A 39-year-old bodybuilder has revealed he drinks two sachets of breast milk daily to enhance his muscle growth. Jameson Ritenour, a father of three, first tried breast milk when his partner Melissa was breastfeeding their child. He became interested after watching a YouTube video where a 'giant of a man' discussed its benefits.
Ritenour claims his body is in the best shape of his life, having lost weight and increased muscle size by five percent in eight weeks. He also reports improved immunity, saying he cannot remember the last time he was ill since adding breast milk to his diet.
Despite his claims, scientists say there is no evidence that breast milk benefits adult men. However, Dr Lars Bode, director of the Breast Milk Research Center at the University of California, San Diego, noted that breast milk contains beneficial nutrients that help babies gain muscle mass, which could theoretically benefit athletes.
Dr Bode warned against purchasing breast milk online through sites like Facebook, Craigslist, or Reddit, as diseases such as HIV and hepatitis can be transmitted. A 2015 study found that 75% of 101 breast milk products sold online contained contaminants, and 19% had been mixed with cow's milk.
After splitting with his partner, Ritenour lost his usual supply and turned to buying breast milk online. He said he researched the seller on Facebook and decided to take a chance despite the risks. He added that the main issue he faces is judgment from others, but believes it is not as bad as people think.
