Importance Of Colostrum
Importance of Colostrum
Colostrum is the first milk secreted by the mammary glands, and it is seceted for the first 3 days of the infant’s life. It is yellow in colour and thicker than mature milk, which is secreted from 4th day (after child birth) onwards. It is also called as “Liquid Gold” due to its immense benefits to the new born.
- Colostrum provides highly concentrated nutrients in low volume.
- Colostrum is low in fats and high in carbohydrates and proteins. This combination gives the infant instant energy and helps to go for sound sleep.
- This special milk is rich in nutrients such as zinc, calcium and Vitamins A, B6, B12 and Potassium which is essential for the growth and development of the baby.
- It has mild laxative effect, which helps the immature digestive system to pass the baby’s first stool called as meconium.
- Bilirubin, a waste product of dead red blood cells, which produced in excess during child birth can be cleared by colostrums, thereby preventing infantile jaundice.
- The first milk also contains immune cells and antibodies that is required to build the immune system in the infants and also provides passive immunity.
- Colostrum posses growth factors that are very essential for all round growth of the baby and also very important for the development of the intestine.
- To be precise, Colostrum is a ORAL VACCINE and should mandatorily be given to the infants. WHO recommends initiation of breastfeeding soon after the baby is born.
Due to ignorance, many people tend to ignore and avoid this valuable colostrum. Provide the newborn with this “Liquid gold” and give the infant a wholesome baby food!
Uma Maheshwari PS
Dietitian, Happy Living Diet Clinic
www.facebook.com/happylivingdietclinic
+91 99000 46344
