Warning over breast milk health craze

Drinking breast milk has become particularly popular among gym-goers. Photo / Thinkstock

A growing market in the online sale of human breast milk is creating a serious health risk, doctors have warned.

An increasing number of adults are drinking breast milk, convinced the health benefits it provides to infants could boost fitness levels and immune systems.

It has become particularly popular among gym-goers or those who have chronic diseases.
But doctors warn human milk can be hazardous, spreading viruses such as hepatitis B and C, HIV and syphilis. And because it is not pasteurised, it is also full of germs.

Writing in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, they call for regulators to make it clear buying milk online is not safe.

Fetching NZ$100 a litre or more, the milk is offered either fresh or frozen, and is often available by post from websites. It is claimed to boost the immune system, help recovery, and build muscles.

But the experts, led by Dr Sarah Steele of Queen Mary, University of London, said there is no evidence to back the claims.

Nutritionally, there is less protein in breast milk than cow's milk, and clinical trials do not back the claim of added health benefits. Dr Steele warned: "Buying online potentially exposes the consumer to bacteria, viruses and contaminants."

Many women who cannot breast feed their babies are eligible to get other mothers' milk from regulated milk banks.

- Daily Mail