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Can Adults Drink Breast Milk?

Published in Adult Nutrition 2 mins read

While there's no established benefit of consuming human milk for adults, there is plenty of evidence of its benefit for newborns. It is not recommended for adults to consume breast milk.

There are several reasons why:

  • Nutritional value: Human breast milk is designed for infants and provides the nutrients they need for growth and development. Adults, on the other hand, can get all the nutrients they need from a balanced diet.
  • Digestive system: The way breast milk is broken down in an infant's gut differs from how it's digested in an adult's system. This means the nutritional benefits of breast milk for infants might not be the same for adults.
  • Potential health risks: Consuming breast milk obtained from an untrusted source can pose risks like infections, especially if it's not properly pasteurized. Additionally, breast milk contains less protein than other milk sources, which could be detrimental to an adult's diet.

Health professionals and regulators advise against adult consumption of human milk. Instead, adults should focus on consuming a balanced diet and staying hydrated with water.

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