Does frozen breast milk lose nutritional value?

The Nutritional Value of Frozen 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 whether freezing breast milk affects its nutritional value. The answer is nuanced, as research indicates that while some changes occur, the overall benefits of frozen breast milk remain significant.
Nutritional Composition and Freezing Effects
When breast milk is frozen, its macronutrient composition—primarily fats, proteins, and carbohydrates—remains largely intact. Studies have shown that freezing breast milk at temperatures below -20°C effectively preserves its energy content and macronutrients for extended periods. This means that the fundamental components necessary for infant growth are still present in frozen milk.
However, some studies suggest that freezing can lead to a reduction in certain bioactive components, particularly immunoglobulins, which play a crucial role in providing immune protection to infants. These proteins can be denatured during the freezing process, potentially diminishing some of the immune benefits that fresh breast milk offers. Despite this, the majority of the essential nutrients, including fats and sugars, remain stable and are effectively utilized by infants once thawed.
Practical Considerations for Storage
To maximize the nutritional quality of frozen breast milk, proper storage techniques are vital. Breast milk should be stored in clean, airtight containers and frozen as quickly as possible to minimize nutrient loss. Thawing should be done gradually, ideally in the refrigerator or by placing the container in warm water, rather than using a microwave, which can create hot spots and further degrade the milk’s quality.
Conclusion: A Valuable Resource
In summary, while freezing breast milk may lead to some loss of specific immune factors, the overall nutritional value remains high. Frozen breast milk continues to be a valuable resource for feeding infants, especially for those who cannot be breastfed directly. Parents can feel confident in using frozen breast milk as a nutritious option for their babies, ensuring they receive essential nutrients even when direct breastfeeding is not possible.

What are the disadvantages of frozen 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.

Does freezing breast milk reduce 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.

At 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 freezing breastmilk affect quality?

Thawed milk is an excellent alternative when fresh breast milk isn’t available. 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 freezing milk change its nutritional value?

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 milk destroy protein?

Though human milk is stable at room temperature for hours, freezing it promptly ensures its nutritional benefits. When frozen and stored for more than 90 days, however, fat, protein, and calories may decrease, and acidity may increase due to ongoing lipase activity [5].

Do you lose nutrients when freeze drying breast milk?

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

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.

Does frozen breast milk lose 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.

Does freezing breast milk 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.