Patient's question:
My child has been attending kindergarten since last September. Once, they caught a cold and were hospitalized for over ten days. Since then, their immunity has become lower, and they often get colds. I heard from others that colostrum is very good!Is colostrum the same as the colostrum sold in supermarkets?
Can a five-year-old child eat it? Will it be effective if they do? I look forward to your reply! Thank you!
Doctor's answer:
Hello:Colostrum refers to the milk secreted by cows within the first three days after giving birth. It is rich in naturally synthesized antibodies produced by the body. In addition to being rich in high-quality proteins, vitamins, and minerals, it also contains active functional components such as immune globulins (primarily IgG antibodies) and growth factors. These components can attack pathogens invading the human body, inhibit bacterial reproduction, and serve as a healthy functional food that enhances immunity and promotes tissue growth.
Infants and young children, due to their underdeveloped immune systems, need external support to boost their immune capabilities. During pregnancy, mothers provide infants with initial anti-infection immunity through the placenta, and during breastfeeding, through milk. However, this antibody will gradually deplete within the first six months after birth. Subsequently, infants may experience an immune gap, leading to poor resistance, until their own immune systems mature around the age of 12.
Therefore, during this period, it is necessary to appropriately supplement with immune globulins to enhance immunity, prevent infections, strengthen the body, and promote growth.