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Does freeze drying breast milk kill antibodies?

Does Freeze Drying Breast Milk Kill Antibodies?
The question of whether freeze drying breast milk affects its antibody content is a significant concern for many parents and caregivers. Breast milk is renowned for its rich composition of antibodies and other immune factors that provide essential protection to infants. Recent research sheds light on the effects of freeze drying on these vital components.
The Impact of Freeze Drying on Antibodies
Research indicates that freeze drying does not completely eliminate antibodies in breast milk. In fact, studies suggest that the process can preserve a substantial amount of these immune components. For instance, a study highlighted that freeze drying at controlled temperatures can maintain good overall retention of immunoglobulins, which are crucial antibodies found in breast milk. This suggests that while some loss may occur, the majority of antibodies remain intact.
Moreover, a source from Milkify emphasizes that nutrients and antibodies are largely preserved during the freeze-drying process. This is particularly important for parents considering this method for long-term storage of breast milk. The preservation of antibodies is vital, as they play a crucial role in protecting infants from infections and diseases.
Comparison with Other Storage Methods
When comparing freeze drying to other methods, such as freezing, it is noted that freezing breast milk can lead to some degradation of antibodies. While frozen breast milk still retains a significant amount of its immune properties, the process of freezing and thawing can result in a reduction of live cells and some antibodies. This highlights the potential advantages of freeze drying, which may offer a more effective means of preserving the immunological benefits of breast milk.
Conclusion
In summary, freeze drying breast milk does not kill antibodies; rather, it appears to preserve them effectively, making it a viable option for parents looking to store breast milk without compromising its nutritional and immunological value. As research continues to evolve, it is clear that freeze drying could be a beneficial method for maintaining the health benefits of breast milk for infants.

What are the disadvantages of freezing breast milk?

Deep freezer.
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.

Does freeze-drying breast milk kill bacteria?

Freeze-Dried Breast Milk Risks
Canada’s Alberta Health Services released a statement saying it does not recommend its use because of the lack of research, adding freeze-drying does not remove bacteria and viruses present in human milk and says contamination during handling is a concern.

Is it worth it to freeze-dry breast milk?

Not only does freeze dried breast milk offer nutrition benefits, it gives you convenience by delivering flexibility and peace of mind – and a much longer window for use with a three year shelf life versus traditional freezing. When you freeze-dry, you don’t risk wasting your breast milk or battling with freezer space.

Are there antibodies in breast milk after freezing?

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.

Does freeze-drying breast milk remove lipase?

Contrary to some claims circulating on social media, freeze-drying does not remove lipase from breast milk. This would be detrimental to your baby’s nutrition! Freeze-drying is a process that causes frozen water molecules to sublimate (turn directly from a solid into a gas) in a vacuum chamber.

Does freeze-drying breast milk remove nutrients?

Freeze drying is a preservation method that removes the water content from breast milk, leaving behind only the good stuff – the nutrients and enzymes that our babies need. This method has several benefits over other preservation methods, such as refrigeration or freezing.

When does breastmilk stop providing antibodies?

Antibodies & Infants
Following delivery, the infant will start producing their own antibodies as they are exposed to pathogens. Conversely, the levels of maternal IgG in the infant begin to fall shortly after delivery. This “inherited” protection will deteriorate over the first six months of life (Figure 1).

Is freeze-dry breast milk FDA approved?

Milkify is the only FDA-registered, GMP-certified breast milk freeze-drying service. Our patented, contact-free process was designed to ensure the safety of your milk.

Can antibodies be freeze-dried?

Freeze-drying can be explored as a mitigation strategy by the biotechnology industry to inhibit proteinaceous particles from monoclonal antibodies and certain therapeutic proteins.

Does freeze-drying breast milk lose antibodies?

The history of research on freeze-drying breastmilk dates back to the 1950s and is shown to be a better way of storing and preserving nutrients, immune factors, enzymes, antibodies and antioxidants.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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