Concept:
Colostrum is the first milk produced by the mother immediately after childbirth.
It is rich in proteins, nutrients, and antibodies that provide passive immunity to the newborn.
The antibody most abundant in colostrum is Immunoglobulin A (IgA).
Step 1: Understand the role of colostrum.
Colostrum protects the newborn from infections during the early days of life when the infant’s immune system is not fully developed.
Step 2: Identify the dominant antibody.
The major antibody present in colostrum is secretory IgA (sIgA).
Step 3: Function of IgA.
IgA mainly protects the mucosal surfaces of the body, such as:
• Digestive tract
• Respiratory tract
• Urogenital tract
It prevents pathogens from attaching to mucosal cells and causing infection.
Step 4: Importance for the newborn.
Through colostrum, IgA provides passive immunity, helping the newborn resist infections during early life.