Does freezing breastmilk affect antibodies?

The Impact of Freezing on Breast Milk Antibodies
Breast milk is renowned for its rich composition of nutrients and antibodies, which play a crucial role in boosting an infant’s immune system. However, many parents wonder whether the process of freezing breast milk affects these vital antibodies.
Understanding Antibodies in Breast Milk
Breast milk contains a variety of antibodies, particularly immunoglobulin A (IgA), which helps protect infants from infections by forming a barrier against pathogens in the gut. These antibodies are essential for providing passive immunity, especially in the early months of life when an infant’s immune system is still developing.
Freezing Breast Milk: What Happens?
Research indicates that freezing breast milk does not significantly diminish its nutritional quality or its immunological properties. For instance, studies have shown that while some bioactive factors may be affected by freezing, the overall antibody content remains relatively stable. Specifically, freezing breast milk at temperatures below -20°C is commonly practiced in neonatal units and human milk banks to preserve its quality.
However, anecdotal evidence and some discussions among breastfeeding communities suggest that there may be a perception that frozen breast milk loses most of its antibody properties. This belief may stem from the fact that fresh breast milk is often considered superior due to its higher levels of certain immune factors, which can diminish over time, regardless of freezing.
Scientific Insights
A study focusing on the effects of cooling and freezing on breast milk highlighted that while some components may degrade, the antibodies, particularly IgA, remain largely intact even after being frozen. This suggests that while fresh breast milk is ideal, frozen milk still retains significant immune benefits for infants.
Moreover, a specific case involving a preterm infant showed that storage of breast milk for two months at -20°C did not prevent the transmission of cytomegalovirus (CMV), indicating that the freezing process did not compromise the milk’s protective qualities.
Conclusion: Fresh vs. Frozen
In conclusion, while fresh breast milk is undoubtedly the best option for infants, frozen breast milk still provides essential antibodies and immune support. Parents can feel reassured that freezing breast milk is a viable method for storage without drastically compromising its immunological benefits. Therefore, using frozen breast milk can still be a valuable resource for feeding infants, especially when fresh milk is not available.

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.

Will the antibodies in breastmilk keep babies from getting sick?

Your baby won’t catch the illness through your breast milk – in fact, it will contain antibodies to reduce her risk of getting the same bug. “Not only is it safe, breastfeeding while sick is a good idea.

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.

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.

Do breastmilk antibodies survive freezing?

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.

Does frozen breastmilk have antibodies?

Frozen Breast Milk Retains Most of Its Nutrients
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.

How long do maternal antibodies last in babies?

In humans, maternal antibodies wane over a period of 6–12 months (14–17). The kinetics of maternal antibody decline is correlated to the amount of maternal antibody present in the neonate after birth in that higher titers persist for a longer time.

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.

Does freezing milk destroy nutrients?

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.

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.