Why does my thawed breast milk taste metallic?

Understanding the Metallic Taste in Thawed Breast Milk
For many breastfeeding mothers, the experience of thawing breast milk can sometimes lead to unexpected sensory surprises, particularly a metallic taste. This phenomenon, while concerning, is often linked to natural processes occurring within the milk itself.
The Role of Lipase Enzymes
One of the primary culprits behind the metallic taste in thawed breast milk is the presence of lipase, an enzyme that plays a crucial role in breaking down fats. Lipase is naturally found in human milk and is essential for helping infants digest fat. However, when breast milk is frozen, lipase can continue to act on the milk, even at low temperatures. This enzymatic activity can lead to the breakdown of fats into free fatty acids, which may impart a metallic or soapy flavor to the milk once it is thawed.
Mothers have reported that this metallic taste can vary in intensity, with some describing it as reminiscent of a “rusty toolbox”. Importantly, this change in flavor does not necessarily indicate that the milk has spoiled; rather, it reflects the natural biochemical processes at play.
Storage and Handling Factors
The way breast milk is stored and handled can also influence its taste. Exposure to air during pumping or storage can lead to oxidation, which may further alter the flavor profile of the milk. Additionally, factors such as the duration of storage and the temperature at which the milk is kept can affect the activity of lipase and the overall taste.
Is It Safe to Use?
While the metallic taste can be off-putting, many mothers wonder whether it is safe to feed their babies thawed milk that has this flavor. Generally, if the milk smells fine and does not exhibit signs of spoilage, it is considered safe for consumption. However, some infants may be sensitive to the taste changes, leading to rejection of the milk. If a mother finds that her child refuses the milk or reacts negatively, it may be worth experimenting with different storage methods or considering the timing of pumping.
Conclusion
In summary, the metallic taste in thawed breast milk is primarily due to the action of lipase enzymes, which continue to work even after freezing. While this change in flavor can be concerning, it is typically not a sign of spoilage. Mothers facing this issue can take comfort in knowing that they are not alone, and there are strategies to manage the taste if it becomes problematic for their little ones.

Why does my defrosted breast milk taste metallic?

Signs You Have High Lipase Breast Milk
You can’t see lipase, but changes in taste or smell can indicate its presence. The most notable signs of high lipase milk are changes in taste and smell. You might notice your milk having a scent or taste similar to metallic, vomit, eggs, soap, or fishy.

How to tell 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.

Can breastfeeding cause metallic taste in the mouth?

Lipase helps support your little one’s digestive functioning, assists in breaking down triglycerides to release fat-soluble nutrients and protects against infection. But when lipase activity is excessively high, it breaks down fat too quickly, which can lead to breast milk that tastes or smells soapy or metallic.

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

However, it is important to differentiate between spoiled milk and high lipase. If your milk smells rancid or sour, then it likely has spoiled and will need to be thrown out as it could make the baby sick once ingested.

Does thawed frozen breastmilk taste different?

Conclusions. This study revealed that the human breastmilk develops a rancid flavor during frozen storage. Therefore, we recommend that when infants refuse thawed milk, mothers can try to provide freshly expressed milk whenever possible or provide breastmilk frozen for less than 7 days.

What happens if a baby drinks spoiled breast milk?

They may throw up, or have an upset stomach, diarrhea or fever.

Does thawed breast milk taste different?

Conclusions. This study revealed that the human breastmilk develops a rancid flavor during frozen storage. Therefore, we recommend that when infants refuse thawed milk, mothers can try to provide freshly expressed milk whenever possible or provide breastmilk frozen for less than 7 days.

Why does my milk have a metallic aftertaste?

Although the lipase process is normal, at high levels it can cause a metallic or soapy aftertaste, exactly like what I had detected, and make the milk unappealing. The change of taste can happen within a few hours to days.

What happens if a baby drinks bad breast milk?

Can babies get sick from old breast milk? If your baby has had spoiled breast milk, they’ll likely let you know. They may throw up, or have an upset stomach, diarrhea or fever. It’s important to call your pediatrician if you think your baby may be sick from having spoiled breast milk.

Can my baby drink high lipase milk?

High Lipase Milk is Safe
The odor might be mild, or it might be pretty strong and unpleasant. It is actually harmless though. It’s perfectly safe to use this milk to feed your baby.