Clinics in Mother and Child Health

Editorial Note on Colostrum

Ievgeniia Paula^* Department of Maternal and Child Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
^*Correspondence: Ievgeniia Paula, Department of Maternal and Child Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands, Email:

Received: 10-Dec-2021 Published: 31-Dec-2021

Description

Colostrum is defined as "the first milk secreted at the time of parturition (the act or process of giving birth), differing from later milk secreted by containing more lactalbumin and lactoprotein, as well as being rich in antibodies that confer passive immunity to the newborn, also known as "foremilk" by the medical dictionary. After the lactation begins, it lasts for 2-4 days. Colostrum is extremely concentrated, protein-rich, and nutrient-dense, so a small amount will go a long way in the baby's tiny stomach. It's also low in fat, easy to digest, and packed with nutrients to help him get off to the healthiest start possible. And, maybe more crucially, it aids in the development of the immune system. Colostrum has a thicker, yellower appearance than mature milk. Its composition is unique as well, as it is customised to the demands of newborns.

Colostrum as a first vaccine

White blood cells make up to two-thirds of the cells in colostrum, which protect the kid from infection while also assisting him in combating infections. When it comes to immunological reactions, white blood cells are crucial. They offer protection while also posing a threat to infections. Colostrum’s are suggested by the World Health Organization for infant survival, growth, and development. Breastfeeding exclusively decreases newborn fatalities from common childhood illnesses like diarrhoea and pneumonia, speeds recovery, and helps space deliveries. Breast milk contains crucial non-nutritive components such as antimicrobial agents, digestive enzymes, hormones, and growth factors in addition to varied nutritional components. These operate as vaccinations, providing vital passive protection against bacteria, viruses, infections, and illnesses, as well as modulating immune development in newborns. Components of the immune system and growth factors include: Importance of a Property Example IgA, IgM, and Lysozymes are antibody-rich. Anti-infection and anti-allergy properties a large number of white cells Leukocytes, lymphocytes, and macrophages are all types of white blood cells. It defends against infection. Purgative Meconium that is clear helps to prevent jaundice. TGF-1 and TGF-2, IL-10, EGF, and IGF-1 are all growth factors. Aids in the maturation of the intestine; avoids allergy and intolerance. Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Thiamin, Pantothenic acid, and Folic acid are all essential vitamins. Reduces the severity of some infections (such as measles and diarrhoea) and helps to avoid eye disorders. Colostrum is particularly high in IgA, a critical antibody. This protects the newborn from disease by lining the gastrointestinal track rather than going into the bloodstream.

Vitamins and minerals in colostrum

The yellow colour of colostrum is due to the presence of carotenoids and vitamin A. Vitamin A is necessary for the baby's vision (vitamin A deficiency is a leading cause of blindness around the world), as well as the skin and immune system. Colostrum helps make up for the vitamin A deficiency that most babies have when they are born. Colostrum is also high in minerals like magnesium, which helps the baby's heart and bones, as well as copper and zinc, which aid in the development of the immune s ystem. Zinc is also important for brain development, and colostrum contains roughly four times the amount of zinc found in mature milk to help your newborn's quickly developing brain.