What causes high lipase levels in breast milk?

Understanding High Lipase Levels in Breast Milk
High lipase levels in breast milk can be a surprising and concerning issue for breastfeeding mothers. This phenomenon occurs when the enzyme lipase, which is naturally present in breast milk, becomes overly active. The result is a change in the milk’s taste and smell, often described as soapy or rancid, which can lead to feeding difficulties for infants.
What is Lipase?
Lipase is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the digestion of fats. In breast milk, it helps break down fat molecules, making them easier for infants to digest. While lipase is essential for nutrient absorption, excessive activity can lead to undesirable changes in the milk’s flavor and aroma. This is particularly noticeable when breast milk is stored, as the enzyme can begin to break down the fats even at refrigeration temperatures.
Causes of High Lipase Levels
The exact cause of high lipase levels in breast milk is not entirely understood, but several factors may contribute to this condition:
1. Genetic Factors: Some women may naturally produce higher levels of lipase due to genetic predispositions. This can lead to variations in how breast milk is processed and stored.
2. Storage Conditions: The way breast milk is stored can also influence lipase activity. For instance, if milk is not cooled quickly enough after pumping, or if it is stored for extended periods, lipase may become more active, leading to changes in taste.
3. Milk Composition: The composition of breast milk can vary from one mother to another. Factors such as diet, hydration, and overall health can affect the levels of lipase and other components in the milk.
Effects on Feeding
One of the most significant impacts of high lipase levels is the potential for infants to refuse the milk. Babies may reject milk that has developed a soapy or metallic taste, which can be distressing for mothers who rely on pumped milk for feeding. This rejection can lead to concerns about adequate nutrition and the overall breastfeeding experience.
Managing High Lipase Levels
For mothers who suspect they have high lipase levels in their breast milk, there are several strategies to manage the situation:
– Scalding the Milk: One effective method is to scald the milk shortly after pumping. Heating the milk to just below boiling can deactivate the lipase enzyme, preventing it from altering the milk’s taste during storage.
– Proper Storage Techniques: Ensuring that breast milk is cooled quickly and stored in airtight containers can help minimize lipase activity. Using glass containers or specialized breast milk storage bags can also be beneficial.
– Testing for High Lipase: Mothers can conduct a simple taste test by pumping a small amount of milk and storing it for 24 hours to see if the taste changes. If the milk develops an off-flavor, it may indicate high lipase levels.
Conclusion
High lipase levels in breast milk can pose challenges for breastfeeding mothers, particularly when it leads to feeding refusals by infants. Understanding the causes and effects of this condition is crucial for managing it effectively. By employing strategies such as scalding milk and proper storage, mothers can help ensure that their pumped milk remains palatable for their little ones, allowing them to continue providing the essential nutrition that breast milk offers.

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

You can tell if yours has it by smelling and/or tasting it. If it’s soapy or sour, it has high lipase. I also tasted a tiny bit of my frozen milk next to a tiny bit of fresh, and the flavor difference was super obvious.

How much vanilla to put in high lipase milk?

Try adding 1-2 drops of alcohol free vanilla extract! This can help mask the taste and smell.

What happens if a baby drinks bad breast milk?

This bacteria can cause digestive tract infections such as diarrhea. If a baby has diarrhea, he will become more fussy and become dehydrated. Because, a lot of fluid comes out of his body. If something like this happens, immediately take it to the doctor so the baby can get help.

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.

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.

Why is my milk suddenly high lipase?

High lipase levels in breast milk can vary among women due to genetic factors or dietary influences. It’s a natural variation with no known specific cause.

How to know if frozen breast milk is bad?

The milk is likely to have a very distinctive sour smell and may even taste metallic, like soap or bitter. If it smells sour, it is very likely because of the lipase enzyme’s action on the fat content of breast milk.

Will most babies drink high lipase milk?

Yes, it is safe for babies to drink high lipase milk. If they have no issue with it, that’s amazing! Others may refuse high lipase milk due to the taste– but there are some things we can do! 🌡scalding milk– this is heating your breastmilk to about 180°F using the stovetop or a bottle warmer before storing.

Does freeze-drying breast milk help with high lipase?

Lipase can cause soapy or sour tasting breast milk. This can lead to babies refusing frozen breast milk. Freeze-drying inactivates the lipase enzyme that stays active during regular freezing storage, potentially reducing this problem for breast feeding moms.

How do I know if my breast milk is making my baby sick?

If your baby shows negative symptoms after drinking breast milk. Consider how your baby responds to breast milk after drinking it. If symptoms occur such as fussiness, irritability, crying, gas, increased spitting up and/or drawing their legs up due to tummy pain, write down everything you ate that day.