Colostrum, the milk produced in the initial few days of lactation, is rich in maternal antibodies, especially , and is crucial for providing passive immunity to the newborn. This passive immunity helps protect the infant during the early months of life when their own immune system is immature.
Colostrum also contains immune cells, growth factors, and antimicrobial peptides, all of which help protect against respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. If the infant is deprived of colostrum (as in formula feeding immediately after birth), they miss out on this critical immune protection, leaving them more vulnerable to infections.