LLLI Center for Breastfeeding Information

Journal Abstract of the Month for February 2001

Acta Paediatr 1999;88 Supplement 430:14-18

Title: "Storage of human milk and the influence of procedures on immunological components of human milk"

Author: R.A.Lawrence MD

Dr Lawrence writes that glass is the least destructive container for storing human milk, although cells adhere to the walls of pyrex glass containers initially (but not polyethylene or polypropylene containers), and return to the milk by 24 hours of storage. She states that milk can be safely refrigerated for 72 hours with little change, and that freezing destroys the cellular activity and reduces Vitamins B6 and C. Boiling destroys lipase and reduces some of the immunological properties of human milk, although the nutritional value of the milk remains basically unchanged. Bacterial growth decreases over 24 hours when the milk has been refrigerated, but this does not happen when the milk is frozen. Storage of human milk at room temperature appears safe with little loss of nutrients or protective factors for 8 hours.

Keywords: Human Milk-Storage/Processing, Human Milk-Immune Factors, Breast Pumps/Devices, Human Milk-Composition, Human Milk - Fats, Human Milk - Enzymes, IgA.