Backed by decades of peer-reviewed research and already in use in milk banks around the world, freeze-drying breastmilk might sound a bit space-age but isn’t actually new. Today, we’re exploring what the data has to say about how freeze-drying impacts the nutritional quality of your breastmilk and why it is considered the gold standard when preserving your liquid gold. Let’s dive in:
Fats:
The fat and lipid profile in breastmilk is intricately linked to optimal infant health, providing a balance of energy, supporting brain and visual development, enhancing nutrient absorption, and contributing to immune function and inflammatory regulation. This underlines the importance of breastmilk as the ideal source of nutrition for infants, tailored by nature to meet their complex developmental needs. Freeze-drying has demonstrated minimal alterations in fat globules and lipid quality.
Polyphenols and antioxidants:
The presence of polyphenols and antioxidants in breastmilk underscores nature’s design of breastmilk as a complex, bioactive substance not just for nutrition, but also for protection and development. They contribute to the infant’s short and long-term health by providing a defense against pathogens, reducing the risk of chronic diseases, and supporting the development of the immune system and brain. Additionally, these components may offer health benefits to breastfeeding mothers, including a reduced risk of certain cancers and cardiovascular diseases, illustrating the mutual benefits of breastfeeding. Freeze-drying has demonstrated negligible impacts on either polyphenols or antioxidants.
Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs):
HMOs are a critical component of breastmilk, contributing to the nutritional and immunological protection of the infant, supporting healthy gut development, modulating the immune system, and potentially impacting long-term health outcomes. Their complex roles underscore the uniqueness of human breastmilk and the importance of breastfeeding in the early development and health of infants. No significant changes were observed to HMOs after freeze-drying.
Immunoglobulins:
Immunoglobulins in breastmilk are foundational to the early defense against infectious diseases and are critical for the development and maturation of the infant’s immune system. They represent one of the many ways breastfeeding contributes to optimal infant health and development, emphasizing the unique and tailored benefits of breastmilk for newborns and infants. Immunoglobulins are retained during the freeze-drying process.
Glycoproteomic profiles:
Glycoproteins are proteins that have carbohydrate chains attached to them, a modification that influences their stability, solubility, and functionality. In the context of breastmilk, these glycoproteins play several critical roles in the infant’s development and health and their presence in breastmilk highlights the intricate ways in which it is designed to provide comprehensive support for the infant’s nutrition, immune protection and overall well-being. Freeze-drying has minor impacts on glycoproteomic profiles.
Beyond nutrition, freeze-dried breastmilk offers unparalleled convenience: easy storage, extended shelf life, and simple rehydration. Whether you’re at home or on-the-go, it’s ready whenever your baby needs it.
Preserve. Protect. Peace of mind.