Colostrum immunoglobulins and oxidative capacity may be affected by infant sex and maternal age and parity

Background/aim: The aims of this study were to determine the levels of the total antioxidant status (TAS), the total oxidant status (TOS), the oxidative stress index (OSI), and the concentration of immunoglobulin A (IgA) and M (IgM) in colostrum, and evaluate relationships between these parameters and maternal age, maternal parity, and infant sex.

Materials and methods: The analysis was performed in serum samples of colostrum which were collected from 90 mothers on the first day of lactation between 10:00 and 12:00 AM

Results: The measurements established that no significant association existed between the TAS level of colostrum and parity, maternal age, or infant sex. However, mothers 18 to 30 years of age had significantly lower colostrum TOS and OSI levels compared with mothers older than 30 years of age. IgA and IgM values of the colostrum of primiparous mothers were significantly higher than those of multiparous mothers, whereas no correlations existed with the age of the mother. Additionally, significantly higher colostrum IgA and IgM values were observed in female infants fed colostrum compared with male infants.

Conclusion: In conclusion, sex-based hormonal changes in mothers during pregnancy may be associated with the different colostral immunoglobulin levels for male and female infants.