Colostrum is an amazing substance that is produced naturally in the bodies of mammals, including cows. It is, in a way, the first superfood that every human consumes. While so-called "superfoods" have been all the rage for some time, colostrum has not been given that title until now, even though the nutrients in this special milk and its nutritional benefits are outstanding, often surpassing those of more popular superfoods. But what exactly is colostrum and why is it so healthy or even a potential superfood?
In this article, In Part 1 of this colostrum series , we would like to finally shine the spotlight on colostrum and discuss why colostrum should be considered the most original of all “superfoods” and what added value it can offer us as adults.
We invite you to join us on this short scientific excursion to the cow pasture. Put on your rubber boots and let's go!
This article is about:
Colostrum – The Superpower of All Mothers
Colostrum is the first milk produced by a cow after the birth of a calf and is also known as "first milk". Women and mammals in general also produce colostrum, which is passed on to the offspring for nurturing in the first few days after birth through breastfeeding or suckling.
Colostrum ensures that newborns, who are born helpless and with only an innate immune system but no acquired immune system, can quickly become strong and powerful. The strength and power that colostrum gives babies and calves relates in particular to their immune systems.
This special form of milk is not only important for newborn calves and babies, but also offers numerous health benefits to humans when consumed as a supplementary food.
But how is colostrum actually produced and why is it recommended that we consume it even as adults?
The Formation of Colostrum – Using the Example of the Cow
The production of colostrum in the cow's body is a fascinating and complex biological process. Hormonal changes occur during the cow's pregnancy that influence the body's preparation for the upcoming birth and milk production.
The hormones prolactin and estrogen play an important role in the development of the mammary glands. In the days and weeks before birth, the first phase of milk production begins, known as "lactogenesis I". During this phase, the cow's mammary glands grow and develop in preparation for the upcoming milk production. The hormones estrogen and progesterone play a key role here.
Immediately after the calf is born, the transition to the second phase of milk production occurs, known as "lactogenesis II". During this phase, the production of colostrum increases rapidly. The hormones prolactin and oxytocin play a key role in milk production. Prolactin stimulates milk production, while oxytocin triggers the contraction of the mammary gland muscles and the flow of milk.
The calf is now born and can drink colostrum from its mother in the first few days after birth to gain defenses and nutrients. This first milk is rich in nutrients and antibodies that strengthen the calf's immune system and protect it from infections. Unlike a baby, the calf is actually born without an innate immune system. The mother cow's colostrum is therefore a guarantee for the young animal's survival.
Colostrum also contains high concentrations of proteins, growth factors, vitamins and minerals that are essential for the growth and development of the calf.
In comparison to breast milk produced later, colostrum is thicker and has a golden color. The composition of normal breast milk is less concentrated in immune factors and is whitish in color.
So how is colostrum a superfood?
Why does colostrum deserve the title “superfood”?
Before we answer this question, we would like to briefly clarify what is actually meant by a superfood.
"Superfood" is a term that has become quite popular in recent years to refer to foods that are considered to be particularly nutrient-rich and beneficial to health. Although there is no official or scientifically accepted definition of a "superfood," the informal term is nevertheless often used by nutrition experts to refer to foods that have a high concentration of certain nutrients, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals or other bioactive compounds.
Colostrum undoubtedly contains a variety of beneficial nutrients, antibodies and immune-boosting compounds that are nutritionally important to us as adults.
The only difficulty, if you will, in calling colostrum a superfood, according to a few authors, is that the term "superfood" is sometimes associated with foods that are readily available, inexpensive and accessible to the general population. Colostrum is not yet so widely available and can be difficult to find in some regions - but let's be honest, how many goji berries, blue-green algae (spirulina) or cocoa nibs have you seen at your local farmer's market, let alone been able to buy at reasonable prices?
Many, even most, superfoods are a little "unusual", a little more expensive and often come from distant and tropical countries. Colostrum, on the other hand, can theoretically be found almost anywhere where there is dairy farming and livestock farming - and where isn't there? Scientific knowledge about colostrum is relatively new and many farmers are not yet aware that there is a market for surplus colostrum.
It is important to note here that even with existing colostrum producers, you should only use high-quality colostrum from trusted sources. Dairy farmers must first prioritize the welfare of calves before siphoning off excess colostrum for human consumption. Moreover, the quality and purity of colostrum can vary from supplier to supplier, affecting the consistency and reliability of its health benefits. That being said, there is nothing stopping colostrum from being a superfood.
Because of its nutritional properties and health benefits for humans, colostrum should definitely be considered a “superfood” and deserves more attention.
We would therefore like to take a closer look at the benefits that the nutrients in colostrum can offer us.
Liquid Gold – The Amazing Health Benefits of Colostrum
Colostrum can offer people numerous health benefits when consumed in a bioactive form. But what is actually in colostrum? Colostrum can be thought of as a kind of healthy, natural milk cocktail made up of all kinds of important nutrients, proteins, vitamins and fats. It also contains growth factors such as insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), which promotes muscle growth and can support tissue regeneration. Don't worry - Colostrum does not pose a doping risk .
The proteins and enzymes contained in colostrum can support, regenerate and promote our intestinal health. This can be particularly beneficial for people with digestive problems or if you want to cure your intestines.
Likewise, colostrum also contains naturally occurring anti-inflammatory substances that can help reduce inflammation in the body, which in turn can reduce the risk of inflammatory diseases. Many people also report an increase in their energy and vitality during or after taking colostrum.
But the most important ingredients in colostrum are undoubtedly the antibodies and immune factors that can strengthen our immune system. These can help improve our body's defenses against bacterial and viral infections and promote our general health.
«Immune defense in a glass, please» – How colostrum can strengthen your immune system
The human immune system is a complex network of cells, proteins and tissues that protects our body from harmful agents such as viruses, bacteria and other pathogens. Supporting and strengthening this system is vital to preventing disease and maintaining our health. Colostrum has been shown to be an effective way to improve and support the human immune system.
One of the most remarkable properties of colostrum is its high content of immunoglobulins, particularly immunoglobulin G (IgG). These antibodies play a crucial role in fighting infections because they have the ability to recognize and neutralize pathogens - almost like James Bond.
By taking colostrum, we can increase the concentration of these protective antibodies in the blood, which helps to strengthen the immune defense against pathogens. This is achieved not least by the substances lactoferrin and lysozyme contained in colostrum. These substances stimulate the activity of immune cells such as T lymphocytes and macrophages.
T lymphocytes and macrophages are crucial for detecting and eliminating pathogens in our body. By boosting the activity of these cells, colostrum helps fight infections effectively.
Colostrum also contains immune-regulatory substances that can help keep our immune system in balance. This is important to prevent excessive inflammatory reactions that can lead to autoimmune diseases. Colostrum can therefore help promote a healthy immune response.
The immunoglobulin A (IgA) contained in colostrum can also protect our mucous membranes and thus reduce the likelihood of infections in the respiratory tract, digestive tract and other mucous membrane areas - many infections begin in our upper respiratory tract.
So what is the conclusion?
The conclusion – colostrum, the “OG” of superfoods
The nutrients in colostrum speak for themselves - colostrum shows us how amazing Mother Nature is and how she provides us with a source of nutrients and immune factors that can be of great benefit not only to newborn animals but also to adult humans. Colostrum is therefore in some ways the pioneer, or as the young people would say, the "OG" of the superfood scene.
The research and use of colostrum as a nutritional supplement or food opens up exciting possibilities for promoting our health and well-being. If more dairy farmers skim off surplus colostrum sustainably and reputable suppliers take on the demanding processing process, then colostrum should soon be mentioned in the same breath as goji berries and other superfoods. The health potential of high-quality, ultra-filtered, non-heat-treated colostrum from milk surplus cannot be ignored.
Please note that it is important to consult a healthcare professional before taking colostrum or other dietary supplements, or if you make any changes to your diet.
The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
sources
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- Klapper, DG et al: Endicrinology, June 1983
- Colostrum has an antioxidant effect and strengthens the immune system on aerztezeitung.de, January 18, 2008, last accessed on September 7, 2023
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- Bruce, C.E.: Natural History Magazine, February 1969
- R. Pakkanen, J. Aalto: Growth Factors and Antimicrobial Factors of Bovine Colostrum. In: International Dairy Journal. 7 (5), 1997, pp. 285-297
- Kritzinger, Franz: The quality classification of colostrum with a simple precision funnel, Munich 2017, p. 6; last accessed on 07.09.2023
- Klapper, DG et al: Endicrinology, June 1983
- Przybylska, J.; Albera, E.; Kankofer, M.: Antioxidants in Bovine Colostrum, April 2007
- Li Y, Juhl SM, Ye X, Shen RL, Iyore EO, Dai Y, Sangild PT, Greisen GO. A Stepwise, Pilot Study of Bovine Colostrum to Supplement the First Enteral Feeding in Preterm Infants (Precolos): Study Protocol and Initial Results. Front Pediatrics 2017 Mar 3;5:42. doi: 10.3389/fped.2017.00042. PMID: 28316968; PMCID: PMC5334325.