Write a short note on Composition of Breast Milk & Colostrum.

Colostrum

Colostrum is the thick, yellowish milk secreted in the first 3–4 days. Though small in volume, it is highly valuable:

• Rich in protein, vitamin A and secretory IgA and other anti-infective factors — 'the baby's first immunisation'.
• Has a laxative action that helps expel meconium and reduces the severity of jaundice.
• Lower in fat and lactose than mature milk. It must never be discarded.

Stages of Milk

• Colostrum (day 1–4) → transitional milk (day 5–14) → mature milk.
• Foremilk (early in a feed) — watery, quenches thirst; hindmilk (late) — fat-rich, gives most calories & satiety.

Composition of Mature Human Milk

• Carbohydrate — mainly lactose (~7 g/dL; promotes calcium absorption & lactobacilli).
• Protein (~1.1 g/dL) — whey : casein ≈ 60:40 (easily digested; soft curds).
• Fat — provides ~50% of calories; rich in essential fatty acids (DHA) for brain development.
• Adequate vitamins (except D and K) and highly bioavailable iron (low amount but well absorbed).
• Anti-infective factors — IgA, lactoferrin, lysozyme, macrophages, bifidus factor, oligosaccharides.

Human Milk VS Cow's Milk