What is colostrum?
Colostrum is the first milk your body produces during Pregnancy. It forms in your mammary glands (breasts) and plays an important role in building your baby's immune system. If you plan on breastfeeding, it's the first milk your baby will get from your breasts. If you don't want to breastfeed or if your baby is struggling to breastfeed, it’s high in protein, vitamins, minerals and immunoglobulins (antibodies) that help build your baby's immune system. It's often called "liquid gold" because of its rich, golden colour and valuable benefits.
What is colostrum made of?
Colostrum is high in protein and low in fat and sugar. It's filled with white blood cells that produce antibodies. These antibodies strengthen your baby's immune system, protecting him or her from infection. Colostrum is highly concentrated and nutrient-dense even in tiny doses, so your baby's tummy doesn't need a lot to reap its benefits.
What kind of nutrients are in colostrum?
Colostrum is rich in nutrients that protect and nourish your baby unlike anything else. It's made up of things like:
- Immunoglobulin A (an antibody). (Protects against infection especially respiratory tract and gastrointestinal infection).
- Lactoferrin (a protein that helps prevent infection).
- Leukocytes (white blood cells). (Immunity Development).
- Epidermal growth factor (a protein that stimulates cell growth).
It gets its colour from carotenoids (an antioxidant) and vitamin A. Vitamin A plays a vital role in your baby's vision, skin and immune system. Colostrum is rich in magnesium, which supports your baby’s heart and bones, and copper and zinc, which also support immunity.
