Applications and Future Prospects of Colostrum

Colostrum is a milk secreted by mammals during parturition which contains more lactalbumin and lactoprotein. and it differs from the milk secreted later. It is a source of antibodies that confer passive immunity to the newborn, also known as “foremilk”. Colostrum is also richer in growth factors than the subsequent mature milk produced later. The main function of the Colostrum is to provide immunity and strengthen the natural defense system and enhance growth and repair of several tissues and balance and maintain intestinal microbiota. Colostrum is of two types – Bovine colostrum and Human colostrum. The bovine colostrum can be obtained in huge quantity which has similar effects and properties of human colostrum. Bovine colostrum is also use to treat gastrointestinal disorders and respiratory tract infections and rheumatoid arthritis. Despite the encouraging results, further studies and research is required to confirm whether the effects are good and what dose and treatment can be given. In future it will be great and useful treatment for diseases and control of diseases in a natural way with lesser or no side effects. On the other hand Human colostrum is source of antibodies for the newborns and provide them with immunity and is also being used as key element for treating diseases in similar ways as the bovine colostrum.This paper focuses on the benefits and composition of the first milk i.e. clostrum.