ASI Task Force Speaks Out on the Making of Powdered Breast Milk that is Viral on Social Media

"ASI Task Force Speaks Up About the Production of Powdered Version of Breast Milk that is Trending on Social Media"

ASI Task Force Speaks Out on the Making of Powdered Breast Milk that is Viral on Social Media

Dream - Popular on TikTok and other social media, a video of a mother demonstrating a new method to preserve breast milk (ASI) by processing it into powder form. This method is known as freeze-drying.

"To make it, the expressed breast milk, which is still in liquid form, is sent through a cooler box, and then processed with a special machine to transform it into powder."

This powdered breast milk is claimed to be able to last longer in the freezer, up to 3 years, and save more space in the refrigerator. It is also easy to carry anywhere because it comes in a small container and can be brewed with warm water when consumed. From a video uploaded by the Tiktok account @natasha.surya, this service is newly provided by Milk's Journey.

Comments and criticisms are also crowded in the comments column of the post. In relation to this matter, Dr. Utami Roesli, a pediatric specialist who also serves as the Head of the Breastfeeding Task Force of the Indonesian Pediatrician Association (IDAI), spoke up.

According to Dr. Utami, the common practice of freezing breast milk at home has been studied and can cause a series of physical changes in the main components of breast milk, such as the breaking of fat clump membranes and changes in casein micelles, a decrease in the composition of bioactive protein factors, as the freezing storage time increases. So, what about freeze-drying that turns breast milk into powder?

"The impact of freeze drying on the important components of breast milk is still unknown. This process is said to be able to maintain the molecular structure of milk, but considering the use of high temperatures during the drying process to remove water content, freeze drying has an impact on the taste and quality of breast milk," statement from Dr. Utami, in a post on Instagram by Dr. Tan, @drtanshotyen. She also explained that the freeze-drying method or freeze drying of breast milk into powder form (lyophilization technique) is done with the aim of extending the shelf life of breast milk from the original 6 months in the freezer to 3 years."

The freeze-drying process involves freezing breast milk at extreme temperatures of -50 degrees Celsius for 3 to 5 hours. Then, the frozen breast milk is transformed into powder using the sublimation technique, which is the extraction of water during a 2-day period, transitioning from solid (ice) to gas (water vapor) without going through the liquid phase.

According to Dr. Utami, regarding the safety and nutritional value of powdered breast milk that has undergone such processes, it is not yet known in detail because it requires further in-depth research.

"This method is a relatively new finding, with incomplete evidence through scientific research, so there are no rules or recommendations for its use by health organizations such as CDC (Central of Disease Control), AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics), or FDA (Food and Drug Administration)." he said.

Doctor Utami reminds parents to be careful and not hasty in giving powdered breast milk products to babies. Especially for babies who have certain medical conditions such as premature babies or babies who have immune system disorders or chronic diseases.

"The active ingredient that is the advantage of breast milk is lost in the freeze drying process. This powdered milk product is not sterile in its production process, plus there is a risk of bacterial multiplication during storage," said Dr. Utami.

"It also reminds that the best way to provide breast milk is by breastfeeding the baby directly from the breast. This is because, in the process, it is not just about providing nutrition, but also creating a bond between mother and baby, making the child feel comfortable and safe, and giving peace to the baby. 'Breastfeeding is not just about giving breast milk,' says Dr. Utami. Source: Instagram @drtanshotyen"

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