Does freezing breast milk make it lose nutrients?

The Nutritional Integrity of Frozen Breast Milk
The question of whether freezing breast milk results in a loss of nutrients is a significant concern for many breastfeeding mothers. As the practice of storing breast milk becomes increasingly common, understanding the effects of freezing on its nutritional quality is essential.
Nutrient Preservation During Freezing
Research indicates that freezing breast milk does not drastically compromise its nutritional content. In neonatal units and human milk banks, breast milk is typically frozen at temperatures below -20°C to preserve its quality effectively. While there is limited scientific evidence specifically addressing nutrient loss during freezing, studies suggest that the macronutrient composition remains relatively stable under proper freezing conditions.
Impact on Specific Nutrients
However, some studies have shown that certain nutrients, particularly antioxidants, may diminish during storage. For instance, breast milk can lose some of its antioxidant properties when frozen, which are crucial for protecting infants from oxidative stress. Despite this reduction, experts agree that frozen breast milk still offers significant advantages over formula, particularly in terms of immune support and overall nutrition.
Storage Duration and Thawing Effects
The duration of storage also plays a role in nutrient retention. While short-term freezing is generally safe, prolonged storage can lead to more noticeable nutrient degradation. Additionally, the method of thawing can impact the milk’s quality. Rapid thawing methods, such as using warm water, are recommended to minimize nutrient loss.
Conclusion: A Balanced Perspective
In summary, while freezing breast milk may lead to some loss of specific nutrients, particularly antioxidants, the overall nutritional benefits remain substantial. Frozen breast milk continues to be a valuable resource for infants, providing essential nutrients and immune support that formula cannot replicate. For mothers looking to store breast milk, following proper freezing and thawing guidelines can help maintain its nutritional integrity, ensuring that their babies receive the best possible nourishment even when fresh milk is not available.

Does freezing milk change nutrition?

People can freeze most milk, including breast milk or human milk. Frozen milk retains its nutritional profile when it thaws, and the sooner someone freezes it, the better the milk quality after thawing. The enzymes and fat-soluble vitamins it contains may decrease very slightly but largely remain the same.

Does freezing breastmilk destroy antibodies?

Remember to label the breast milk with the date that you pumped it. 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.

Why is frozen breast milk only good for 6 months?

There’s nothing to suggest long-term frozen breastmilk will harbor pathogens, but it seems likely that there is some degradation of nutrients. I will say these figures are small — say, 3 to 10%. Put differently: if you feed your baby milk that has been frozen for 6 months, they might need more.

Does freeze-drying destroy nutrients?

Freeze-dried food maintains most of its nutrients throughout the process, and once rehydrated, is very similar in nutritional value to its fresh counterpart. In contrast to dehydrated food where only around 60-75% of the original nutrients are retained. In freeze-dried food about 97% of the nutrients are retained.

What are the disadvantages of freezing breast milk?

Some of the immune enhancing properties of breastmilk are decreased over time when milk is frozen. However, the risk of bacterial contamination of milk that has been kept in the refrigerator too long and not frozen, far outweighs the downside of freezing milk.

Do you lose nutrients when freeze drying breast milk?

Research finds that nutrients and antibodies are preserved during freeze drying.

Can breast milk lose nutritional value?

However, unless properly stored and processed, human milk loses its nutrient and immunologic value; accordingly, appropriate guidelines have been proposed for storage and thawing [8,9,10]. When frozen human milk is thawed, it is recommended to place it in the refrigerator overnight and thaw in the water bath [8].

Does freezing milk affect the quality?

People can freeze most milk, including breast milk or human milk. Frozen milk retains its nutritional profile when it thaws, and the sooner someone freezes it, the better the milk quality after thawing. The enzymes and fat-soluble vitamins it contains may decrease very slightly but largely remain the same.

What does breastmilk lose when frozen?

The Mayo Clinic also explained that the longer you store breast milk in the fridge or freezer, the more it loses its content of vitamin C and the breast milk you store when your baby is younger may not meet the needs they have when they are older.

Does freezing breast milk destroy nutrients?

Freezing breast milk can denature some of the secretory immunoglobins that impart immune benefits to your baby. The fat, sugar, and proteins should be okay as they are broken down either way in the gastrointestinal system. Properly stored, frozen, and defrosted breast milk will retain its nutritional value.