What Does High Lipase Milk Taste Like and How to Improve It?

When it comes to providing the best nourishment for their infants, breastfeeding mothers always strive for perfection. However, some mothers may encounter challenges with the taste and aroma of their breast milk due to high lipase levels. This can result in a soapy or metallic flavor that may be unappealing to the baby and discourage feeding.

Learning how to improve the taste of high lipase breast milk requires understanding the causes and effects of high lipase in breast milk. This article will delve into the science behind high lipase, its impact on infant feeding, and practical methods to mitigate its effects.

Key Takeaways

• High lipase levels in breast milk can cause changes in taste and aroma, making it unpalatable for infants.
• Lipase is an enzyme responsible for breaking down fats and plays a crucial role in the digestion of breast milk.
• Scalding breast milk can effectively deactivate lipase and improve its taste and aroma.
• Freeze-drying breast milk is another option to improve its flavor and preserve nutrients.
• Consulting a lactation specialist or healthcare provider can provide personalized guidance and support in managing high lipase breast milk.

Understanding High Lipase in Breast Milk and Its Effects

Lipase is a safe and natural component of human milk. However, in some cases, breast milk can contain excessive levels of lipase, leading to noticeable changes in taste and aroma.

Excessive levels of lipase typically does not cause a taste or smell change in freshly expressed milk. Instead, the taste and smell change occurs after it is stored in the refrigerator or freezer. So, for mothers who breast feed only or feed freshly pumped milk, it typically does not matter whether you have a high lipase enzyme count or not. However, the majority of breastfeeding moms pump and store their milk. This stored milk that is expressed has time to develop the distinct affects caused by high lipase. 

All breast milk has varying levels of lipase and all frozen milk will eventually experience chances in the taste and aroma of the milk. CDC recommends maximum taste and aroma of frozen breast milk is 6 months when properly stored in a deep freezer.

What Is Lipase and Its Role in Breast Milk?

Lipase is an essential enzyme found in breast milk that aids in the breakdown of fats, allowing the baby’s digestive system to effectively utilize the nutrients contained within. It is produced by the mammary glands and is crucial for the digestion and absorption of dietary fats.

The main role of lipase in breast milk is to hydrolyze or separate the complex fats into simple molecules called fatty acids and glycerol. This breakdown process is essential for the baby’s body to efficiently absorb the fats, which are vital for growth, brain development, and immune function.

Identifying High Lipase Levels: Taste and Aroma Changes

High lipase breastmilk can result in distinctive taste and aroma changes that may surprise breastfeeding mothers. While breast milk typically has a sweet, mild flavor and pleasant smell, the presence of excess lipase can introduce a noticeable difference.

Some common indications of high lipase levels in breast milk include:

• Soapy or metallic taste
• Rancid or sour smell
• Unusual aftertaste some describe as vegetable or oats

It is important to note that these changes do not pose any harm to the baby’s health. In fact, many infants adapt to the taste and continue to bottle feed without any issues. However, some babies may refuse to consume defrosted frozen breast milk with altered taste and smell, leading to concerns for both the mother and baby.

Impact of High Lipase on Infant Feeding and Health

While high lipase levels in breast milk might affect the taste and aroma, it is crucial to understand that it does not impact the nutritional value or safety of the milk. Breast milk remains the best source of nutrition for infants, regardless of the lipase levels.

However, the altered taste and smell of high lipase breast milk can lead to feeding difficulties and preferences in some babies. They may show signs of reluctance, fussiness, or even refuse to consume breast milk entirely. This can create stress and concern for mothers who are committed to exclusively breastfeeding their infants.

Imagine having to throw away pouches of previously frozen milk because your baby refused to drink it. It’s a frustrating experience.

Practical Methods for Scalding Breast Milk to Neutralize Lipase

When high levels of lipase are present in breast milk, scalding can be an effective method to deactivate the enzyme and improve the taste and aroma of the milk. Scalding involves heating the milk to a specific temperature without boiling it, which helps to break down the lipase and minimize its impact on the milk’s flavor.

It’s important to note that scalding breast milk may result in a loss of some of its beneficial properties, such as certain enzymes and immune factors. However, the nutritional value of the milk remains largely intact, making it a viable option for mothers who want to improve the taste of high lipase breast milk.It is also important to adhere to heating and holding temperatures that do not impact the taste, texture, and aroma of the breast milk. Proper temperature controls can be challenging to not curdle or scorch the lactose sugars.

Scalding is a viable way to denature high lipase breast milk. Scalded breast milk that is frozen still has 6-12 month recommendation freezer storage. Remember to consult with a lactation consultant or healthcare professional before scalding breast milk to ensure it is the right approach for your specific situation.

Freeze-Dry Breast Milk Improves Taste and Aroma of High Lipase Breast Milk

Freeze-drying breast milk offers a viable solution to improve the taste and aroma of high lipase breast milk, ensuring that infants can benefit from the valuable nutrition it provides. This process not only helps to preserve the nutrients present in breast milk but also mitigates the effects of high lipase on the taste and smell, making it more palatable for the baby. 

Even for breast milk that has had extended freezer time and lipase exposure. You can compare and contrast the improvements by retaining similar pouch dates. You can also use high lipase breast milk powder to fortify the baby’s first foods. 

The Freeze-Drying Process and Preservation of Nutrients

Freeze-drying, also known as lyophilization, is a scientific method of preserving perishable substances, such as breast milk, by removing moisture while maintaining the integrity of the nutrients. During freeze-drying, the breast milk is first frozen and then subjected to a vacuum, where the frozen water molecules sublimate directly from the solid state to the gas state without passing through the liquid phase. 

This process effectively preserves the structure of proteins, enzymes, and other essential components in breast milk.

How Freeze-Drying Affects Lipase Activity in Breast Milk

Lipase, the enzyme responsible for breaking down fats in breast milk, can contribute to the unpleasant taste and aroma when present in high levels. However, freeze-drying breast milk can halt lipase activity, reducing its impact on the sensory qualities of the milk. This preservation technique helps to maintain the flavor profile of breast milk, making it more appealing to the baby. 

Sublimation of water also is known to help with the subtle taste and aroma notes of high lipase milk and can improve the overall taste and aroma. Freeze dried breast milk powder can also be used to fortify baby’s snacks and food.

The sooner you freeze dry your high lipase breast milk to stop lipase break down, the better the overall taste and aroma can be achieved.

Breastfeeding Moms Deserve a Better Option

Despite the challenges posed by high lipase levels in breast milk, there are practical methods available to ensure the best nutritional outcomes for infants. By understanding the role of lipase in breast milk and identifying high lipase levels through changes in taste and aroma, mothers can take necessary steps to mitigate its effects.

Scalding breast milk is one effective method that deactivates lipase and improves the taste and aroma. By carefully following the proper scalding technique, mothers can preserve the nutritional benefits of breast milk while eliminating the unpleasant flavors caused by high lipase.

Another option to consider is freeze-drying breast milk. This process not only preserves the nutrients but also helps to minimize the impact of lipase activity. It can halt lipase breakdown while extending the breast milk life beyond 6-12 months in the freezer. 

Learn more about your freeze-drying options with BoobieJuice.