Breast Milk for Adults: Benefits, Risks & Science | Is It Safe & Healthy?
Breast milk is a recognized source of nutrition for infants, the best substitute for mother’s milk, it is rich in nutrients, antibodies, and immune-boosting qualities. But times have changed in the recent past; a trend is gaining steam; some adults are taking up breast milk, for its purported health benefits ranging from immunity and muscle growth, to even cancer protection.
This brings a rather serious question, whether breast milk is actually good for adults or rather another wellness frenzy? This blog will delve into evidence, benefits, risks, and ethical aspects associated with adult consumption of breast milk in the USA.
Nutritional Composition of Breast Milk
Before diving into whether breast milk is beneficial for adults, it’s important to understand its nutritional profile. Human breast milk contains:
It is important to know something about the nutritional value of breast milk. Before discussing whether it is beneficial to adults. Human breast milk contains:
- Proteins (whey and casein) – Easily digestible and omnipresent in immunoglobulins.
- Fats – Crucial in brain development of infants, inclusive of omega 3 fatty acids (DHA).
- Carbohydrates (primarily lactose) – Provides energy.
- Antibodies (IgA, IgG, IgM) – Strengthens the immune system.
- Prebiotics & Probiotics – Keeps an eye on the health of the gut.
- Vitamins & Minerals (Vitamin A, D, calcium, iron, zinc).
Although these nutrients are essential in infant growth, they are however questionable in adults.
Potential Benefits of Breast Milk for Adults
1. Immune System Support
Lactoferrin/breast milk contain (IgA) and immunoglobulin which are good in fighting diseases. Some studies indicate that such patients among grownups who have compromised immune systems, like cancer patients reeling from chemotherapy treatments, may benefit from dosing with these compounds. However, studies are lacking and the most benefits observed are in the infants – not grown up adults.
2. Gut Health Improvement
Oligosaccharides (which serve as prebiotics) in breast milk help to cultivate healthy gut bacteria. Some adults with digestive abnormalities (e.g., Crohn’s disease) have tried breast milk as part of symptomatic treatment with little clinical support.
Source: “The Human Milk Microbiome”
3. Athletic Recovery & Muscle Growth
A specialty breed of bodybuilders drinks breast milk because they think that the high protein in the breast milk helps their muscles to recover. However, cow’s milk or whey protein supplements are actually more economical and backed by science for muscle synthesis.
Source: Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition – “Protein Requirements for Athletes”
4. Potential Anti-Cancer Properties
Some lab work indicates that human alpha-lactalbumin (HAMLET), a component in human breast milk, can cause apoptosis (cell death) in cancer cells. Nevertheless, these outcomes are tentative, and not useful for adult consumption.
Risks & Concerns of Adults Drinking Breast Milk
While some claim benefits, there are significant risks and ethical concerns:
1. Lack of Scientific Evidence
The majority of research into breast milk involves infants not adults. Claims about its benefits are guesses without strict clinical trials.
2. Risk of Infections
Unpasteurized breast milk can transmit:
- HIV, Hepatitis B & C
- Bacterial infections (Staphylococcus, E. coli, Streptococcus)
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
The FDA warns against consuming milk from unscreened donors.
Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – “Use of Donor Human Milk”
3. Ethical & Legal Issues
- Black Market Sales: On the other hand, there are some websites which sell breast milk but there is no concept of quality control.
- Exploitation Concerns: Poor mother may be forced into profiteering in the sale of milk.
- Legal Gray Area: Breast milk is relatively loosely regulated as compared to blood or sperm donation.
Source: “The Ethics of Human Milk Sales”
4. Digestive Issues in Adults
Adults are often intolerant to lactose, and breast milk has a high level of this product, it might be a reason for increasing bloating, even stronger diarrhea and other discomforts.
Breast Milk vs. Alternatives for Adults
If adults seek similar benefits, safer alternatives exist:
| Claimed Benefit | Breast Milk | Better Alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Immune Support | Antibodies (IgA) | Probiotics, Vitamin C, Zinc |
| Gut Health | Oligosaccharides | Yogurt, Kefir, Fiber Supplements |
| Muscle Growth | Whey & Casein | Whey Protein, Plant-Based Protein |
| Anti-Cancer | HAMLET (experimental) | Cruciferous Vegetables, Antioxidants |
Expert Opinions & Medical Community’s Stance on Breast Milk
Most healthcare professionals do not recommend breast milk for adults due to:
- Lack of proven benefits
- Potential health risks
- Availability of safer alternatives
Dr. Sarah Klein, a nutrition expert at the Cleveland Clinic, states:
“There’s no substantial evidence that breast milk provides unique benefits to adults. The risks far outweigh any unproven advantages.”
Conclusion: Should Adults Drink Breast Milk?
Breast milk nourishes an infant’s body, however adults have limited proof of it’s benefits and risks. The lack of regulation coupled with the chance of infections and ethical matters make the remedy unreliable as a health supplement.
There are safer and more effective scientifically proven alternatives for those who want immune support, gut health or muscle recovery. Adults ought to avoid consumption of breast milk and switch to well researched nutritional alternatives until further research proves otherwise.
Would you try breast milk as an adult? Let us know in the comments!
References
- NIH – Lactoferrin & Immune Function: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8022596/
- Gut Health & Breast Milk: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5061857/
- Risks of Donor Milk: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5855414/#:~:text=The%20body%20part%2Ffluids%20should,principle%20of%20respect%20for%20persons.
Awesome tips! I’ll definitely try some of these ideas.