Milk is a unique secretion produced by mammals from their characteristic mammary glands, which is the reason they are named mammals. This valuable secretion not only provides nourishment to newborns but also conveys the love of the mother. The first milk secreted is yellow in color and called colostrum, containing antibodies and minerals to give newborns immunity against diseases. After a few days, the milk turns white and is known as mature or true milk. The composition of milk varies slightly between animals, but it generally contains significant amounts of saturated fats, proteins, calcium, and vitamins, especially vitamin C, which makes the milk slightly acidic.
Key Takeaways
- Breast milk is essential for infants in the first three months, as it develops their immunity and creates a strong bond with the mother.
- Cow milk is not recommended for children under six months due to difficulty in digestion and lack of adequate amounts of iron and vitamin E.
- The nutrient content of breast milk and cow milk is different, with more proteins and minerals in cow milk, while breast milk has more lipids, lactose, and vitamin C.
