What causes high lipase in breast milk?

Understanding High Lipase in Breast Milk
High lipase levels in breast milk can be a surprising and concerning issue for breastfeeding mothers. This condition occurs when there is an excess of lipase, an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the digestion of fats. While lipase is essential for breaking down fats in the body, its elevated presence in breast milk can lead to changes in the milk’s taste and smell, potentially causing infants to refuse it.
Causes of High Lipase Levels
The primary cause of high lipase in breast milk is the natural variation in enzyme levels among individuals. Some mothers produce milk with higher lipase activity, which can lead to noticeable changes in the milk’s characteristics after it has been stored. When breast milk is refrigerated or frozen, the lipase can break down the fats, resulting in a soapy or rancid taste and smell. This change can occur within a day of storage, making it unpalatable for some babies.
Interestingly, the presence of high lipase does not indicate any health issues for the mother or the baby. It is simply a variation in the composition of breast milk. However, the effects can be distressing for mothers who notice their babies rejecting pumped milk due to its altered flavor.
Effects on Feeding
For mothers who experience high lipase levels, the consequences can be significant. Babies may refuse to drink milk that has developed a soapy or metallic taste, leading to feeding challenges. This rejection can be particularly frustrating for breastfeeding mothers who rely on pumped milk for various reasons, such as returning to work or managing feeding schedules.
Managing High Lipase Milk
Fortunately, there are strategies to manage high lipase breast milk. One effective method is to scald the milk before storing it. By heating the milk to just below boiling and then cooling it quickly, mothers can deactivate the lipase enzyme, preventing it from altering the milk’s taste during storage. This process can help ensure that the milk remains palatable for the baby, even after being stored for several days.
Additionally, mothers can experiment with different storage methods, such as using smaller containers to minimize the time the milk is exposed to air, which can also contribute to changes in flavor.
Conclusion
High lipase in breast milk is a common issue that can affect feeding practices for some mothers and their babies. While it can lead to changes in taste and smell, understanding the causes and implementing management strategies can help ensure that infants receive the nourishment they need without the added stress of rejected milk. By taking proactive steps, mothers can navigate this challenge and continue to provide their babies with the benefits of breast milk.

Does freeze drying breast milk help with high lipase?

Contrary to some claims circulating on social media, freeze-drying does not remove lipase from breast milk. This would be detrimental to your baby’s nutrition! Freeze-drying is a process that causes frozen water molecules to sublimate (turn directly from a solid into a gas) in a vacuum chamber.

Can lipase be elevated for no reason?

It’s normal to have a small amount of lipase in your blood. But if the cells of your pancreas are damaged, they will release larger amounts of lipase. So high levels of lipase in your blood may mean you have pancreatitis, (an inflamed, swollen pancreas) or another type of pancreatic disease.

How do you prevent high lipase in breast milk?

Scald your breastmilk to reduce high lipase.
If your breastmilk does have high lipase, you can scald your milk before freezing or storing to prevent this from happening.

How to tell if breast milk is bad?

But if the milk doesn’t mix well – it’s clumpy or stringy – it’s probably bad. It will also smell bad, much like spoiled cow’s milk. And, like spoiled cow’s milk, breast milk that’s old will taste sour. (It’s fine to taste your breast milk to check!)

How to lower 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.

Is milk high in lipase bad for babies?

Is High Lipase Milk Dangerous to Your Baby? Dr. Chang points out that while excess lipase can change the taste of the milk, it does not make it harmful to the baby. In fact, it may even have benefits for your milk.

How to make breastmilk sweeter?

You can scald your milk to restore good flavor by gently heating it for a brief period. Certain chemical reactions. Sometimes your milk can smell and taste sour. This can happen very quickly if you have certain additives in your diet — like polyunsaturated and rancid fats or water rich in copper and iron ions.

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.

Why do I have high lipase?

Higher than normal levels of lipase mean that you have a problem with your pancreas. If your blood has 3 to 10 times the normal level of lipase, then it’s likely that you have acute pancreatitis. High lipase levels also mean you may have kidney failure, cirrhosis, or a bowel problem.

How to know if breastmilk is spoiled?

It will also smell bad, much like spoiled cow’s milk. And, like spoiled cow’s milk, breast milk that’s old will taste sour. (It’s fine to taste your breast milk to check!) Always label your pumped milk with a time and date so you can tell how old it is.