A suggested role for precolostrum in preterm and sick newborn infants.

Samples of precolostrum (colostrum gravidarum), colostrum and mature milk obtained from five women during their antenatal and postnatal periods were measured for IgA, IgG, IgM, alpha-1-antitrypsin, lactoferrin, lysozyme, B1A globulin (C3) and B1E globulin (C4) by single radial immunodiffusion. Protein concentrations in precolostrum were equal to or greater than those found in colostrum obtained during the first 12-48 hours following delivery. Secretion of precolostrum is common, occurs early in the antenatal period and may often be of considerable volume. The anti-microbial proteins contained within this milk can be preserved intact by freezing. This represents an untapped pool of bacteriostatic proteins with specific activity against neonatal pathogens. We suggest that a potential protective effect against serious infection may be obtained by administering precolostrum to "at risk" infants during the first few days of life.