Doctor reacts to bizarre trend of bodybuilders buying breastmilk from new mothers for muscle growth: ‘If the goal is strength…’

This came to light after the New York Post interviewed several women, including Keira Williams, a 31-year-old mom of one. She opened up about using Facebook groups to make connections and revealed that “she has since sold over 3,500 ounces of the life-sustaining liquid.”

However, content creator and healthcare professional Dr Kunal Sood has sounded an alarm. He shared an Instagram video reacting to the trend, explaining that breastmilk is nutritionally unsuitable for adults or performance enhancement.

He said, “Some moms are actually selling breastmilk to bodybuilders, claiming it helps build muscle. But does it actually work? Nutritionally, breastmilk isn’t designed for adults or performance enhancement. It’s nearly 88 per cent water with only 2.5 g of protein per cup compared to 7.9 g in cow’s milk and 28 g in most protein powders.”

Dr Sood further added that there’s “zero scientific evidence that breastmilk enhances muscle growth,” unlike whey protein, which has proven benefits. “More importantly, there’s zero scientific evidence that breastmilk enhances muscle growth. In contrast, whey protein is well studied, improves nitrogen balance, and supports muscle protein synthesis over time,” he said.

He also highlighted the health dangers of buying unregulated breastmilk online. “Buying breastmilk online also poses real safety risks, including bacterial contamination, disease transmission, and exposure to unknown medications or hormones. If the goal is strength, breastmilk isn’t the shortcut. It’s an unregulated gamble with less protein than a glass of milk. Would you ever try something like this for gains?”

Dr Sood concluded his post by reiterating the risk and futility of this practice: “Some bodybuilders are buying breastmilk online for ‘gains’. However, it has less protein than cow’s milk or whey, and unregulated sources carry serious risks, including bacterial contamination and disease transmission.”

 

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So, what actually happens when adults consume breastmilk? Is it beneficial or risky?

Dr Palleti Siva Karthik Reddy, consultant internal medicine at Koshys Hospital, Bengaluru, tells indianexpress.com, “Breastmilk is a complex, nutrient-rich fluid — designed specifically for infants, not adults. It contains proteins (like lactoferrin), fats, immunoglobulins, enzymes, and hormones tailored to support a newborn’s developing immune and digestive systems. But in healthy adults, the physiological impact is negligible.”

He adds, “Muscle-building benefits? That’s a myth. There’s no credible evidence that breastmilk enhances muscle hypertrophy or recovery better than standard nutrition. In fact, adults already produce digestive enzymes that render many of breast milk’s bioactive components ineffective after ingestion. A study in Nutrients (2019) found no advantage over regular protein sources like whey or casein.”

Additionally, breast milk is high in lactose. Many adults, especially those who are lactose intolerant, may experience bloating, cramps, or diarrhoea after consumption. So, the idea that breastmilk is a superfood for gym-goers? Scientifically unsubstantiated.

How dangerous is it to buy breastmilk from unregulated sources?

“Extremely,” stresses Dr Reddy, adding that breastmilk can carry viruses like HIV, HTLV, CMV, and bacteria like Listeria, Salmonella, or E. coli if not properly screened or stored. Shared milk is usually pasteurised and tested in milk banks. But buying online from strangers? You risk contamination, spoilage, and the transmission of diseases.

“Moreover, breastmilk contains hormones and medication residues, especially if the donor is on contraceptives or SSRIs. In adults, chronic exposure to such substances may disrupt endocrine function or immune response. As Dr Sood rightly warns, unregulated breastmilk is not just unwise—it’s a genuine public health hazard,” concludes Dr Reddy. 

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.