Colostrums are breast milk produced after the birth of the newborn and lasts for 2-4 days. Colostrums are very important part of breast milk and lay down the immune system and confer growth factors and other protective factors for our baby. Colostrums are the source of fats, proteins, sugars, and micronutrients in the form of vitamins and minerals. This is also very rich source of secretory Immunoglobulin-A (IgA) which functioned to give protection to gastrointestinal tract (GIT) from various infections in the newborn. Certain mother’s condition, such as diabetes, will contribute to the composition of colostrums.

Colostrums have been reported to be very safe and effective for its use in repair of tissue as well as for enhancing the immunity. There are ninety known components in the colostrums. There are two primary components of colostrums, which are immune factors and growth factors. In this posting, I only concern to discuss about Immune Factors.

Immune Factors are consisted of:

  • Specific Antibodies. The immune factors obtained from the mother have shown to fight against viruses, bacteria, yeast, and fungus. There are around 20 specific antibodies in the colostrums to fight against pathogen microbes.
  • Immunoglobulins. Immunoglobulins are superior in defense in both treatment and prevention of viral infections, bacterial infections, allergies, yeast, and fungus. There are five types of immunoglobulins, which are IgA (operates in tears, saliva, and blood), IgD (anti-viral), IgE (anti-viral), IgG (abundant, in lymph and blood, and neutralizes toxins), and IgM (antibacterial).
  • Prolin Rich Polypeptide (PRP). PRP has an important role to stimulate the thymus to regulate the immune system in the body. PRP also stimulates the weakened immune system and stabilizes hyperactive immune system due to autoimmune diseases and allergies in the body.
  • Lactoferrin. Latoferrin plays important role against cancer cells and also possess anti-viral and antibacterial properties, and anti-inflammatory properties. Lactoferrin has been implicated in treatment of diseases like cancer, HIV, herpes, chronic fatigue, candidiasis and other infections.
  • Cytokines. They regulate duration and intensity of immune responses. Besides, they also boost T cells activity and have antiviral and antitumor activity.
  • Lymphokines. These are the peptides involved in mediating the immune response.
  • Oligopolysaccharides and Glycoconjugate Sugars. They attract and bind to pathogenic bacteria and prevent their entery in the mucosal lining. They block the entry of Salmonella, Cryptosporidium and Clostridia in leaky gut syndrome.
  • Glycoproteins and Trypsin Inhibitors. They inhibit the breakdown of colostrum in the gut ,hence it can have its effect in the GIT. Colostrum inhibits the H.pylori in stomach, so anti-ulcer activity.
  • Lysozyme. This is an acid resistant hydrolyzing agent that is capable of destroying bacteria and viruses on contact. This is being added to commercial baby food.
  • Leucocytes. They stimulate interferon production and slow down the viral reproduction.
  • Lactoperoxidase-thiocynate, Peroxidase and Xanthine Oxidase Enzymes. They oxidize bacteria by generating the release of hydrogen peroxide.
  • Lactalbumins. Lactalbumins are active against many forms of cancer and virus. Lactalbumins also raise the serotonin levels, decrease the cartisol levels and improve the mood under stress.

In conclusion, the passive immunity transferred from mother through administered colostrums to baby can help in prevention and treatment of various diarrheal disorders in children. The anti-oxidant and antiaging properties are helpful to deal with various old age problems. The colostrums also help in growth and healing of various mucosal, skin and muscle injuries.

Reference: B.R.Thapa, “Health Factors in Colostrum”, Indian Journal of Pediatrics, 2005.


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