Nutritional Value of Refrigerated Breast Milk
Breast milk is often hailed as the gold standard for infant nutrition, providing essential nutrients and antibodies that support a baby’s growth and immune system. However, many parents wonder about the impact of refrigeration on its nutritional value. Does breast milk lose its nutritional quality when stored in the fridge? The answer is nuanced and depends on several factors.
Nutritional Composition Over Time
Breast milk is dynamic; its composition changes to meet the evolving needs of a growing infant. Initially, colostrum, the first milk produced, is rich in proteins and antibodies, while mature milk gradually shifts to contain more fats and carbohydrates as the baby grows. This adaptability is crucial for optimal infant development.
Impact of Refrigeration
Research indicates that while fresh breast milk is the most nutritionally complete, refrigerated breast milk retains a significant portion of its nutritional value. According to studies, breast milk stored in the refrigerator for up to seven days still maintains higher antioxidant activity compared to formula. However, some nutrient degradation does occur. For instance, certain vitamins and immune factors may diminish over time, although the overall macronutrient profile remains relatively stable.
Comparative Nutritional Quality
When comparing fresh, refrigerated, and frozen breast milk, fresh milk is superior in terms of nutritional content. Refrigerated milk follows, with frozen milk being the least nutritionally robust due to the potential loss of key components during the freezing process. Notably, freezing can lead to the destruction of some infection-fighting cells, which are crucial for protecting the milk from bacterial growth.
Best Practices for Storage
To maximize the nutritional benefits of breast milk, proper storage is essential. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that freshly expressed milk can be stored at room temperature for up to four hours, refrigerated for up to seven days, and frozen for longer periods, although the latter may compromise some nutritional aspects. Parents are encouraged to use airtight containers and to label milk with the date of expression to ensure freshness.
Conclusion
In summary, while breast milk does experience some loss of nutritional value when refrigerated, it remains a highly nutritious option for infants. The benefits of providing breast milk, even when stored, far outweigh the potential downsides. For parents, understanding the best practices for storage can help ensure that their babies receive the maximum nutritional benefits from breast milk, regardless of whether it is fresh, refrigerated, or frozen.

Does breast milk lose nutritional value after 6 months?

After 6 mo, breast milk alone may be insufficient to meet an infant’s vitamin B-6 requirements (1).

How long does breast milk hold nutritional value?

Properly stored in a clean, sealed container, frozen breast milk can retain its quality for up to 6 months when kept at 0°F (-18°C) or lower. For optimal freshness and nutrients, it’s best used within this timeframe, though it may still be safe for up to 12 months.

At what point is breast milk no longer beneficial?

Breastmilk or infant formula should be your baby’s main source of nutrition for around the first year of life. Health professionals recommend exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, with a gradual introduction of appropriate foods in the second 6 months and ongoing breastfeeding for 2 years or beyond.

How do you warm up breast milk without losing nutrients?

Pour very warm (not boiling) water in a mug or bowl. Place sealed bag or bottle of breast milk in the bowl of warm water. The milk should be kept in a sealed container for warming. Leave the milk in the warm water for 1-2 minutes until breast milk reaches desired temperature.

Does refrigeration affect breast milk?

After 4 days of refrigeration, your breast milk should be used or thrown away. Breast milk properties slow the growth of bad bacteria. These properties begin to decline after a few days of refrigeration. If you think you won’t use breast milk within a few days, freeze it as quickly as possible.

What temperature does breast milk lose nutrients?

According to this study by Sharron Bransburg-Zabary, breastmilk should not be overheated to temperatures higher than 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius), otherwise it could compromise the nutrient quality.

Does refrigerating breast milk lose nutrients?

Refrigeration for 72 hours of term milk decreased protein content less than freezing. Preterm colostrum has significantly less protein after 48 hours of refrigeration or freezing. Preterm milk from day 60 lost carbohydrates if refrigerated 72 hours or frozen for 2 months.

Is it better to leave breast milk out or refrigerate?

Freshly expressed or pumped milk can be stored: At room temperature (77°F or colder) for up to 4 hours. In the refrigerator for up to 4 days. In the freezer for about 6 months is best; up to 12 months is acceptable.

Can you pump into the same bottle all day?

So, you can pump into the same bottle within the 4 hours timeframe.

Is refrigerated breast milk as good as fresh?

Fresh breastmilk contains the most active anti-infective properties, followed by refrigerated breastmilk, and then frozen breastmilk. Unrefrigerated fresh milk may be left at room temperature of 77°F (25°C). But it must be used within 4 hours.