Colostrum for Adults - Benefits and Nutritional Value
- By Bea Recuerdo (BSc)
- 8 Jul 2022
What is Colostrum? And why would you use it as an adult?
Colostrum is the milk produced by the mammary gland (Source: NCBI), usually by a “mother” during the first few days after giving birth. This milk contains high levels of antibodies, proteins, healthy fat, minerals, and vitamins. Because of its rich nutrient content, colostrum helps support the growth and development of newborn babies, and the same goes with animals. According to studies, it also helps promote gut health as it contains good bacteria Source: MDPI).
What are Bovine colostrum supplements?
Bovine colostrum is milk produced from cows. Originally, bovine colostrum is vital for the development of a new-born calf but aside from that, it is now being commercially sold as supplements to help promote and support health and immune function (Source: MDPI)
Health Benefits of Bovine Colostrum Supplements for adults
Colostrum isn’t just important to babies, but for adults too! Over the years colostrum, specifically, bovine colostrum has been used as a supplement because of its health benefits. Below are some of the scientifically proven health benefits of bovine colostrum supplements:
Scientifically proven vitamins and minerals in colostrum for adults
According to research, bovine colostrum contains high levels of both fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins. It contains high concentrations of Vitamin C, Vitamin A (in the form of retinol, retinal, retinoic acid and retinyl esters), Vitamin E, Vitamin K, and Vitamin D. All of which are vital to maintaining a healthy immune system (Source: Frontiersin, MDPI).
It is also a rich source of calcium and phosphorus that is known to help support bone and muscle health. Along with these two, bovine colostrum also contains magnesium, zinc and selenium (Source: Frontiersin, MDPI).
Bioactive Proteins in Colostrum
One of the main reasons why colostrum is sought after is for its bioactive substances, specifically, different types of proteins that act as antibodies and enzymes. Below are some of them:
Immunoglobulins (Igs)
Immunoglobulins or also known as antibodies are a large component of colostrum in general. Immunoglobulins play a vital role in strengthening immune function by assisting in microbial infections (Source: MDPI).
Lactoferrin
Lactoferrin is an iron-binding glycoprotein that can help enhance iron absorption as well as fight foreign and harmful microbes. According to research, it also helps increase muscle growth in calves and helps reduce respiratory tract infection in children (Source: MDPI).
Lactoperoxidase
Lactoperoxidase is an enzyme and an effective antimicrobial agent. Lactoperoxidase is higher in content in bovine colostrum as compared to mature cow’s milk. These proteins help fight bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhimurium, Listeria monocytogenes, Streptococcus mutans, and Staphylococcus aureus (Source: Frontiersin, MDPI).
Carbohydrate and Fat Components in Colostrum
Carbohydrates
Bovine colostrum contains lactose and oligosaccharides. Lactose is lower in the colostrum as compared to mature milk. What’s more significant in percentage is oligosaccharides (Source: MDPI).
Oligosaccharides
Bovine colostrum contains bioactive oligosaccharides that help attack foreign microbes and also act as a “prebiotic”, that helps in the growth of good bacteria in the gut (Source: MDPI).
Fats
Bovine colostrum contains about 7% fat, specifically milk fat globules. Bovine colostrum contains a healthy fraction of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids as well as saturated, and monounsaturated fat.
One of the fat components of bovine colostrum is oleic acid that can also act as an “immunomodulator” or a substance that can help support immune function by modifying or changing the way our immune system reacts to a harmful microbe (Source: MDPI).
Where can I get high-quality colostrum for adults?
Due to the increasing number of colostrum supplements on the market, it is critical that we understand the qualities to consider before making a purchase.
Today, the natural fat content of most colostrum products is removed after processing. The product cannot go bad after the fat is eliminated. However, eliminating the fat also eliminates some of the nutrients and natural bioactive chemicals that are bound in the fat matrix, also referred to as MFGM (milk fat globule membrane). Colostrum's natural makeup is altered as a result. The best colostrum, in other terms, has the full "milk matrix."
It's good to note that colostrum which contains less than 20% fat in its nutritional makeup has had the fat removed.
Here at Plent, we offer unique bovine colostrum sourced from Scandinavian grass-fed cows. It's created carefully to preserve the natural fat content and the natural bioactive compounds and nutrients of the Colostrum. See our 100% Whole Colostrum product.
Bottom line – colostrum for adults
What motivates several adult people is the health benefits you get from drinking colostrum supplements. If you don’t have any allergic reactions to dairy, then colostrum is a good supplement to consider if you want a natural way to support your immune system, cell growth, and gut health.
