Colostrum: Animal-based Super Food?
Colostrum is something that many people are totally or partially unaware of. If you have heard of it, it may have only been because you or someone you know had a child and had to deal with lactation. Colostrum is the first yellowish fluid produced after childbirth. It is pure for about the first four days of lactation, and then it is slowly replaced by milk over several weeks. The early milk that still contains some colostrum is called transitional milk. All lactating mammals produce colostrum. Research has proven that pure colostrum promotes growth and health in all newborn mammals, including humans.
Bovine (from cows) colostrum is consumed by some traditional cultures and is becoming more popular as a supplement for its supposed health benefits. This post will cover what it is, what it does for newborn babies, and its use for adults.
What is Colostrum?
Colostrum is the first milk produced after birth and is a rich natural source of nutrients, immunoglobulins, and peptides with antimicrobial activity and growth factors. It is much higher in proteins than milk due to abundant immunoglobulins and casein. Colostrum is 15% protein, while milk is only 3. α-lactalbumin and lactoglobulin are two other proteins found in colostrum. Lactoglobulin aids immune activity, reducing inflammation and stimulating gut repair. α-lactalbumin possesses antimicrobial and antitumor activity and binds calcium and zinc ions.
The predominant sugar in colostrum is lactose; however, it is much lower than in milk. There are a few other related sugars present as well. The function of these sugars is to nurture proper gut bacterial growth and supply energy.
Colostrum is 7% fat, which is much higher than milk. The predominant fats are omega-6, omega-3, conjugated linoleic acid, short-chain fatty acids, palmitic acid, oleic acid, gangliosides, and phospholipids. The fats give energy, help nerve development, bind pathogens, and boost the immune system.
Colostrum also contains the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, and K2. They are part of the fatty content, along with some water-soluble B vitamins. The vitamins possess antioxidant behaviors and stimulate bone growth. They also help the immune system and aid in mental acuity. Additionally, colostrum is rich in several essential minerals, including calcium, copper, iron, zinc, magnesium, manganese, and phosphorus. 1
Insulin-like growth factor, Epidermal Growth factor, Vascular Endothelial growth factor, and over twenty different peptide growth factors have been described in colostrum to aid early growth and development. 2
Benefits to the Newborn
The antibodies in colostrum from the mother act as the immune system for newborns while theirs is in development.
All of the required nutrients are provided by colostrum.
Colostrum aids in gut development, protects the gut, and nurtures healthy gut flora.
Colostrum helps clear the initial fecal matter called meconium and decreases the chance of jaundice.
Colostrum is produced in small amounts, so the baby does not get much during each feeding, which helps the newborn learn to suckle, swallow and coordinate breathing.
Finally, there are growth factors that aid in the baby's development. 3
Traditional Uses of Animal Colostrum
For a long time, colostrum has been ingested for its health benefits or medical reasons. Colostrum is a highly digestible and complete protein source that can be added to a balanced diet. It contains macronutrients and vitamins, minerals, and various protein-derived bioactive nutrients that can provide additional benefits to the body. Historically, fresh liquid colostrum was primarily consumed by indigenous cultures, mostly in the form of bovine colostrum.
In India and Scandinavia, colostrum is also used to produce cheeses and other foods. Traditionally, colostrum was consumed raw; it is usually pasteurized today to avoid pathogenicity. People who are allergic to milk should not consume bovine colostrum.
Proven Benefits of Colostrum
Research has found that supplementing with (bovine) colostrum can reduce children's upper respiratory tract infections and diarrheal episodes. IgG found in it has also been shown to bind and neutralize the human respiratory syncytial virus. Additionally, athletes in training are at a higher risk for symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections, and meta-analyses of published trials showed a positive effect of colostrum supplementation. 4 In 1997, the first study on the effects of colostrum supplementation on exercise performance was conducted. The study demonstrated significant enhancements in explosive muscle power and increased immunoglobulin concentration in serum. Colostrum was demonstrated to decrease gut damage by NSAIDs threefold over placebo. Finally, Traveler's Diarrhea demonstrated a dose-dependent and significant improvement in protecting against the development of diarrhea among volunteers in a double-blinded, placebo-controlled study. 5
Conclusion
Colostrum is a highly digestible and complete protein source that can be added to a balanced diet. It contains macronutrients and vitamins, minerals, and various protein-derived bioactive substances that can provide additional benefits to the body. Due to its health benefits, many people consume dried colostrum as a dietary supplement or nutraceutical. It can be consumed as part of the carnivore diet (or any diet besides vegan); however, it is only widely available as a powder. If you decide to consume it, ensure it is as pure as possible. This article may help you choose which brand is for you.