Does freezing breastmilk stop lipase?

Understanding Lipase in Breast Milk
Breast milk is a complex fluid that provides essential nutrients to infants, but some mothers encounter issues with lipase, an enzyme that plays a crucial role in fat digestion. For those with high lipase levels, the milk can develop an off-putting smell or taste, often described as soapy or metallic, which can lead to feeding difficulties for babies. This phenomenon raises an important question: does freezing breast milk stop lipase activity?
The Role of Lipase
Lipase is naturally present in breast milk and is essential for breaking down fats, making them easier for infants to digest. However, in some cases, the lipase can become overly active, leading to changes in the milk’s flavor and odor over time. This is particularly concerning for mothers who pump and store milk for later use.
Freezing and Lipase Activity
Freezing breast milk does not deactivate lipase. While freezing slows down the enzymatic activity, it does not stop it entirely. According to experts, once breast milk is affected by high lipase, there is no way to reverse the changes that have occurred. This means that while freezing can help preserve the milk for a longer period, it does not prevent the lipase from continuing its work once the milk is thawed.
Managing High Lipase Milk
For mothers dealing with high lipase milk, there are strategies to mitigate the effects. One effective method is scalding the milk before freezing. By heating the milk to about 180 degrees Fahrenheit (82 degrees Celsius), the lipase enzyme is inactivated, which can help maintain the milk’s taste and smell when thawed. However, this process can also reduce some beneficial nutrients, so it’s a balance that each mother must consider.
Another approach is to freeze the milk quickly after pumping to minimize the time lipase has to act. While this won’t stop the enzyme, it can help preserve the milk’s quality for a longer duration.
Conclusion
In summary, freezing breast milk does not stop lipase activity; it merely slows it down. For mothers who notice changes in their stored milk, scalding before freezing is a recommended practice to help maintain the milk’s quality. Understanding these dynamics can empower breastfeeding mothers to make informed choices about how to store and manage their milk effectively.

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 milk get rid of high lipase?

Janna at Booby Food answered one of your questions about this! She said that freeze-drying doesn’t reduce the amount of lipase in the milk, but removing the water reduces the activity of the enzyme making the breast milk taste and smell much milder.

Does breast milk lose antibodies when frozen?

Are the antibodies still there if the milk has been frozen? There would be a slight decline in antibodies from a single thawing of frozen milk, Powell told me, but not enough to concern her.

Does freeze drying remove enzymes?

Generally, dehydrating food in this way only removes 90 to 95 percent of the water, which will certainly slow down bacteria and enzyme activity, but won’t stop it completely.

How to tell if breastmilk is high in lipase?

You can’t see lipase, but changes in taste or smell can indicate its presence. The most notable signs of high lipase milk are changes in taste and smell. You might notice your milk having a scent or taste similar to metallic, vomit, eggs, soap, or fishy.

How do you neutralize lipase in breast milk?

***Per Lawrence & Lawrence, bile salt-stimulated lipase can also be destroyed by heating the milk at 144.5 F (62.5 C) for one minute (p. 205), or at 163 F (72 C) for up to 15 seconds (p. 771).

Does freezing breast milk slow down lipase?

Lipase starts working as soon as the milk is expressed, so freezing it immediately can slow down the enzyme’s activity. A deep freeze is best for this, keeping the milk’s taste and nutrition better preserved.

How can I lower my lipase level quickly?

How to lower lipase levels

1. intravenous fluids.
2. medications to manage pain.
3. not eating for a recommended period and then starting a bland diet.

How to tell if milk is high in lipase?

If your milk smells a little soapy, the cause is often milk that is high in lipase activity.

How long does lipase stay in breastmilk?

If you do have excess lipase activity in your breast milk, you might notice a difference in its smell and taste about 12 to 14 hours after pumping and storing, although others might not notice changes until days later. Some possible changes include: Milk that has a soapy smell or taste.