Benefits of Colostrum: A Deep-Dive Into its Health-Boosting Properties
By Dr. Nayana Shetty +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nayana Shetty
Last updated: Apr 17, 2024Click to rate this article!
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By Dr. Nayana Shetty +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nayana Shetty
Last updated: Apr 17, 2024Table of Contents
There is a substance made by mammals that brings several health benefits, especially for newborns. This substance, known as colostrum, is often called the “liquid gold” because of its health qualities. In this article, we will delve into colostrum, its health-promoting traits, and the ways it can aid babies and possibly adults too.
We aim to understand the birth and growth of colostrum, its diet makeup, along with its many potential health benefits. We will also dive into how colostrum supplements that are available, and their possible side effects and drug interactions. Lastly, we will answer frequently asked questions regarding this topic.
To my knowledge, all the nutrients your infant needs in their first few days of life are found in colostrum. It is also brimming with vitamins and minerals to fortify your baby’s defences against illness. Colostrum secreted by your nipples flows slowly to help your baby learning to nurse. This is the best food the baby can have in its first week in the world!
Dr. Smita barode, BAMS
Colostrum is the first milk that mammals, us included, make just before or after giving birth. It’s a strong, nutrition-packed liquid, that helps babies survive and grow in the early days of life.
Colostrum is produced from the mammary glands (breasts) of expecting mothers ready to birth their young ones. After the first week of birth, the production of colostrum begins to fall as regular milk takes over.
For humans, colostrum starts to form about 12-18 weeks into pregnancy. By the end of the third stage of pregnancy, it’s at its highest. The real secretion of colostrum happens soon after childbirth and usually lasts for around 3-5 days before regular breast milk starts to release.
Colostrum and regular breast milk both give important nutrients to newborns. Yet, they are quite diverse in their structure and goal. Colostrum is full of substances that aid the start of growth, and immunity. Regular breast milk gives a balanced diet for ongoing growth.
There are certain guidelines to follow if you and your physician determine that expressing and storing colostrum is safe. First, make sure the colostrum is kept in a sterile syringe or container. You may store it in the fridge for up to three days or so. After three days, it needs to be transferred to a freezer. However, its best that you feed the baby colostrum directly in the first week after childbirth when it is produced.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
The list of key nutrients and living parts in colostrum makes it a very valuable source of diet for newborns. These are described below.
Lactoferrin is a protein found in colostrum. It’s important for immunity. It has bacteria-killing and virus-killing traits, helping to fight infections and bacteria.
Colostrum contains many growth factors like insulin like growth factors 1, and 2 (IGF – 1,2), and transforming growth factor alpha, and beta. These growth factors influence cell growth and its functions.
Antibodies, also called immunoglobulins, are high in colostrum, mainly IgA, IgG, and IgM types. These proteins strengthen the immune system by fighting bacteria and viruses.
Colostrum has many kinds of hormones. These hormones add to the overall growth of a newborn. Some of them may affect the early maturation of the stomach lining.
Colostrum also has many key vitamins and minerals needed for growth and development. These include vitamins A, B, C, E, and K, along with magnesium, copper, and zinc.
The wonderful makeup of colostrum makes it a very valuable superfood for both babies and adults. It has many health benefits such as supporting immunity, improving gut health, and protecting from infections.
For babies, colostrum is a key source of needed nutrients, helping in their growth and development.
One of colostrum’s most important benefits for newborns is its capacity to support their immunity. The antibodies and other disease-fighting parts in colostrum help protect against infections and strengthen the baby’s growing immune system.
Colostrum plays a key role in the growth of a baby’s digestive system. Its rich diet profile supports the growth of gut cells and fortifies the gut wall. This avoids possible issues like gut leakage or “leaky gut.”
Due to the high amount of antibodies, colostrum helps shield babies from bacterial and viral infections.
Preterm babies can benefit a lot from colostrum. Studies show that colostrum may help prevent necrotizing enterocolitis entirely. It’s a severe gut issue that impacts some preterm babies.
While first meant for newborns, research hints that adults may also gain some health benefits from colostrum supplements.
Adults may notice an immune system strengthening from colostrum. Studies show that athletes who took colostrum supplements had improved immune responses. This helped to lower their risk of upper airway infections. More research needs to be done regarding this benefit.
Colostrum may help keep and even improve gut health in adults. Research suggests that it may fortify the gut wall, avoids gut leakage, and may even aid in managing colitis, an inflammatory gut condition.
Colostrum has shown possible benefit in handling leaky gut. It may help to improve the gut’s barrier function as it doesn’t let unwanted substances from entering the bloodstream.
There’s some proof suggesting colostrum may support skin health in adults. Benefits could include faster wound healing and less swelling. More studies need to be conducted to corroborate these findings.
Athletes may get help from colostrum because of its growth stimulating and immunomodulatory traits. Some studies suggest that it may boost muscle recovery and help improve strength and staying power.
Colostrum’s growth factors might help improve muscle recovery and growth, especially when paired with regular exercise.
Emerging research hints that colostrum might boost power and strength in athletes. This could result in improved overall sports performance.
Studies have shown that the stomach of your newborn is roughly the size of a marble. They require colostrum only for the first week, after which colostrum is replaced by milk. Your milk supply will rise to fulfil the baby’s growing demands as your body adjusts to generating regular breast milk.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, MD
Bovine colostrum is obtained from cows soon after they give birth. The colostrum is collected using sterile methods for safety and quality. It is then pasteurized to kill any harmful bacteria. Finally, it is dried and made into supplements in forms like powders or pills.
Bovine colostrum comes from cows and is similar to human colostrum in terms of key nutrients, growth factors, and immunoglobulins. Supplements made from bovine colostrum have similar health benefits as human colostrum.
Even though colostrum is made from animals and does not have lactose, it does have dairy proteins that may cause allergies. Those who have a milk allergy or sensitivity should be careful if their thinking of colostrum supplementation. Always keep your doctor in the loop.
While it seems, colostrum comes with a long list of potential health benefits as a supplement in adults, it’s also very important to look into possible side effects and drug interactions.
Like with all natural products, colostrum may cause some side effects in some people. These are as follows.
Some people might face stomach issues like gas, bloating, or diarrhea after taking colostrum supplements. If these symptoms happen, it is advised to stop use and meet a healthcare professional.
Those allergic to milk or dairy can have an allergic reaction to colostrum supplements. If an allergic reaction starts, you should stop using the product and go seek medical attention.
There are currently no known interactions between colostrum supplements and other drugs. Yet, it is best to always meet with a healthcare professional before adding any supplements to your diet, especially if you take medications.
Colostrum supplements are in both capsule and powder forms. Powdered supplements can be mixed with water, milk, or other liquids. The suggested doses can differ based on the product’s makeup and an individual’s particular needs. It’s always best to meet with a healthcare professional before starting a new supplement plan to ensure efficacy and safety.
Colostrum is a substance made by mammals after giving birth. It brings many health benefits for babies and in adults. Colostrum supplements are shown to have potential benefits. Its rich nutritional profile supports immune system work, gut health, protects from infection, and more.
Research on colostrum supplements is still ongoing. Yet, initial findings hint at likely benefits for adults in supporting immunity, gut health, and enhancing sports performance. That being said, it’s crucial for people to meet with a healthcare professional before taking colostrum supplements. This ensures that the right dose is taken that avoid any possible side effects or drug interactions.
In conclusion, colostrum is an interesting part of mammalian birth. It provides helpful support during the first few days of life for newborns. And it may benefit throughout adulthood. As researchers go on to explore its possible roles, it’s interesting to watch what new things can be found about this “liquid gold.”
Colostrum comes with many benefits. For newborns, it supports immune systems, improves gut health, and reduces infections. For adults, possible benefits include strengthening the immune system, supporting gut health, and lifting sports performance.
Some people may face belly issues like gas, bloating, or diarrhea. If you are allergic to milk or dairy, you should be careful when taking colostrum supplements.
Yes. Colostrum does not have lactose. But it does have dairy proteins which can cause issues for those with milk allergies.
While both colostrum and collagen are diet-rich with several potential health benefits, they serve different purposes. Colostrum mainly focuses on supporting immunity, improving gut health, and reducing infections. On the other hand, collagen supports joint, skin, and tissue health.
Though colostrum comes with likely health benefits, it’s vital to meet with a healthcare professional before adding supplements to your diet. Colostrum may not be fitting for individuals with milk allergies or some medical issues. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should meet with their healthcare provider before use.
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