A new study from the Canadian Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
states that their research shows that "polyethylene storage containers
do not affect secretory IgA levels in Human Breast Milk." In fact, that
is the title of the article. Be sure you are aware of the composition of
the storage bags being used. At the MILC (Chicago ILCA Affiliate)
meeting yesterday, Pat Bull shared this information with us along with a
dandy little chart comparing  the O2 transmission rate of various brands
of plastic milk storage bags. The study states: "the suggestion that
flexible polyethylene liners selectively removed E. coli-specific IgA
could not be substantiated." I must add however that the research was
funded in part by Playtex so read it carefully.
Bezzhold, DH. (1998). polyethylene storage containers do not affect
secretory IgA levels in Human Breast Milk. Canadian Journal of Allergy
and Clinical Immunology, 3:4, 177-180.
Mary Kay Smith, IBCLC
Romeoville, IL near Chicago

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