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Nutrients
Human milk is the ideal food to nourish infants. It contains vital macronutrients (proteins, carbohydrates, & fats) that are needed for healthy development.
The overall caloric density of breast milk is not altered by freeze-drying, and in addition, proteins, fats, and carbohydrates (including human milk oligosaccharides) were found to be protected by freeze-drying.
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Antioxidants / Vitamins
Antioxidants in breast milk help prevent damage to important cellular components caused by reactive oxygen species. Vitamins and minerals are micronutrients that are also important for development and functioning of various organ systems.
Freeze-drying has been shown to have no significant effect on the ability of antioxidants in breast milk to function properly. -
Immune Factors
Breast milk contains a complex mix of immune factors that help provide protection from infection. Antibodies, cytokines, growth factors, and other bioactive factors in breast milk are important forms of protection while the infant's own immune system is maturing.
Freeze-drying resulted in retention of 75% of IgA antibodies, and 80% of IgG and IgM antibodies
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Probiotics and Prebiotics
Human breast milk is a living food! Probiotic bacteria in your breast milk (such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium) are important for establishing your infant's initial gut microbiota. Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are important prebiotics for these bacteria, as they provide the food that these bacteria use to grow and multiply.
Freeze-drying is a common method of preservation for probiotic bacteria, and is used routinely in research and industrial applications. In addition, the HMOs in breast milk are not affected by freeze-drying.
Freeze-drying breast milk has many other benefits
Freezer Space
Freeze-dried breast milk requires no refrigeration or freezer storage
Shelf-Life
Breast milk powder (vacuum sealed in high barrier mylar bags) is shelf-stable for 3+ years.
High Lipase
Freeze-drying prevents the bad taste caused by lipase activity during freezer storage.
Fortification
Your freeze-dried breast milk powder can be added to your expressed breast milk to increase the caloric content.
Nutrition
It’s a better way to preserve the nutritional, immunological, and probiotic components of breast milk.
Protection
Freeze-drying breast milk protects it from loss during a power outage or natural disaster.
Transportation
Transporting breast milk during travel is easier and more convenient. Breast milk powder is TSA-safe!
Convenience
Stockpile in preparation for transitioning back to the workplace. Breast milk powder is easy for caretakers to use when mom is away.