Bovine Colostrum 101- What is Colostrum, its Benefits & What to Expect?

Which is one of the only foods that have-

• 10 times more vitamin A and iron, 3 times more vitamin D, and more calcium, phosphorous, and magnesium than milk?
• Helps combat Leaky Gut Syndrome, and respiratory illnesses, supports digestive health, and maintains a balanced intestinal environment
• Has amazing anti-aging health benefits
• Works as both a pre and a pro-biotic, ensuring that your gut bacterial diversity sustains itself and thrives.
• Improves iron assimilation and prevents acne, alopecia, and dull skin
• Has more than 200,000 studies on the value of the immune factors present in it, and
• Has more than 700 components that help fight against pathogens of all types

You guessed it correctly, I am speaking about the wonderful ‘Colostrum’.

From the gut and elimination to behavior to sleep and everything in between, benefits are seen when you give the body colostrum, which is so complete and solid that your body knows just what to do with every component.

Now you don’t need to buy breast milk online (yes, that is a thing!). But in this article, you’ll understand everything you need to know to get started with Bovine Colostrum.

What is Colostrum?

Human newborns receive colostrum from their mothers during the first few hours after birth, and this “Elixir of Life” not only provides naturally produced nutrients and antibodies in a highly concentrated environment but also creates the foundation of life-long immunity. 

Similarly, Bovine colostrum (BC) is the first milk-like fluid yielded from the mammary glands of cows after delivery and is intended for ingestion by the newborn during the first hours of life.

In most mammals, such as humans, many of the biologically active substances that are essential to development and survival, such as growth factors and immunoglobulins, cross the placental barrier and are transferred to the fetus in utero. Whereas, in other mammals belonging to the animal kingdom, particularly bovines, essentially none of these biologically active substances cross the placental barrier and, thus, they are concentrated in the colostrum which must be acquired by the offspring through suckling during the early hours of its life.

There is a considerable body of scientific evidence showing that if a calf fails to receive an adequate quantity of high-quality complete colostrum, it will be more vulnerable to pathogens in its environment and will not develop a proper body mass. [1, 2, 3, 4]

It has been reported that constituents from bovine colostrum are 100 to 1000-fold more potent than human colostrum. This means that if human neonates do not get enough maternal colostrum to build their passive immunity, then they can rely on cow or buffalo colostrum to gain health benefits. [5]

If this seems too good to be true, let’s geek out a bit and take a deeper look at all the exciting research that highlights the numerous benefits provided by the consumption of bovine colostrum, all of which I have seen firsthand in my Integrative Coaching practice. And just maybe then, will I be able to convince you to add it to your own wellness routine.

Is Having Colostrum a New Fad?

The use of colostrum for its health-related benefits is not a new concept. Its use dates back to traditions thousands of years ago.

In India, where cows are considered sacred, colostrum was delivered to the home with the milk and was used for medicinal purposes to treat everything from age-related symptoms to the common cold in ancient times. This practice began several thousand years ago with Ayurvedic physicians and sacred healers known as Rishis.

Kharvas, an Indian milk pudding made from cow or buffalo colostrum, is still very popular amongst households today.

Similarly in Scandinavian countries, the birth of a calf is celebrated by the making of a pudding for human consumption from the extra colostrum after the calf is fed. This practice has gone on for centuries and is intended to promote good health. Research conducted in these countries as early as the late 18th century showed the benefits of colostrum on the health and development of cattle and laid the groundwork for the early medicinal use of colostrum by humans. Even the early Amish farmers in America practiced this same ritual.

What are the Health Benefits of Bovine Colostrum?

This anti-aging superfood gives the body what it needs to not only survive but thrive! It enables the body to recognize defects and imbalances within it and pushes it to start moving back in the right direction by feeding the immune system all it needs.  

IT IMPACTS EVERY MAJOR BODY SYSTEM & resets the Immune System to its PRIME Functionality!

Bovine colostrum is actually 40 times richer in immune factors than human colostrum and is biologically transferable to humans.

I want you to take a look at the numerous growth factors and various constituents present within colostrum.

These growth factors give the body healing capabilities and help us to build, retain, and repair muscle, bone, nerve, and cartilage, balance blood chemistries, slow the burning of muscle proteins during fasting, and stimulate fat burning.

The immunoglobulins and lactoferrin present in colostrum are known to build natural immunity. Lactoferrin is involved in several physiological and protective functions, including regulation of iron absorption in the bowel, antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities. [6]

High-quality first-milking bovine colostrum is NOT a panacea that will cure every disease as claimed by many distributors of colostrum products. However, bovine colostrum is an amazing resource of substances necessary to support the development and repair of cells and tissues, assure the effective and efficient metabolism of nutrients, and establish and maintain a healthy immune system. As such, it represents a very dynamic means to stabilize bodily functions that are frequently out of control in various disease states. In other circumstances, these bodily functions may just need the boost that colostrum can provide to ward off disease.

Can I have Bovine Colostrum if I am Lactose-Intolerant?

Most people have the enzyme lactase in their saliva and digestive system that enables them to metabolize lactose safely. However, there are “lactose intolerant” individuals who have problems digesting lactose because their body produces too little or none of the lactase enzyme.

However, the amount of lactose in the first milking colostrum collected within 6 hours after birth is about one-half of what is present at 12 hours and one-third of what is present by 24 hours. [7] Therefore, high-quality complete first milking colostrum collected within 6 hours after birth has very little lactose and can be consumed safely by most people without potentially having them suffer the discomforts associated with lactose intolerance.

In fact, I know of so many who are intolerant to dairy but have no problem digesting and benefitting from this wonderful superfood!

My advice for people who are dairy sensitive, start with just a bit of colostrum, like a teaspoon, and work your way up. Over time, as the colostrum resets the immune system and heals your gut, you will find that you can even digest milk or at least reduce the intolerance to it.

Can I have Colostrum if I have high Cholesterol or other Co-morbidities?

By all means, YES!

The milk fat in complete first milking colostrum is actually one the most underrated and misunderstood components by many.

High-quality first-milking bovine colostrum contains 20-30% milk fat. The milk fat in colostrum is also a very important means to deliver some of its beneficial biologically active substances. [8, 9] Dissolved in or associated with the fat in colostrum are vitamins A, D, E, and K; steroid hormones; corticosteroids; some growth factors; and insulin.

Also, high-quality first-milking bovine colostrum does not contain any cholesterol and can be used safely by individuals with high serum cholesterol and high triglycerides. In fact, there are biologically active substances present in bovine colostrum that would be very beneficial to individuals at risk for atherosclerotic plaque formation.

Bovine colostrum also contains the hormone leptin, which not only suppresses appetite but also guides how the body uses and incorporates fat.

I have observed certain companies marketing their colostrum with the removal of the fat content or delivering it with certain modifications. I would definitely refrain from these. Try to source Colostrum that is available in the pure and whole form possible.

Am I Depriving the Calf of Colostrum and its Benefits?

Farmers truly care for their cattle and can’t afford to lose their precious calves. Research has shown that the calf needs about 2 quarts of colostrum to minimize disease and support development. But bovines produce a lot more colostrum than is required.

Also, a calf needs to receive colostrum ideally within four hours of being born, or it will become sickly and eventually die. To keep the calf as healthy as possible, the farmers collect the colostrum from the mother 6-8 hours after birth. They allow the calf to suckle as much as they can, but thereafter the farmer makes sure to bottle-feed the calf as well. This helps in case the new mother or the baby had difficulty during the initial milking process.

On average, experienced dairy farmers are able to collect 8-10 liters of colostrum in the first milking. They make sure that the calf receives at least 2 quarts (often more) of the colostrum.

The rest of the colostrum that is produced in abundance is collected and available for consumption.

Can Colostrum help with intestinal permeability, leaky gut, and intestinal disorders?

Colostrum is like no other food on the planet and this is why it’s the ONLY supplement that can potentially heal the gut on its own. If I had to pick one supplement that is truly most important to overall gut health, I’d pick the only nutrient known to us – the one that plays the entire symphony to balance inflammation – COLOSTRUM

Dr. Tom O’ Bryan

Bovine colostrum has been used as a dietary supplement to treat diarrhea, infections, and colitis. In vitro studies suggest that bovine colostrum has anti-inflammatory and chemopreventive properties. [10, 11] There are also some data suggesting it may prevent gastrointestinal damage caused by NSAIDs. [12]

To be specific, Colostrum contains a growth factor called Transforming Growth Factor (TGF). TGF has the potential for new cell production, which in turn helps in bone and cartilage repair, wound healing, and restoring the breaks within the intestine which constitutes the “leaky gut.”

Furthermore, lactoferrin present in colostrum acts as a prebiotic and stimulates the growth of good bacteria in the gut such as lactobacillus and bifidobacterium. It also has been shown to support the health of the gastrointestinal tract by promoting cell growth in the intestines. This helps to soothe inflammation and heal a damaged gut.

One important point to note is that the growth factors from mammalian bovine colostrum are NOT species-specific. They are in fact almost identical to human colostrum! Hence, the various growth factors in colostrum work in an excellent manner to restore the gut’s integrity and promote healing at a cellular level.

Can Colostrum actually prevent cavities & improve oral health?

Many studies have revealed that colostrum contains antibodies against organisms responsible for causing dental plaques, especially Streptococcus mutans- the primary cavity-causing bacteria.

In a study conducted by Lomiranta & colleagues, they actually studied the effect of using colostrum as a mouthwash in a group of people. One group was given colostrum that did not have the antibodies against the bacteria Streptococcus mutans, and the control group was given colostrum from cows who were immunized with the Strep Mutans vaccine. [13]

The scientists in this study saw a significant decrease in the Strep mutans bacteria (the bacteria that most commonly causes cavities) in people who had rinsed their mouth with a colostrum that specifically carried that antibody.

Colostrum also contains naturally occurring lactoperoxidase. Lactoperoxidase is one of the various members of the peroxidase family that is known to play an important role in maintaining oral hygiene. In fact, Lactoperoxidase is now being added to toothpaste, mouthwashes, artificial saliva, chewing gum, and calf starters to augment the in vivo protection against infections. [14]

This means that if you consume colostrum orally, and particularly leave it packed in the gums for a while, you will benefit majorly from the antibodies that provide protection against dental caries.

What are the different ways to consume Bovine Colostrum?

Today colostrum is widely available as a dietary supplement since it has earned its reputation rightly as a superfood. If you have access to liquid colostrum directly from a farm, nothing beats that.

You can make milk pudding out of it or source it from your local dairy. But that is not something that can be consumed daily. Nor do I have the luxury of sourcing colostrum where I am. Hence, I make sure to source pure and whole colostrum in powder form.

The only source of Colostrum I personally use and hence recommend is the one from Anovite. You can get it as loose powder, capsules, or gummies.

My dear friend Rose likes to call the Colostrum powder – “white gold”!  I am always grateful to her since it was after listening to her miraculous healing journey with colostrum that I dug deep into it and began utilizing its benefits.

While there is no recommended dosage for this supplement. I always believe in going slow with anything new. Start with a teaspoon once a day and work your way towards more or less, depending upon how you feel and your body responds. The powder is very versatile and can be used in many ways.

• Put a good amount of the powder in your coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, and use a small handheld battery-operated frother to blend it in well. It is very tasty! The frother is needed to blend the colostrum well due to the naturally occurring fat in the colostrum. This will actually replace your cream and gives it an excellent flavor.
• Mix a whopping tablespoon with a bit of softened butter and raw honey – spoon it into little “dollops” and keep it in the refrigerator. If desired, add some good cocoa powder. You can have these as easy and yummy energy bites.
• Blend it in with your smoothie every morning.
• You also choose to eat it straight off the spoon. This will maximize the oral health benefits that come from the colostrum having contact with the oral mucous membranes
• For more “selective” (aka “picky”) eaters, it is delicious stirred into applesauce or yogurt. I think adding it to plain yogurt with a little spoon of honey tastes like a delicious vanilla pudding!
• Another great way is to sprinkle colostrum over squash, mashed potatoes, oatmeal, or just about anything that tastes good with butter or cream.
• On occasions when you need that extra boost, double the amount you have. It is a whole food, so there is nothing as “too much”. Like with every food, you are free to have as much of it as you like, as long as your body craves it. Tune in to your body and see how much feels right for you. Rose like to give the example of having an apple. There is no “too much” of eating an apple. I might be able to eat ½ an apple, but you might like to eat a whole massive-sized one. Similarly, consume as much as you can digest.

There is no particular known adverse effect of consuming colostrum. Some experience a detox reaction but that is just the body’s way of eliminating the toxins out of the body. It is a good sign and you might want to lower your dose till your body resets the immune system. Otherwise, a good heapful of colostrum twice a day is tolerated well by many. Your body will let you know what works BEST for YOU! I promise you will KNOW!

Why should I have Colostrum collected within the 1st 6 hours only?

1. Colostrum is a pre-milk product. From about 10 to 12 hrs after the birth of its calf, the mother cow’s colostrum becomes much weaker in nutrients. On its way to becoming milk, colostrum gradually transforms into transitional milk. And, 72 hours after birth, it has transitioned to the very milk that we buy in the grocery store. In order to get the most nutrients and benefits, having pure colostrum is key and not that which has transitioned to transitional milk. Hence, having colostrum collected within the 1st 6-7 hours gives the assurance that pure colostrum has been obtained.
2. The amount of lactose in the first milking colostrum collected within 6 hours after birth is about one-half of what is present at 12 hours and one-third of what is present by 24 hours. [7] Therefore, colostrum collected within 6 hours after birth has very little lactose and can be consumed safely by most people without potentially having them suffer the discomforts associated with lactose intolerance.
3. The various growth factors, antibodies, and other constituents that are present in colostrum and that make it the Magical Elixer are concentrated and are present in maximum amounts within the 1st 4-6 hours. To get the maximum benefit, consuming colostrum obtained within this time frame is ideal.

What to Lookout for when you choose to source Bovine Colostrum?

Points to look out for when you purchase Colostrum:

• It’s important to take colostrum in its most original form possible. Do not take colostrum that has had parts ‘extracted’ because it will be missing all of the co-factors, enzymes, and things we don’t even know about that make the colostrum digestible.
• Make sure the colostrum is obtained within the first 4-6 hours of its production (after the calves get their share, of course!). This means that the colostrum is never diluted with transitional milk, nor is the good fat that contains all the vital nutrients removed from it.
• Select one that is 99% bioidentical to human colostrum
• Make sure it is third-party tested and certified so that you know you are getting pure colostrum.

Quite honestly, I have researched and tried various Colostrum sources available in the market. But I keep coming back to Colostrum6 by Anovite and cannot recommend it enough. I know of people who pay thousands of rupees simply to ship it to where they are. I am sure it is because they understand its value and the purity of the product that is available.

Feel free to do your research and let me know if you find a good and reliable source.

One Pro-tip for those wishing to get Anovite’s Colostrum6- To avoid paying the retail price, make an account (it is free!) and after you log in, choose it as a Smartship order to avoid paying for Shipping. (The Smartiship feature is available only for those in the United States, but you definitely can save up and get the wholesale price when you log in, irrespective of where you are based.

The Verdict

This is only the tip of the iceberg of bovine colostrum’s colostrum health benefits. Colostrum actually educates your immune system and has the ability to down-regulate an overactive system or up-regulate an underactive system. It helps your body address what is needed. I hope you will make use of this wonderful resource and its benefits.

While there are many benefits of colostrum for both adults and infants, it is always important to consult your doctor when incorporating new supplements into your diet. An expert can help tailor your efforts to your unique biology and needs, so you can experience the most effective results possible.

As one of the only few skin and health coaches in the world, we provide online coaching for people around the globe. 

Sending lots of healthy and happy wishes your way. ?

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References

1. Blum JW, Baumrucker CR; Colostral and milk insulin-like growth factors and related substances: mammary gland and neonatal (intestinal and systemic) targets, Domest Anim Endocrinol 2002; 23(1-2):101-10.

2. Buhler C, Hammon R; Small intestinal morphology in eight-day-old calves fed colostrum for different durations or only milk replacer and treated with insulin-like growth factor and growth hormone, J Anim Sci 1998; 76(3):758- 65.

3. Hammon HM, Blum JW; Feeding different amounts of colostrum or only milk replacer modifies receptors of intestinal insulin-like growth factors and insulin in calves, Domest Anim Endocrinol 2002; 22(3):155-68.

4. Nocek JE, et al; Influence of neonatal colostrum administration, immunoglobulin, and continued feeding of colostrum on calf gain, health, and serum protein, J Dairy Sci 1984; 67(2):319-33.

5. Kelly GS. Bovine colostrums: a review of clinical uses. Altern Med Rev 2003; 8(4):378-94.

6. An MJ, Cheon JH, Kim SW, et al. Bovine colostrum inhibits nuclear factor kappaB-mediated proinflammatory cytokine expression in intestinal epithelial cells. Nutr Res. 2009 Apr;29(4):275-80.

7. Fundamentals of Dairy Chemistry, 2nd Ed, B.H. Webb, A.H. Johnson, J.A. Alford eds; The AVI Publishing Co., Westport, CT, 1978.

8. Hurley WL; Animal Science 308 (on-line): The Neonate and Colostrum, University of Illinois Urbana-Champagne; 2000, 11 pgs. [http//:classes.aces.uiuc.edu/AnSci308].

9. Kuhn NJ; The Biochemistry of Lactogenesis. In Biochemistry of Lactation, T.B. Mepham, ed.; Elsevier Science Publishers 1983; pp 309-49.

10. An MJ, Cheon JH, Kim SW, et al. Bovine colostrum inhibits nuclear factor kappaB-mediated proinflammatory cytokine expression in intestinal epithelial cells. Nutr Res. 2009 Apr;29(4):275-80.

11. Masuda C, Wanibuchi H, Sekine K, et al. Chemopreventive effects of bovine lactoferrin on N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)nitrosamine-induced rat bladder carcinogenesis. Jpn J Cancer Res. 2000 Jun;91(6):582-8.

12. Playford RJ, et al. Co-administration of the health food supplement, bovine colostrum, reduces the acute non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced increase in intestinal permeability. Clin Sci (Lond) 2001; 100(6):627-33.

13. Loimaranta V, Laine M, Söderling E, Vasara E, Rokka S, Marnila P, Korhonen H, Tossavainen O, Tenovuo J. Effects of bovine immune and non-immune whey preparations on the composition and pH response of human dental plaque. Eur J Oral Sci. 1999 Aug;107(4):244-50. doi: 10.1046/j.0909-8836.1999.eos107403.x. PMID: 10467939.

14. Magacz M, Kędziora K, Sapa J, Krzyściak W. The Significance of Lactoperoxidase System in Oral Health: Application and Efficacy in Oral Hygiene Products. Int J Mol Sci. 2019 Mar 21;20(6):1443. doi: 10.3390/ijms20061443. PMID: 30901933; PMCID: PMC6472183.