Why you should never let your partner try your breast milk

Pregnant women can make a huge amount of breast milk over the course of 24 hours - up to 700ml to be exact, according to Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Containing vitamins A, B6, D, and iodine, mother’s milk can exclusively keep a tiny human alive for six months before solid foods are eventually introduced to their diet.

And that is pretty amazing, right?

If you’re someone who is currently breastfeeding and you’ve had a baby with your partner, then you may have heard them express their desire to try your breast milk.

While this sounds innocent enough, you may actually want to think twice before you let your significant other have a sip.

This is because professionals have confessed a taste could result in a bunch of health risks.

Breast milk poses severe health risks to adults (Getty Stock Image)

Experts over at GetLabTest.com have explained that adult consumption of breast milk is an extremely complex topic requiring ‘careful consideration of both scientific evidence and safety concerns'.

"While breast milk contains beneficial compounds, its effects on adults differ significantly from its primary purpose of nourishing infants," the outlet added.

According to them, the main health concern that comes with adult consumption of breast milk is infection.

This could be everything from bacterial contamination to foodborne illness, exposure to viral transmission, and exposure to medications in the milk

"There's no medical necessity for adult men to consume breast milk, and safety cannot be guaranteed without proper screening and handling,” the professionals warned.

Of course, the substance does contain beneficial components, such as proteins, digestive enzymes, and living white blood cells that boost immunity, and promote a healthy gut microbiome.

But it’s important to know that these are primarily designed for infant development.

It should be noted that research into the dangers of adult consumption is limited. Many have claimed benefits lack scientific validation and are inconclusive.

However, the adult digestive system processes these components differently from an infant's system - so it’s probably best to abstain from your curiosity.

Your partner may face illness if they try the substance (Getty Stock Image)

Amie Alexander, a registered dietitian at nutritional supplement company Nutri Peak, told the Independent that breastmilk is a 'powerhouse of nutrition' for infants

"In breast milk, babies get much-needed nutrients, antibodies, and growth factors that are perfectly suited for them to grow and develop," she stated.

“But when it comes to adults, those nutritional benefits are minutely minimal.

Alexander added: "Apart from the fact that there is no proof regarding its nutritional value, there are also possible health risks like infectious diseases.

"Breast milk is a body fluid and hence is always prone to having bacteria or viruses; without proper screening, it could be contaminated and hence is not fit for consumption."

So, maybe you should suggest your partner sticks to their cows milk - or milk alternative - instead of sampling yours?

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