Colostrum to prevent growth failure

New evidence suggests that colostrum – the first breastmilk produced – could be critical for healthy growth over the long term.

In other words, colostrum at birth may help prevent chronic undernutrition, and a child’s subsequent failure to grow, when compared to mature breastmilk at birth.

This is welcome news, given chronic undernutrition is responsible for approximately half of all deaths in children under five, says the research team that is working to highlight the importance of colostrum as an early nutritional intervention. Their findings have just been published in Microbiome (‘Diet at birth is critical for healthy growth, independent of effects on the gut microbiota’).

Read the details here.

Watch a video summary here.

The Larsson-Rosenquist Foundation Centre for Immunology and Breastfeeding (LRF CIBF) at The University of Western Australia and directed by Professor Valerie Verhasselt, expects their findings will underscore WHO guidelines on initiating breastfeeding within one hour of birth and only feed colostrum during the first days of life. FLRF is a proud supporter of their work! 

Are you interested in learning more about the LRF CIBF and its research on colostrum? Visit their new website here.