What is the value of human breast milk?

The Value of Human Breast Milk
Human breast milk is often referred to as “liquid gold,” a term that encapsulates its immense nutritional and biological value for infants. This remarkable substance is not just a source of sustenance; it is a complex, dynamic fluid that evolves to meet the changing needs of a growing baby.
Nutritional Composition
At its core, breast milk is a finely tuned blend of fats, proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. The primary proteins in breast milk are whey and casein, with approximately 60% being whey, which is easily digestible, making it ideal for newborns whose digestive systems are still developing. This balance allows for optimal nutrient absorption and supports the rapid growth and development that infants experience in their first months of life.
Moreover, breast milk is rich in essential fatty acids, which are crucial for brain development. It also contains lactose, the primary carbohydrate, which not only provides energy but also aids in the absorption of calcium and other minerals. The composition of breast milk is not static; it changes over time, adapting to the infant’s nutritional requirements as they grow.
Bioactive Components
Beyond basic nutrition, breast milk is packed with bioactive molecules that play a vital role in the infant’s immune system. These include antibodies, enzymes, and hormones that help protect against infections and promote healthy organ development. The presence of these bioactive factors is a significant reason why breast milk is considered the biologic norm for infant nutrition, offering protection against diseases and fostering immune maturation.
Economic and Social Value
The economic implications of breast milk extend beyond its nutritional benefits. In recent years, a burgeoning market for human breast milk has emerged, with some women opting to sell their milk for around $4 an ounce. This market reflects not only the high demand for breast milk among mothers who cannot produce enough for their infants but also highlights the societal value placed on breastfeeding. The Mothers’ Milk Tool has been developed to quantify the economic contributions of breastfeeding, emphasizing the unpaid care work that mothers provide through this natural process.
Conclusion
In summary, human breast milk is invaluable, serving as the perfect nutrition for infants while also providing numerous health benefits that extend into later life. Its unique composition, which adapts to the needs of the growing child, along with its economic significance in today’s society, underscores the critical role that breast milk plays in both individual health and broader social contexts. As research continues to unveil the complexities of breast milk, its status as a vital resource for infant health remains undisputed.

What is the nutritional value of human breast milk?

As is already well known, HBM contains about 87%–88% water, and 124- g/L solid components as macronutrients, including about 7% (60–70 g/L) carbohydrates, 1% (8–10 g/L) protein, and 3.8% (35–40 g/L) fat. The composition may vary depending on the environmental factors, including maternal diet.

How valuable is breast milk?

Studies show that breastfed infants have a lower hospitalization rate and tend to be in better health. This leads to fewer visits to their pediatrician for sicknesses. Breast milk contains everything your baby needs to grow and develop. It provides a unique and specific formula of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

What is the price of breast milk?

However, in many others it might be free for a few poor patients but those who can afford it are usually charged a few hundred rupees for 50 ml of donated breast milk. There are over 80 non-profit human milk banks in India. Neolacta charges Rs 4,500 for 300 ml of frozen breast milk.

Why do bodybuilders drink breast milk?

“I think the idea behind drinking breast milk for muscle growth is that it’s incredibly calorie and nutrient dense, and it has some additional healthy substances,” says Brian St. Pierre, a sports dietitian with Precision Nutrition.

What are the benefits of breast milk for adults?

Breast milk has natural antibacterial properties, so it can be used to treat a range of skin problems, including cuts and scrapes. Common skin problems may appear during lactation and breastfeeding, particularly affecting the nipple, areola, and breast.

What is the 5 5 5 rule for breast milk?

Something I recommend to moms is the 5-5-5 rule. Try and use milk within five hours at room temperature, five days in the fridge, and by five months in the freezer.

How much can I get paid for my breast milk?

There’s two main US national milk banks, Tiny Treasures and Ni-Q. TT pays $1.20/oz and Ni-Q pays $1/oz. Both are good companies and use that milk to make milk products that are used in hospital NICUs.

What disqualifies you from donating breast milk?

You may be disqualified from donating breast milk if you: Have or are being treated for HIV, HTLV (human T-cell leukemia virus), hepatitis B or C, or syphilis. Have a sexual partner who is at risk for HIV, HTLV, hepatitis B or C, or syphilis. Have used recreational drugs within the last year.

What is the 120 pumping rule?

The first 12 weeks of your breastfeeding journey requires frequent breastmilk removal, stimulating healthy milk production. Studies show moms who exclusively pump for a minimum of 120 minutes per day can make enough to feed their babies primarily breastmilk.

How much milk can breast carry?

Studies show some women have as few as 3 milk lobules/ducts and others as many as 15. As a result the amount of milk that can fit in a woman’s breasts varies – anywhere from 2.5oz to 5oz combined is average but some women can store as much as 10 oz in one breast (this is very unusual).