Question
Can a child consume colostrum? My child has been attending kindergarten since last September, and they got hospitalized for over a week due to a cold. Since then, their immune system has become weaker, and they often catch colds. I’ve heard that colostrum is great! Is the colostrum sold in supermarkets the same as the colostrum? Can a 5-year-old child eat it? Will it boost their recovery quickly? I look forward to your response! Thank you!
Answer
Colostrum refers to the milk secreted by cows within the first three days after giving birth, which is rich in naturally occurring antibodies. In addition to containing abundant high-quality proteins, vitamins, and minerals, it also contains immune globulins (mainly IgG antibodies), growth factors, and other active functional components that can attack pathogens entering the human body, inhibit the growth of bacteria, and enhance immunity and promote tissue growth, making it a healthy functional food that can boost the immune system and promote growth. Infants, due to their underdeveloped immune systems, need external support to enhance their immune capabilities. During pregnancy, mothers transfer initial anti-infection immunity to their babies through the placenta, and during breastfeeding through milk. However, this immunity will gradually diminish in the baby after birth within six months. After this period, infants may experience an immune gap and be more susceptible to infections until their immune systems mature around the age of 12. Therefore, during this time, it is necessary to appropriately supplement immunoglobulins to enhance immunity, prevent infections, strengthen physical fitness, and promote growth.