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Jump to: navigation, search    Human colostrum   Newborns have
very immature digestive systems, and colostrum delivers its
nutrients in a very concentrated low-volume form. It has a mild
laxative effect, encouraging the passing of the baby's first
stool, which is called meconium. This clears excess bilirubin, a
waste-product of dead red blood cells, which is produced in
large quantities at birth due to blood volume reduction, from
the infant's body and helps prevent jaundice. Colostrum is known
to contain antibodies called immunoglobulins such as IgA, IgG,
and IgM in mammals. IgA is absorbed through the intestinal
epithelium, travels through the blood, and is secreted onto
other Type 1 mucosal surfaces. These are the major components of
the adaptive immune system. Other immune components of colostrum
include the major components of the innate immune system, such
as lactoferrin,[4] lysozyme,[5] lactoperoxidase,[6]
complement,[7] and proline-rich po