What are the side effects of fortifying breast milk?

Understanding the Side Effects of Fortifying Breast Milk
Fortifying breast milk has gained traction as a method to enhance the nutritional profile of milk for infants, particularly those with specific health needs. While the practice can be beneficial, it is essential to understand the potential side effects and implications for both infants and breastfeeding mothers.
The Rationale Behind Fortification
Breast milk is naturally rich in nutrients, providing all the essential components for an infant’s growth during the first six months of life. However, some infants, especially those born prematurely or with low birth weight, may require additional calories and nutrients to support their rapid growth and development. Fortification typically involves adding formula or specific nutrient supplements to breast milk, aiming to increase caloric intake without significantly increasing the volume of milk consumed.
Potential Side Effects for Infants
1. Digestive Issues: One of the primary concerns with fortifying breast milk is the potential for digestive disturbances. Infants may experience gastrointestinal discomfort, including gas, bloating, or diarrhea, particularly if they are sensitive to the added components in the formula. This is especially relevant for preterm infants, whose digestive systems may still be maturing.
2. Nutrient Imbalance: Fortification can lead to an imbalance of nutrients. For instance, excessive fortification may result in an overload of certain vitamins or minerals, which can be harmful. For example, too much calcium can lead to hypercalcemia, while excessive protein intake can strain an infant’s kidneys.
3. Allergic Reactions: Some infants may have allergies or intolerances to the proteins found in formula, which can lead to allergic reactions or other adverse effects. This is a significant consideration for parents and healthcare providers when deciding to fortify breast milk.
4. Altered Feeding Patterns: The addition of formula to breast milk can change the taste and texture of the milk, potentially affecting an infant’s feeding preferences. Some infants may become accustomed to the fortified milk and may refuse to breastfeed or consume unfortified milk.
Implications for Breastfeeding Mothers
For breastfeeding mothers, the decision to fortify breast milk can also have implications. The process of fortification may require additional time and effort, which can be stressful, especially for mothers managing the demands of a newborn. Moreover, if a mother is advised to fortify her milk due to her infant’s needs, it may lead to feelings of inadequacy or concern about her milk supply.
Consultation with Healthcare Providers
Given the complexities and potential side effects associated with fortifying breast milk, it is crucial for parents to consult with healthcare professionals before making any changes to their infant’s diet. Pediatricians can provide guidance tailored to the specific nutritional needs of the infant, ensuring that any fortification is done safely and effectively.
In conclusion, while fortifying breast milk can be a valuable strategy for supporting the nutritional needs of certain infants, it is not without its risks. Understanding the potential side effects and working closely with healthcare providers can help ensure that both infants and mothers navigate this process safely and effectively.

When to stop fortifying breastmilk?

It is generally recommended (5,23) to gradually stop adding breast milk fortifier when the weight, length, and head circumference of gestational age infants are located in P25-P50 of the same gender and age infants, and when the small gestational age premature infants reach P10.

What are the side effects of human milk fortifiers?

Adverse effects, including Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC), metabolic acidosis, feeding intolerance, and other complications, were monitored. Results: The findings revealed that feeding intolerance was the most common adverse effect of HMF. Mild metabolic acidosis and NEC were also observed.

What does fortifier do to breast milk?

Breast milk fortifier is a nutritional supplement that can be added to your expressed breast milk. It comes as a powder, which is dissolved into your breast milk. It contains extra calories, protein and some essential vitamins, which help to promote growth and bone development during the first few weeks of life.

Does human milk fortifier cause reflux?

Aceti et al. [14] demonstrated that human milk fortification based on a bovine milk-derived fortifier influenced the reflux index and weakly acidic reflux frequency.

What are the risks of fortifying breast milk?

Since all the commonly used commercially prepared fortifiers are made from cow’s milk proteins (like regular formulas), some babies may have difficulty initially when the fortifier is added. They may have delayed emptying from the stomach, abdominal distention or even gas. The stools may change somewhat in color.

What are the side effects of drying up breast milk?

If you stop removing milk from your breasts too fast, you can get clogged ducts, engorgement or a breast infection called mastitis. For this reason, you need to stop breastfeeding or pumping gradually to dry up your breasts. body from making milk: It is best to lessen your milk removal or not empty your breasts.

When should I stop breastfeeding supplements?

Sometimes supplementation is needed temporarily for a few days or a few weeks. Once milk production meets your baby’s needs, you can stop using donor milk or formula. When your baby is nursing effectively at breast, you can stop supplementing after feedings.

What are the side effects of breast milk supplements?

Summary of Use during Lactation
Milk thistle and silymarin are generally well tolerated in adults with only mild side effects such as diarrhea, headache, and skin reactions. Mothers taking milk thistle to increase milk supply reported weight gain, nausea, dry mouth and irritability occasionally.

At what age is breast milk no longer beneficial?

Breastmilk or infant formula should be your baby’s main source of nutrition for around the first year of life. Health professionals recommend exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, with a gradual introduction of appropriate foods in the second 6 months and ongoing breastfeeding for 2 years or beyond.

Is it OK to fortify breast milk?

Fortunately, adding to (fortifying) a mother’s milk doesn’t seem to lessen the nutritional and anti-infective benefits your baby will gain from getting your milk. But it may help to better give the nutrition your baby needs.