Immune Globulin Levels in Colostrum and Breast Milk, and Serum From Fomula- and Breast-Fed Newborns.

Abstract

Summary Immune globulin levels in colostrum and breast milk determined during the first 4 days of nursing show high levels in colostrum, especially of γA globulin, followed by a rapid decline with transition to mature breast milk. After 4 days the immune globulins of breast-fed infants were similar to those of formula-fed infants. This would indicate failure of intact immune globulins to be absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract in sufficient amounts to affect immune globulin levels during this period of life.