Breast milk and freeze-drying: what does science say?

Freeze-drying breast milk, something that is still relatively unknown to mothers in the Netherlands. As a parent you want the best for your child and that is why you rightly wonder what consequences freeze-drying your precious breast milk will have for (the nutrients) your breast milk.

Research explores the possibilities and limitations of freeze-drying as a way to preserve breast milk. This article explains the questions involved.

The formal definition of it freeze-drying is lyofilisatie, in fact this is a technique in which water is removed from a product by first freezing it and then allowing it to evaporate in very dry air or in a vacuum (sublimation).

It is mainly used in the preservation or production of foodstuffs or pharmaceutical products (medicines). At Milksy it is of course about preserving your breast milk.

Research into the freeze-drying of breast milk

In the Netherlands, studies have been conducted into freeze-drying foods, but not specifically into freeze-drying breast milk. However, since the 1950s, various European and American studies have been conducted into the (long lasting) effects of freeze-drying breast milk.

Due to the growing international need for (storage of) donor breast milk, many years of research have been conducted by European donor milk banks. In 2019, the findings were published by the members of the European Milk Bank Association (with more than three hundred participating donor milk banks) shared via Frontiers in Pediatrics, one of the largest research publishers.

This publication discusses the organisation and operation of donor milk banks. It is not clinical approval of the Milksy product or evidence that freeze-drying sterilises breast milk.

Nutrients in freeze-dried breast milk

Giving breastfeeding is like liquid gold for your little baby, as a parent you naturally want to keep it that way. So what about the nutrients and bacteria after freeze-drying breast milk? The most important thing is that feeding from the mother's breast is the best thing you can offer your baby.

If you came to us, it is probably because you have a full freezer or because you would like to give your milk to others in a responsible way. Direct feeding from the breast is therefore not always possible and that is why Milksy provides the ideal solution.

From Polish research After freeze-drying, it appears that there is a minimal decrease in some nutrients, but these are comparable to freezing your breast milk. Their conclusion is that freeze-drying breast milk is an effective alternative method to extend its shelf life.

Furthermore, it appears from Spanish research by the CEU Cardenal Herrera Universitythat freeze-drying is indeed a more effective storage method than freezing at -20C, in terms of preservation and antibacterial properties.

Research indicates that freeze-drying can largely preserve nutrients and various properties. Results vary by component, processing method and storage conditions. Research findings therefore do not guarantee that every component of the milk remains completely unchanged.

The researchers discuss freeze-drying as a possible preservation method for milk banks. Results from a milk bank or research process do not automatically apply to the Milksy product.

An article in ELACTA’s journal discusses freeze-drying breast milk. This is not official approval of Milksy or a recommendation for medically vulnerable babies. Discuss use for a medically vulnerable baby with the treating doctor or another appropriate healthcare professional.

Research by Milksy

It goes without saying that we did extensive research at the start of Milksy and that in addition to countless scientific studies, we also wanted to be convinced of what we offer.

Before our services were actually offered, we asked a number of mothers in our own network to donate their breast milk for our trials. After processing, we returned the milk in powder form.

The mothers were all very satisfied and noticed no difference between a fresh bottle of breast milk or a bag of Milksy Babyfood (their own freeze-dried breast milk).

Three mothers noticed a decrease in colic after feeding, we do not have the capacity to prevent the previous phenomenon (scientific) to substantiate, but this is of course a nice side effect.

Two mothers with babies aged four and eight months respectively occasionally had problems feeding breast milk from a bottle. After feeding a bottle of freeze-dried breast milk, this problem did not seem to exist.

Breast milk contains an enzyme called lipase. Lipase occurs naturally and helps break down fat so the baby can digest it. Sometimes mothers have higher levels of this enzyme which can change the taste or smell of their breast milk. While it's fine for babies, their taste preferences are unique.

Freeze drying will not reduce the amount of lipase in your breast milk, but removing the water from breast milk reduces the activity of this enzyme, which seems to make the taste and smell much milder.

While every baby's taste and smell preferences are unique, the moms above shared with us that their babies actually preferred bottles made from their freeze-dried breast milk as opposed to thawed breast milk.

Conclusion

Milksy follows HACCP procedures. Freeze-drying is not a sterilisation method and does not guarantee that all microorganisms present are eliminated.

Research results depend on the conditions and processes studied. They do not provide general clinical approval of the Milksy product. Milksy follows HACCP procedures; freeze-drying is not a sterilisation method.

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