What nutrients are lost in frozen breast milk?

Nutrients Lost in Frozen Breast Milk
When it comes to the nutritional integrity of breast milk, many parents wonder about the effects of freezing. While freezing is a common method for preserving breast milk, it can lead to some nutrient loss, particularly in certain components that are crucial for a baby’s development.
Macronutrient Stability
Research indicates that the macronutrients in breast milk—namely fats, carbohydrates, and proteins—generally remain stable during freezing. However, the process can affect the bioavailability of some of these nutrients. For instance, while the overall fat content may not significantly decrease, the structure of certain fats can change, potentially impacting how well they are absorbed by the infant.
Immunoglobulins and Antibodies
One of the most notable losses occurs in the immunological components of breast milk. Freezing can denature some secretory immunoglobulins, which are vital for providing immune protection to infants. This means that while the basic nutritional profile remains intact, the immune-boosting properties may be diminished. This is particularly concerning for newborns who rely heavily on these antibodies for protection against infections.
Vitamins and Minerals
Certain vitamins, particularly water-soluble ones like vitamin C and some B vitamins, may also experience a decline in concentration during freezing and thawing. The extent of this loss can vary based on the duration of storage and the temperature at which the milk is frozen. Fat-soluble vitamins, such as A, D, E, and K, tend to be more stable, but their bioavailability can still be affected by the freezing process.
Thawing Effects
The method of thawing breast milk can further influence nutrient retention. Rapid thawing methods, such as using hot water, can lead to greater nutrient loss compared to slower methods like thawing in the refrigerator. This highlights the importance of proper thawing techniques to minimize nutrient degradation.
Conclusion
In summary, while freezing breast milk is a practical solution for many parents, it does come with some trade-offs. The macronutrients largely remain intact, but there can be notable losses in immunoglobulins and certain vitamins. For parents looking to maximize the nutritional benefits of breast milk, understanding these changes can help in making informed decisions about storage and feeding practices.

Does frozen breast milk lose nutritional value?

Previously frozen breast milk has similar nutrient and antibody content to fresh milk. It does lose a small amount of those qualities but can still provide a baby with the nutrition it needs. The key is to freeze and thaw breast milk in ways that preserve its nutritional value.

Is frozen breast milk healthier than formula?

Breast milk is better for your baby than formula – but freshly expressed breast milk is preferable to refrigerated, and refrigerated is better than frozen.

Does breastmilk lose nutrients when pumped?

According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), freshly expressed breast milk can be safely kept at room temperature (77°F or colder) for up to 4 hours. Generally, when freshly pumped, breast milk is at its peak regarding nutrients.

Does freezing breast milk destroy antibodies?

Remember to label the breast milk with the date that you pumped it. Thaw milk in the refrigerator or in warm water just before feeding. Thawed milk must be used within 24 hours. Note: freezing breastmilk destroys some of its antibodies.

What nutrients does freezing destroy?

However, freezing produce can alter the nutritional content. Water-soluble vitamins, like vitamin C and B may leach during the initial blanching process.

What are the disadvantages of frozen breast milk?

Some of the immune enhancing properties of breastmilk are decreased over time when milk is frozen. However, the risk of bacterial contamination of milk that has been kept in the refrigerator too long and not frozen, far outweighs the downside of freezing milk.

Can frozen breastmilk make a baby sick?

Certain components of frozen expressed milk may change when the milk moves from liquid to frozen and then is thawed again. There is no evidence that milk that has undergone these changes is unsafe and most babies will drink it.

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.

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.

Does freezing milk ruin nutrients?

People can freeze most milk, including breast milk or human milk. Frozen milk retains its nutritional profile when it thaws, and the sooner someone freezes it, the better the milk quality after thawing. The enzymes and fat-soluble vitamins it contains may decrease very slightly but largely remain the same.