colostrum

Colostrum is the earliest milk produced after childbirth and, in the context provided here, is used as a **human milk–derived biologic supportive therapy** rather than a conventional single-molecule drug. In neonatal studies, the product is typically the infant's own mother's colostrum, administered in very small volumes to the oropharyngeal or oral mucosa of preterm or very-low-birth-weight infants, or given enterally. Its intended mechanism is local and systemic immune support through delivery of naturally occurring bioactive components such as secretory immunoglobulin A, lactoferrin, cytokines, growth factors, oligosaccharides, leukocytes, and antimicrobial proteins, which may enhance mucosal immunity, reduce microbial adhesion, modulate inflammation, and support gastrointestinal maturation and feeding tolerance. Across the cited randomized and observational studies, colostrum was generally reported as safe; signals of benefit included earlier achievement of full enteral feeding, shorter hospitalization, higher IgA or lactoferrin measures, and in some studies lower rates of suspected sepsis, NEC, or mortality, although results are mixed and the intervention remains supportive and institution-specific rather than a standardized approved pharmaceutical product.

Other names

maternal colostrummother's colostrumoropharyngeal colostrumoral colostrumoropharyngeal administration of colostrumoral care with mother's colostrumcolostrum oral immunotherapyoropharyngeal colostrum immunotherapy