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Now, breast milk sold online for athletes!

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IANS New York
Last Updated : Jun 17 2015 | 4:28 PM IST

With surge of online sales, breast milk has become a commodity -- and not just for infants, says an editorial published in the journal Breastfeeding Medicine.

The practice of breast milk-sharing among mothers has evolved into an internet-based marketplace in which this valuable commodity is being bought and sold not only to feed babies but as a "natural superfood" for body builders and athletes, the editorial said.

"Clearly, breast milk has become a commodity," said Arthur Eidelman, editor-in-chief of Breastfeeding Medicine.

As women recognise its commercial value, "the altruistic donation of breast milk to regulated non-profit human milk banks is being threatened".

"Internet-purchased breast milk may also be risky due to dilution with cow's milk or bacterial contamination due to improper storage and refrigeration," the editorial warned.

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First Published: Jun 17 2015 | 4:16 PM IST

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