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How do I lower lipase in my breast milk?

Understanding High Lipase in Breast Milk
High lipase levels in breast milk can lead to a distinct soapy or metallic taste, which may cause some babies to refuse the milk. This phenomenon occurs when the lipase enzyme, which is naturally present in breast milk and aids in fat digestion, becomes overly active. While lipase is essential for your baby’s health, excess activity can alter the milk’s flavor, particularly after storage.
Identifying the Problem
If you suspect that your breast milk has high lipase levels, you might notice that your baby reacts negatively to refrigerated or frozen milk. Signs include a refusal to drink the milk or a grimace upon tasting it. This can be distressing for breastfeeding mothers who rely on pumped milk for feeding.
Strategies to Lower Lipase Levels
1. Scalding the Milk: One of the most effective methods to reduce lipase activity is to scald the breast milk before freezing it. Scalding involves heating the milk to just below boiling (around 180°F or 82°C) and then cooling it quickly before storage. This process denatures the lipase enzyme, preventing it from altering the milk’s taste over time.
2. Immediate Refrigeration: If you plan to use the milk soon, refrigerate it immediately after pumping. The quicker the milk is cooled, the less time the lipase has to act on it. This can help maintain a more palatable flavor for your baby.
3. Shorter Storage Times: If possible, use freshly pumped milk within a few days rather than freezing it. The longer milk is stored, the more likely it is for lipase to affect its taste.
4. Mixing Fresh and Frozen Milk: If your baby is accustomed to fresh milk, consider mixing a small amount of fresh milk with previously frozen milk. This can help mask any off-flavors that may have developed.
Conclusion
Managing high lipase levels in breast milk is crucial for ensuring that your baby accepts the milk without fuss. By employing techniques such as scalding and proper storage practices, you can significantly improve the taste and quality of your pumped milk. If issues persist, consulting with a lactation expert can provide additional personalized strategies to address your concerns.

Can you sell breast milk with high lipase?

Yes! We will happily accept your high lipase milk, as will our recipient babies. Lipase is destroyed during our pasteurization process.

How do you sweeten high lipase milk?

It is important to know that this milk is still safe and nutritious. Strategies to manage high lipase breast milk include scalding freshly expressed milk to deactivate the lipase or mixing stored breast milk with fresh breast milk, formula, or a small amount of vanilla extract to make the milk more palatable.

How can I lower my lipase levels?

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.

What deactivates lipase?

Immobilized lipase is frequently deactivated by lower alcohols with deactivation being caused by the immiscibility between triglycerides and methanol or ethanol. When the lower alcohol is adsorbed to the immobilized enzyme, the entry of triglycerides is blocked, which causes the reaction to stop.

What destroys lipase?

Digestive enzymes: Digestive enzymes, including papain, pepsin, betaine HCL, and hydrochloric acid, can destroy the lipase enzymes. Enteric-coated lipase enzyme products are protected against destruction by stomach acid.

What happens if a baby drinks high lipase milk?

There is no evidence that high lipase milk is bad for your baby or that it will create problems in the future. Your baby is capable of digesting this milk without any issues. Remember, this is the same milk that your baby is drinking if they nurse directly from the breast.

What to eat to lower lipase?

Eat a low-fat diet

  • Try to eat 4 to 6 small meals and snacks each day instead of 3 large meals.
  • Choose lean meats.
  • Drink or eat non-fat or low-fat milk, yogurt, cheese, or other milk products each day.
  • Eat a variety of vegetables and fruits.
  • Eat whole grain cereals, breads, crackers, rice, or pasta.

Can exercise reduce lipase?

For example, a prolonged exercise contributes to a decrease in lipoprotein lipase activity and resultant reduction of FA uptake. This results in the improvement of mitochondrial function and upregulation of enzymes involved in the metabolism of polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Does freezing milk immediately reduce lipase?

“First, you can deep freeze your milk immediately after it is expressed/pumped, which helps decrease the lipase activity,”1 she says.

How to get rid of high lipase in breastmilk?

***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).

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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