Storage of human milk and the influence of procedures on immunological components of human milk

Lawrence, R.A.

Acta Paediatrica . Supplement 88(430): 14-18

1999


ISSN/ISBN: 0803-5326
PMID: 10569218
DOI: 10.1111/j.1651-2227.1999.tb01295.x
Document Number: 533112
This discussion covers methods of collecting human milk samples and equipment used, and the effects of storage temperature, freezing and heat treatment on the stability of human milk. The storage of human milk for later use by the mother's own infant or an unrelated recipient has an impact on its constituents. These can be affected by the storage container, heating, cooling and freezing. Glass is the least destructive container. Milk can be safely refrigerated for 72 h with little change. Freezing destroys cellular activity and reduces vitamins B6 and C. Boiling, in addition, destroys lipase and reduces the effect of immunoglobulin A and secretory immunoglobulin A. It is concluded that the nutritive value of human milk is unaffected, but the immunological properties are reduced by various storage techniques.

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