Calostro y el desarrollo infantil temprano (Serie 6/10)
Escrito por: Sven Altorfer
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Tiempo de lectura 12 min
Colostrum contains IgA-antibodies and leukocytes, que están relacionadas con el Sistema inmunológico aún inmaduro del recién nacido. Desempeñan un papel en la interacción de las defensas inmunitarias y en el desarrollo del Sistema inmunológico adquirido.
The growth factorIGF-1 is contained in colostrum and is associated with the formation of tissues and organs. This is important for the rapid growth of babies in their first year of life.
Niños que han recibido calostro han sido analizados en estudios en relación con temas como diabetes, obesity and allergies later in life have been studied. Whether and to what extent connections can be derived from this continues to be examined in research.
Colostrum can also promote the mother's ownmilk production of breastfeeding mothers – and serve as a supplementary food for mothers who cannot breastfeed or can only do so to a limited extent.
Early latching on, skin-to-skin contact after birth, and frequent breastfeeding every 2–3 hours are the most effective methods to stimulatecolostrum production.
The birth of a child is a miracle and a life-changing event. Fortunately, after the exhausting birth, mothers who breastfeed do not have to worry about nourishing their new family member. Because in the first days after birth, mothers produce the first food that babies consume, the so-called colostrum. Colostrum differs once again from “normal” breast milk, and this first food plays an essential role for the infant's health and early childhood development. Colostrum, often called “first milk», es una asombrosa poción biológica que no solo nutre al bebé durante los primeros días de su vida, sino que también tiene una influencia duradera en el desarrollo en la primera infancia y en el Sistema inmunológico.
In this article, Part 6 of the Colostrum series, we will take a closer look at the significance of colostrum (what is it?) for infants y comprender por qué es de vital importancia para el Sistema inmunológico y el crecimiento de los recién nacidos. Asimismo, queremos explicar por qué las madres que no pueden o no desean amamantar deberían, en su caso, recurrir a ello.
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The First Milk – What Is Colostrum?
Colostrum is the first milk that a woman (and female mammals) produces after the birth of a child. This milky substance is rich in nutrients, antibodies, and growth factors that are available to the newborn in the first days of life immediately after birth.
It is not normal breast milk, but is only produced by the female mammary glands in the first days directly after birth. It is usually thicker and more yellowish than later breast milk and represents an essential source of nutrients and other bioactive substances that promote the health and development of the infant.
So what is colostrum composed of? What is contained in this special first milk?
Composition of Colostrum – A Magic Potion of Nature
Colostrum is an impressive mixture of bioactive compounds, specially tailored to the needs of the newborn.
Esta leche especial está diseñada para preparar al bebé, que viene al mundo únicamente con su Sistema inmunológico innato, para la vida «en el exterior» y para fortalecerlo.
Some of the most important components and ingredients are summarized here:
1. Antibodies – To Strengthen the Immune System
El calostro contiene anticuerpos, en particular inmunoglobulina A (IgA). Dado que el Sistema inmunológico de un recién nacido aún no está plenamente desarrollado, estos anticuerpos desempeñan un papel importante en los primeros días de vida dentro de la interacción natural de las defensas inmunitarias.
El Sistema inmunológico humano puede dividirse en dos partes: el Sistema inmunológico innato y el adquirido. Los bebés nacen con su Sistema inmunológico innato, pero el Sistema inmunológico adquirido aún no está desarrollado en ellos, porque para ello primero tienen que entrar en contacto con el mundo exterior y «adquirirlo».
2. Growth Factors – Babies Grow Fast
Healthy babies grow a full 25 cm in their first year of life. Various growth factors, such as insulin-like Factor de crecimiento 1 (IGF-1), play a role in connection with the growth and development of the infant.
El factor de crecimiento similar a la insulina 1 (IGF-1) está relacionado con la formación de tejidos y órganos, lo que es importante para el bebé y el desarrollo en la primera infancia.
3. Nutrients – A Healthy Cocktail
Colostrum is a true cocktail, or let's rather say mocktail, containing nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, proteins, and fats that are important for the baby's growth and development.
Particularly relevant is the protein casein in colostrum, which is a good source of important amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, which are associated with the growth and development of tissues, organs, and muscles. In babies, especially during the first months of life, an adequate protein intake plays an important role for growth.
4. Leukocytes – An Important Component of the Immune System
Los glóbulos blancos, también conocidos como leucocitos, son otro componente del calostro. Están relacionados con el Sistema inmunológico innato del lactante.
White blood cells play a role in recognizing pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi by phagocytosing (taking up and digesting) or destroying them. The ability of leukocytes to react quickly without requiring specific adaptation is an essential aspect of the innate immune system.
The Role of Colostrum in Immune Defense
Las defensas inmunitarias son uno de los sistemas más importantes del cuerpo humano, especialmente para los recién nacidos, que apenas están comenzando a desarrollar su propio Sistema inmunológico.
El calostro desempeña un papel en relación con el Sistema inmunológico del lactante. A continuación, nos gustaría profundizar un poco más en la importancia que tiene la primera leche para el Sistema inmunológico de bebés y niños pequeños.
1. Infection Defense in Context
Colostrum contains high concentrations of antibodies. These antibodies are part of the infant's immune defense. They bind to pathogens such as bacteria and viruses.
2. Immunoglobulin A (IgA)
La IgA es el anticuerpo predominante en el calostro y desempeña un papel importante en relación con el Sistema inmunológico del recién nacido. Es relevante en las mucosas del intestino y de las vías respiratorias, lo que resulta especialmente importante, ya que la mayoría de las infecciones penetran por estas vías.
Las inmunoglobulinas son especialmente importantes para los recién nacidos, que se encuentran con muchos nuevos miembros de la familia y amistades que, de forma natural, traen consigo patógenos y bacterias. Y es que el Sistema inmunológico del bebé tiene que reaccionar ante las numerosas bacterias y patógenos desconocidos que para nosotros, los adultos, apenas tienen ya importancia, porque nuestro Sistema inmunológico adquirido ya conoce a esos patógenos.
3. Building the Immune System
El calostro no solo está relacionado con la defensa inmunitaria inmediata, sino también con el desarrollo del Sistema inmunológico del lactante. El Sistema inmunológico de bebés y niños pequeños aprende durante este período a reconocer los patógenos y a reaccionar adecuadamente ante ellos.
A Gift from Mother Nature – What Makes Colostrum So Special
Colostrum is a unique food that is specially tailored to the needs of newborns. Su composición especial de anticuerpos, factores de crecimiento y otros nutrientes está relacionada con el Sistema inmunológico y el crecimiento del lactante, y lo convierte en una sustancia importante para el desarrollo en la primera infancia.
1. Colostrum Is a Natural Wonder
The fact that colostrum is naturally produced by mothers, or female mammals, shows the astonishing capability of Mother Nature. Evolution has produced this special food, which is connected with the nutrition and survival of newborns. It is remarkable how mothers produce this first milk to give their newborns a good start in life.
2. Long-Term Significance for the Child
The significance of colostrum for early childhood development is also considered beyond the first weeks and months of life. Research examines how breastfeeding in the first days after birth and receiving colostrum relate to the child's later health.
Studies have, among other things, looked at topics such as diabetes, obesity, and allergies later in life.
Breastfeeding versus Formula – Colostrum as a Helper for Breastfeeding Mothers
It is important to emphasize that colostrum is not only related to the infant's nutrition, but that breastfeeding itself also plays a role in the bond between mother and child. Breastfeeding offers unique emotional moments and can enrich the mother-child relationship.
In comparison, conventional infant formulas often lack many of the bioactive components contained in colostrum. Infant formula can indeed provide the necessary nutrients, but differs in its composition from colostrum.
However, breastfeeding can be very exhausting and even painful for some women. There are many mothers who would like to breastfeed but have physical problems with breastfeeding or do not produce enough milk in the first days after birth.
For these mothers, colostrum may be of interest as a supplementary food, either for their own consumption or as formula for the baby, so that the baby does not have to forgo the valuable colostrum.
The topic of breastfeeding and milk production is therefore also of great importance for mothers. Breastfeeding is also related to the regression of the uterus after birth.
Colostrum Tips for Mothers – How to Make Breastfeeding Work
For mothers, it is important to know how they can support the production of colostrum, because colostrum is their baby's first food.
Here are some practical tips that many mothers have found helpful:
1. Early Latching On
Latching the baby onto the breast early after birth is crucial for stimulating the production of colostrum. The baby's sucking movements promote milk and colostrum production.
So if initially no milk or colostrum comes from the breast, there is no reason for concern yet. The baby should still be latched on. Many mothers only produce the first milk 2–3 days after the baby's birth.
2. Skin Contact Promotes Colostrum Production
Skin contact between mother and child directly after birth has many advantages, including promoting breastfeeding and colostrum production. The newborn should therefore lie on the mother for as long as possible to promote a close bond.
3. Frequent Latching On to Encourage Milk Production
Frequent latching on of the baby promotes milk production. In the first days, the child should be breastfed on demand, which is usually the case every 2–3 hours.
4. The Mother's Diet
The mother's diet also plays an important role in quality. A balanced diet rich in nutrients is crucial to meet the baby's needs and to be able to offer it high-quality colostrum.
What can one do if one cannot breastfeed oneself or wants to continue enjoying the benefits of golden milk after the mammary glands only produce regular breast milk?
Colostrum is a special gift of nature to newborns. It contains antibodies, growth factors, nutrients, and other bioactive compounds that are associated with early childhood development.
It plays a role in connection with the infant's immune defense and with the development of its immune system. Furthermore, it is related to the growth and development of the child.
In our world, where daily challenges and environmental factors play a role for infants, colostrum remains an important topic. It is a natural and sustainable resource that is meant to give children all over the world a good start in life.
It is therefore of great importance to promote awareness of colostrum and to encourage mothers to breastfeed their babies. If breastfeeding does not go smoothly, or you do not want or cannot breastfeed, colostrum can be considered as a supplementary food.
The first milk is not only nourishment, it also stands for closeness, care, and a good start in life.
If you want to give your baby colostrum or take it yourself as a mother, then choose trustworthy and ethical providers who offer high-quality colostrum in capsule form. If it is cold-filtered, the nutrients it contains are largely preserved.
In addition, you should discuss your child's feeding beforehand with a specialist. The information in this blog is for general education only and does not replace professional medical advice.
List of Sources
Gephart SM, Weller M. Colostrum as oral immune therapy to promote neonatal health. Adv Neonatal Care 2014; 14(1):44-51.
Sangild PT, Vonderohe C, Melendez Hebib V, Burrin DG. Potential Benefits of Bovine Colostrum in Pediatric Nutrition and Health. Nutrients. 2021 Jul 26;13(8):2551. doi: 10.3390/nu13082551. PMID: 34444709; PMCID: PMC8402036.
Yan X, Pan X, Ding L, et al. Bovine colostrum to supplement the first feeding of very preterm infants: The PreColos randomized controlled trial. Clin Nutr. 2023;42(8):1408-1417. doi:10.1016/j.clnu.2023.06.024
Ceriani Cernadas JM. Colostrum and breast milk in the neonatal period: The benefits keep adding up. Arch Argent Pediatr 2018;116(3):234-235.
Underwood MA. Human milk for the premature infant. Pediatr Clin North Am 2013; 60(1):189–207. 2.
Ronayne de Ferrer PA, Baroni A, Sambucetti ME, et al. Lactoferrin levels in term and preterm milk. J Am Coll Nutr 2000; 19(3):370-3. 3.
Turin CG, Zea-Vera A, Rueda MS, et al. Lactoferrin concentration in breast milk of mothers of low-birth-weight newborns. J Perinatol 2017; 37(5):507-12.
Przybylska, J.; Albera, E.; Kankofer, M.: Antioxidants in Bovine Colostrum, April 2007
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Sven Altorfer
Sven Altorfer es fundador, director ejecutivo y responsable de Investigación y Desarrollo de la Swiss Health Nutrition AG. With his expertise in nutrition and bioactive substances, he advocates natural health approaches to promote preventive measures and the body's self-healing powers.
FAQ: THE SIGNIFICANCE OF COLOSTRUM FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT
What is colostrum and why is it so important for newborns?
Es la primera leche que las madres producen en los primeros días después del parto. Contiene anticuerpos, factores de crecimiento, leucocitos y nutrientes, y proporciona nutrientes importantes al recién nacido, cuyo Sistema inmunológico aún no está desarrollado.
How does colostrum differ from normal breast milk?
Es más espeso, más amarillento y más rico en nutrientes que la leche materna habitual. Contiene concentraciones notablemente más altas de anticuerpos, en particular IgA, así como factores de crecimiento como IGF-1, adaptados específicamente a las necesidades del recién nacido durante los primeros días de vida.
What can I do if I cannot breastfeed?
Mothers who cannot or do not want to breastfeed can take it as a supplementary food to support their own milk production. Alternatively, high-quality, cold-filtered colostrum – after consultation with a specialist – can be offered to the baby as formula.
Does colostrum have long-term effects on the child's health?
Sí, hay estudios que han analizado la relación entre el calostro, o la lactancia temprana, y la salud posterior del niño, entre otros en temas como la diabetes, la obesidad y las alergias. El Sistema inmunológico de bebés y niños pequeños aprende durante este período a reconocer los patógenos y a reaccionar adecuadamente ante ellos. La investigación sigue estudiando si de ello pueden derivarse efectos para la salud futura y en qué medida.
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