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Additives to Prevent Rancidity in Expressed Human Milk While Stored

Technology Benefits

Preserves developmental and immunological nutrients of freshbreast milkMaintains neurological and digestive aspects of EHMThese additives have beentested for human safetyEconomic and infant health benefits compared tobottle-feedingEliminates dangers of pasteurizationApplicable to EHM preservation, breast milk storage, andinfant health and development

Detailed Technology Description

Additives to prevent rancidity in expressed human milk , and thereforeprotect the milk fats critical to infant digestion and neurological development.

*Abstract

The additives may be implemented both directly inthe breast milk and during breast milk storage.

*Background

Breastfeedingnewborns is well-studied and proven to have health benefits such as reductionin incidences of viral infection, contribution to brain development, andprevention of lifelong morbidities like obesity. However, the NationalImmunization Survey reports that only 44.4% of American infants are exclusivelybreastfed at three months and this decreases to 22.3% at six months. This is duein part to the obstacles that breastfeeding mothers face: difficulty latching, expressingmilk while working, and feeling uncomfortable breast-feeding in public. Astrategy mothers can use to combat these difficulties is freezing expressedhuman milk (EHM). EHM can be frozen safely for up to six months without theloss of many key nutrients and immunological constituents, but the activity ofdegrading lipases is not stopped.  Thereis a present market need for an approach that provides prolonged preservationof breast milk while retaining all the nutritional benefits.

*Inquiry

STC has filed intellectual property on this exciting new technology and is currently exploring commercialization options. If you are interested in information about this or other technologies, please contact Arlene Mirabal at amirabal@stc.unm.edu or 505-272-7886.

Country/Region

USA