Macronutrients aside, people are really drinking breast milk for its abundant growth factors — proteins that stimulate cell growth. For bodybuilders, it's the high level of a protein called insulin-like growth factor (IGF) that appeals the most.
But experts say human breast milk will not pump you up. “There is nothing specific in breast milk that will cause adults to gain muscle mass,” said Dr. Jacques Mortiz, the director of the division of gynecology at Mount Sinai Roosevelt in New York.
But everyone and their mother think it's a terrible idea.
But a new clientele of breast milk buyers have emerged: weightlifters and bodybuilders. Rafaela Lamprou, 24, told the New York Post she made $6,000 selling her breast milk.
Research on the effect of colostrum in athletes shows it can help increase muscle mass and strength, as well as prevent fatigue, by buffering levels of acidity that rise during exercise. Its mass- and strength-producing effects are likely due to its high IGF-1 content, which increases during colostrum supplementation.
Is there a flip side to drinking breast milk? “There is no harm per se in drinking human breast milk which is from a safe source and pasteurized.
“Colostrum is a source of several growth and immune modulating compounds factors, including peptide hormones, growth factors, cytokines, steroid hormones and enzymes.
The bovine colostrum group experienced a greater significant increase in lean body mass than the whey protein group. From this study, the scientists recommend that 8 weeks or more of 20 grams bovine colostrum will enhance lean muscle hypertrophy which will further lead to increases in strength and power.
In comparison to a year's supply of formula, which may cost between $760 and $2,280, breastfeeding for one year may cost women more than $10,500. The team published its findings in the Journal of Perinatology on March 22.
Depending on your timeline, most parents can build up a stash within a couple of weeks. This is assuming, though, that breastfeeding is going well and that you can pump several times a day. (If you're not already exclusively pumping, that is.)
Mothers who exclusively breastfeed twins or triplets can produce 2,000 to 3,000 g/day, although this involves nursing an average of 15 or more times per day (Saint et al., 1986). Women who express surplus milk for a milk bank have been shown to produce as much as 3,000 g/day (Macy et al., 1930).
There is no harm in breastfeeding to your husband; in fact the breasts can produce as much milk as required, just think about some mom breastfeeding 3 or more babies. You just need to drink plenty of fluids, eat healthy, and have enough rest.
A handful of hospitals have their own milk banks, but these can cost up to $150,000 annually to maintain. Even if a hospital prescribes donor human milk, it is an expense that many cannot afford. The average cost is $3-$5 per ounce, and babies can consume between 32 and 48 ounces of milk per day.
Milk is an excellent addition for bodybuilding routines. It contains high quality and easily absorbable protein, carbohydrates, and micronutrients (calcium, phosphorus, and B vitamins) which are made for muscle building.
Nevertheless, because colostrum contains IGF-I, WADA advises athletes against taking colostrum for fear of causing a rise in the levels of IGF-I in the circulation with resulting doping penalties.
Colostrum is not on the list of the prohibited substances. However the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) recommends not to take colostrum. Also the SSNS (Swiss Sports Nutrition Society) classifies the colostrum equally.
Overall, bovine colostrum is one of the best supplements that can be taken by adults, and children that are no longer nursing, to help with immune health. This is because it is high in immunoglobulin G (IgG), which is an antibody that yields systemic immunity.
Although supplementation of colostrum for eight days in sprinters and jumpers failed to increase serum testosterone levels, another study noted that colostrum attenuated reductions in testosterone levels during an intense five day road race in highly-trained male cyclists.
Here we provide evidence that milk exosomes from colostrum (Milk-exo), induce impressive hair regeneration with minimal adverse effects (Figure 1) We found that Milk-exo induced the proliferation of DP cells that plays a pivotal role in controlling the growth and cycling of hair follicles.
However, when lipase activity is unusually high in expressed milk, its work in breaking down the fats can result in a soapy or fishy aroma and/or taste that may be distasteful to the baby.
Some mothers feel a tingling or pins and needles sensation in the breast. Sometimes there is a sudden feeling of fullness in the breast. While feeding on one side your other breast may start to leak milk. You may become thirsty.
Some women's breast milk supply dries up in a few days. Others will still express a few drops of milk months later. Most women who have breastfed or pumped and begin to wean will see their milk supply drop in two to three weeks, though this can vary depending on your baby's age and the amount of milk you were making.