Colostrum: The First Breast Milk

Definition of colostrum

Colostrum is the first milk produced by mammals, including humans, after giving birth. It is a thick, yellowish fluid that is rich in proteins, antibodies, and growth factors, and serves as a source of nutrition and immunity for newborns. Colostrum contains high levels of immunoglobulins, which help to protect the newborn from infections and diseases. It also contains lactose, which provides energy and carbohydrates, and fatty acids, which are important for brain development. In humans, colostrum production typically starts a few days before birth and lasts for several days to a week after birth. After the colostrum supply has been depleted, the mammary glands produce mature milk, which is lower in protein and antibodies but higher in fat and carbohydrates.

What are the benefits of colostrum?

Colostrum has a range of health benefits for newborns and can also be beneficial for adults in certain cases. Some of the key benefits of colostrum include:

1. Supports growth and development: Colostrum provides essential nutrients and growth factors to support the growth and development of the newborn.
2. Enhances immunity: Colostrum is rich in immunoglobulins, which help to provide passive immunity to the newborn and protect against infections.
3. Promotes healthy gut function: Colostrum contains antimicrobial peptides and other components that help to promote healthy gut function and prevent infections.
4. Supports athletic performance: In adults, colostrum supplementation has been shown to improve athletic performance by increasing muscle mass, strength, and endurance.
5. Supports wound healing: Colostrum contains growth factors that can promote tissue repair and support wound healing.
6. Supports the immune system: Colostrum supplementation has been shown to support the immune system and reduce the risk of infections in adults.

It’s important to note that not all the benefits of colostrum have been scientifically proven, and further research is needed to fully understand its effects. Additionally, the benefits of colostrum may vary depending on the individual and their specific health needs.

What is colostrum made of?

Colostrum is composed of various components that provide important benefits to the newborn. Some of the key components of colostrum include:

1. Antibodies: Colostrum contains high levels of immunoglobulins, which help to protect the newborn from infections and diseases.
2. Proteins: Colostrum is rich in proteins, including lactoglobulin and lactalbumin, which provide essential amino acids for growth and repair.
3. Growth factors: Colostrum contains growth factors, such as insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), which promote the growth and development of the newborn.
4. Lactose: Colostrum is high in lactose, which provides energy and carbohydrates for the newborn.
5. Fatty acids: Colostrum is a source of essential fatty acids, including linoleic and linolenic acids, which are important for brain development.
6. Vitamins and minerals: Colostrum contains various vitamins and minerals, such as calcium and vitamin A, which are important for the growth and development of the newborn.

Overall, colostrum is a unique and important source of nutrition and immunity for the newborn, and its composition varies depending on the species and individual mammal.

Composition of colostrum

Colostrum is a complex mixture of nutrients, growth factors, and immune components. The specific composition can vary depending on the species and stage of lactation. Some of the key components of colostrum include:

1. Proteins: including immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, IgM), lactoglobulin, lactalbumin, and growth factors such as insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1).
2. Fat: including fatty acids, cholesterol, and phospholipids.
3. Carbohydrates: including lactose and other sugars.
4. Vitamins: including vitamins A, D, E, and K.
5. Minerals: including calcium, phosphorus, and iron.
6. Antimicrobial peptides: including lactoferrin and lysozyme, which help to provide immunity to the newborn.
7. Hormones: including cortisol and prolactin, which help regulate growth and metabolism.

Function of colostrum

Colostrum is the first milk produced by mammals after giving birth and has several important functions:

1. Provides vital nutrients, including protein, fat, and immunoglobulins, to support the growth and development of the newborn.
2. Provides passive immunity to the newborn, helping to protect against infections.
3. Aids in the development of the newborn’s digestive system and helps to prevent dehydration.
4. Helps to stimulate the newborn’s digestive system, promoting healthy bowel movements.

Nutrients supply of colostrum

According to many studies, nutrient supply and description of colostrum are described below:

• Water -86 %
• Carbohydrate -2.3 %
• Protein -8.6 %
• Fat-2.3 %
• Trypsin inhibitor – present
• Consistency -thin and yellowish 
• Phagocytic cell – present.
• Secretion – It is secreted within 10 days after delivery normally.

What’s the difference between colostrum and breast milk?

Colostrum and breast milk are both produced by mammary glands and have several similarities, but there are some key differences between the two:

Composition: Colostrum is thicker and more concentrated than mature breast milk. It is higher in proteins, including immunoglobulins, growth factors, and antimicrobial peptides, and lower in fat and carbohydrates than mature milk.

Function: Colostrum is produced in the first few days after birth and is essential for the newborn’s survival and growth. It provides passive immunity, helps to stimulate the digestive system, and lays the foundation for healthy development. Mature breast milk, on the other hand, continues to provide essential nutrients, but also adjusts its composition to meet the changing needs of the growing infant.

Timing: Colostrum is produced only during the first few days after birth, while breast milk continues to be produced throughout lactation. As the mother’s lactation progresses, the composition of her milk will change to meet the evolving needs of her growing infant.

In conclusion, both colostrum and breast milk play critical roles in supporting the health and growth of the newborn, but they have different compositions and functions at different stages of lactation.

How much colostrum does a newborn need?

The amount of colostrum a newborn needs varies depending on several factors, such as the size and weight of the newborn, and the mother’s milk production. On average, newborns consume about 1-2 teaspoons of colostrum per feeding in the first few days after birth, and feed 8-12 times per day. As the mother’s milk production increases, the volume of milk will also increase, allowing the newborn to consume more at each feeding.

It’s important to remember that colostrum is very concentrated and provides all the nutrients the newborn needs in small quantities. It is also important for the newborn to nurse frequently to stimulate the mother’s milk production and ensure that the newborn receives enough milk to support healthy growth and development.

It’s also important to note that newborns should be allowed to nurse on demand and not be restricted to a specific schedule, as this can affect milk production and negatively impact the newborn’s health.

Is it okay to squeeze out colostrum?

It is generally considered safe to manually express or squeeze out colostrum in order to prepare for breastfeeding or to increase milk flow. This can be especially helpful if the newborn is having difficulty latching or if the mother is concerned about her milk supply.

Expressing colostrum can help to increase the mother’s milk production and also ensure that the newborn receives enough milk in the first few days after birth, when the volume of milk is limited. This can also be helpful if the mother is returning to work or if she needs to be away from her newborn for an extended period of time.

It’s important to remember that expressing colostrum should be done gently, as the mammary glands are still delicate after childbirth. If the mother experiences discomfort or pain, she should stop and seek advice from a lactation consultant or healthcare provider. Additionally, expressing colostrum should only be done as needed and not on a regular schedule, as this can affect milk production and negatively impact the mother’s health.

What does it taste like?

The taste of colostrum is a bit different from normal breast milk. It is less sweet than breast milk and tastes a little salty. Breast milk contains lactose, the form of sugar, which adds a sweet taste. Colostrum can taste sour or bitter, too, due to metastasis in the breast. Some people also say that it tastes like sweet almond milk, condensed milk, or Cantaloupe. 

Can colostrum be stored?

Colostrum can be stored in the refrigerator for further use. Storing in the fridge gives it long shelf life. Colostrum can be stored for 6 months. Leukocytes, a structural element of colostrum can be destroyed due to long preservation, but antibodies remain undestroyed in this time.