How to get rid of metallic taste in breast milk?

Understanding the Metallic Taste in Breast Milk
For breastfeeding mothers, discovering a metallic taste in breast milk can be concerning, especially if their baby refuses to drink it. This unusual flavor is often linked to high lipase levels, a natural enzyme that helps break down fats in milk. While lipase is essential for nutrient absorption, excessive activity can lead to changes in taste and smell, making the milk seem soapy or metallic.
Causes of Metallic Taste
The metallic taste in breast milk can arise from several factors:
1. High Lipase Levels: Lipase is present in all breast milk, but some women produce it in higher quantities. When milk is pumped and stored, the lipase can break down fats, leading to a change in flavor. This is particularly noticeable in milk that has been frozen or thawed, as the enzyme continues to work even at low temperatures.
2. Dietary Influences: What a mother eats can also affect the taste of her milk. Foods rich in certain spices, garlic, or strong flavors may impart a different taste to breast milk.
3. Storage Conditions: Improper storage of breast milk can lead to spoilage, which may also contribute to off-flavors. Milk should be stored in clean, airtight containers and kept at appropriate temperatures.
Solutions to Manage Metallic Taste
If you find that your breast milk has a metallic taste, there are several strategies you can employ:
– Scalding the Milk: One effective method to reduce the metallic taste is to scald the milk before storing it. This involves heating the milk to about 180°F (82°C) and then cooling it quickly. Scalding inactivates the lipase, preventing it from altering the milk’s flavor over time.
– Freshness is Key: Whenever possible, use freshly pumped milk rather than stored milk. If you must store it, try to use it within a few days to minimize the risk of flavor changes.
– Experiment with Diet: If you suspect that your diet may be influencing the taste of your milk, consider adjusting your food intake. Keeping a food diary can help identify any specific foods that might be contributing to the metallic flavor.
– Consult a Lactation Expert: If the problem persists, it may be beneficial to consult with a lactation consultant or healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice and support to help manage the issue.
Conclusion
A metallic taste in breast milk can be unsettling for mothers and may lead to feeding challenges. Understanding the underlying causes, particularly high lipase levels, and implementing practical solutions can help mothers ensure their milk remains palatable for their babies. By taking proactive steps, such as scalding milk and monitoring dietary choices, mothers can navigate this common breastfeeding concern with confidence.

Why does my breast milk smell metallic while breastfeeding?

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.

What happens if a baby drinks bad breast milk?

Can babies get sick from old breast milk? If your baby has had spoiled breast milk, they’ll likely let you know. They may throw up, or have an upset stomach, diarrhea or fever. It’s important to call your pediatrician if you think your baby may be sick from having spoiled breast milk.

How can I check my lipase level at home?

No at-home lipase test is currently available. The lipase test requires laboratory analysis of a blood sample drawn by a trained health care professional.

Why does my breast milk taste like metal?

If you have soapy or metallic tasting breastmilk, this could be a sign of high lipase. Lipase is an enzyme that naturally occurs in breastmilk, but some women can have an excess of lipase, which can make their stored milk smell/taste off. This can lead to potential rejection of your stored breastmilk by your baby.

How to avoid lipase in breastmilk?

Scalding milk is believed to slow lipase’s action in the milk. Research shows that lipase is not responsible for the changes in smell. Removing lipase removes an important enzyme that helps the baby digest fats.

How to tell the difference between high lipase milk and spoiled milk?

High lipase milk has an odor that some people describe as metallic, soapy, or even fishy. The taste might be very different from the smell, or it might also taste bad depending on the severity. If the milk smells rancid or spoiled, that might be a different problem.

How can I lower my lipase naturally?

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.

Can breastfeeding cause metallic taste in mouth?

Lipase helps support your little one’s digestive functioning, assists in breaking down triglycerides to release fat-soluble nutrients and protects against infection. But when lipase activity is excessively high, it breaks down fat too quickly, which can lead to breast milk that tastes or smells soapy or metallic.

Why does my milk have a metallic aftertaste?

Oxidized flavors in milk have been described as tasting like cardboard or metallic taste. If this off-flavor is detected, a water test may be needed to check for minerals, including copper, iron, and sulfur.

How to tell if milk is high in lipase?

The easiest way to tell if it’s lipase is to do a sniff/taste test every few hours. If it’s gradually getting more soapy/metallic over the course of a day or so, it’s most likely lipase.