High levels of breast milk protein

The composition of breast milk is actually similar to that of cow's milk, and even much higher than that of cow's milk. As we all know, cow's milk is rich in protein, and drinking milk is mainly to supplement our own protein. Therefore, breast milk for babies and mothers is also for supplementing protein and maintaining the body's needs. However, the protein content of each mother's breast milk is different. What happens if a mother's breast milk protein content is too high?

Breast milk provides high-quality protein for newborns

Protein is used to maintain the metabolism of infants and young children, body growth and the maturation of various tissues and organs.

Therefore, this period is in a positive nitrogen balance state. Not only is the quantity of protein required to be quite high, but the quality is also required to be very high. Breast milk can provide newborns with protein with high biological value. However, since the quality of protein in artificially fed babies is lower than that in breast milk, their protein requirement is higher than that of breastfed babies.

The protein requirement for breastfeeding is 2 grams per kilogram of body weight per day; 3.5 grams for milk feeding; and 4 grams when mainly supplied by soy and cereal protein.

In addition, infants and young children need much more essential amino acids than adults. At the same time, because the enzyme function in infants' bodies is not yet perfect, the types of essential amino acids they need are more than those in adults. That is, some amino acids that are non-essential for adults are essential for infants, such as cysteine ​​and tyrosine.

Babies cannot synthesize these amino acids themselves and can only obtain them from food. The quality and quantity of essential amino acids in animal protein are stronger than those in plant protein. The protein in breast milk contains various essential amino acids, including cysteine ​​and tyrosine.

Newborns should not eat protein powder. They should choose milk powder with a protein content of 10% to 20%. Excess protein is not beneficial or even harmful to infants, and may cause diarrhea, acidosis, hyperosmotic dehydration, fever, increased serum urea and ammonia, etc.

What to do if breast milk protein content is high?

Mothers cannot take large amounts of supplements in order to have sufficient milk, because taking in too much high-nutrient food will make the breast milk thick, which will cause the baby to have dry stools and difficulty defecating after eating. Therefore, mothers should ensure sufficient milk while having a reasonable diet, keeping it light and nutritionally balanced.

Scientifically speaking, breastfeeding has certain benefits for both babies and mothers, but some babies may be allergic to protein, and the protein content in mother’s breast milk is relatively high, which can lead to allergies. In this case, the mother can choose to eat less high-protein foods to reduce protein increase. Breast milk allergy is generally not common, but don't be nervous if you encounter it. The symptoms are relatively mild, and mothers are generally not encouraged to give up breastfeeding.

Breast milk contains a high amount of protein. Mothers should pay attention to their diet and eat more light foods and less meat. This will not only reduce the baby's bowel movements, but also help the mother's body return to a better shape. For breast milk allergies, you can determine whether to wean your baby based on his or her allergic reaction.