Breast milk flavour study published

Nursing mothers have been shown how to produce the human equivalent of a banana milk shake from their breasts.

All they have to do is munch a banana an hour or less before feeding time, scientists have discovered.

Breast milk can be given other flavours the same way. In tests, women were able to make their milk taste of menthol, caraway seed and liquorice, as well as banana.

Researchers believe the rich variety of flavours in breast milk may prime a child to try new foods later in life.

The new Danish study at the University of Copenhagen investigated how flavours could be transferred from food to breast milk.

Study leader Helene Hausner told New Scientist magazine: "It's not like if the mother eats apple pie the baby thinks 'mmmm, apple pie', but it may make them more accepting of the flavour of other foods.

"Breastfeeding may prepare the infant for flavour changes and new experiences when they start to eat solid foods."

Gill Rapley, a UK nurse with more than 20 years experience specialising in post-natal care, said the findings could have practical implications for mothers worried about why their babies are refusing to feed.

"Mothers often talk about whether something in their milk may have upset their baby, but within eight hours most flavours will be gone," she said.

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