WHAT IS COLOSTRUM???

            Colostrum is the special milk that many mammals (including humans) produce from just prior to birth, until approximately 24-48 hours postnatal. It is yellowish, considerably thicker than normal milk and is known to be rich in immunoglobulins (antibodies), growth factors, and protein. The purpose of colostrum is multi-factorial. It provides nourishment, passive immunity, may deliver important growth factors, and has an osmotic effect which helps the neonate pass meconium (the first bowel movement).

            More specifically… Colostrum is rich in immunoglobulin’s IgA and IgG,  insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), insulin-like growth factor-2 (IGF-2), transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta) and epidermal growth factor (EGF). Other substances found in colostrum include casein, lactoferrin, alpha-lactalbumin, beta-lactoglobulin, vitamins, minerals, lipids and lactose.

          It has been know in the world of veterinary medicine for many years that colostrum is critical in providing immunity, promoting health, and preventing disease in newborn calves.  In fact, a calf's entire gastrointestinal system is designed to take advantage of colostrum during the first two days of life, and then changes so that colostrum no longer provides much advantage.  However, how colostrum affects adult human beings is the focus of this website!

WHY DO PEOPLE TAKE COLOSTRUM???

            Colostrum has been used as a dietary supplement and for medicinal purposes. Some believe that colostrum boosts immunity, can help prevent/treat gastrointestinal infections, reduces the gastrointestinal side effects of anti-inflammatory medicines, enhances athletic performance and/or has an anabolic effect on muscles.