Which one of the following is the special type of milk produced by a l

Which one of the following is the special type of milk produced by a lactating mother, essential for the development of immune response of newborn baby in human?

Breast milk produced after a month of childbirth
Transitional milk
Colostrum
Mineralized milk
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-2 – 2018
Colostrum is the special type of milk produced immediately after childbirth that is essential for the development of the immune response of the newborn baby in human.
Colostrum is the first milk produced by the mother, typically in the first few days after birth. It is often described as “liquid gold” due to its yellowish color and immense nutritional and immunological value. It is significantly different from mature breast milk. Colostrum is particularly rich in immunoglobulins (antibodies), especially IgA, which provides passive immunity to the newborn, protecting them against various infections. It also contains leukocytes (white blood cells), growth factors, and nutrients highly suited for the newborn’s initial needs.
After colostrum, the composition of breast milk changes over approximately two weeks, becoming transitional milk, and then settles into mature milk. While mature milk continues to provide antibodies and nutritional support, colostrum has the highest concentration of immune components, making it uniquely crucial for establishing the newborn’s early immune defenses and gut health.