Colostrum is the first milk produced by cows within the first few days after giving birth. Companies now produce bovine colostrum supplements for consumption by anyone who wants to boost their immune system. The colostrum may also help encourage growth and manage diarr`hea, respiratory infections, or sepsis in children. Here are some things to know about using colostrum supplements.
Colostrum Composition
Colostrum produced by cows contains nutrients that protect the calf from infections before its immunity system kicks in. This milk is nutrient-dense and provides the newborn calf with growth factors, cytokines, antibodies, and antimicrobial proteins. Below are other nutrients found in colostrum.
Proteins
Proteins in bovine colostrum are much higher compared to the proteins in mature cow’s milk. The two main proteins in this milk are casein and whey. In humans, casein promotes the production of pancreatic enzymes and a healthy gut. Protein from this first milk also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and assists in improving your immune system regulation. Whey is rich in lactoglobulin amino acids, which are not present in human milk. These amino acids have antiviral properties and contain peptides with antimicrobial, antioxidative, antihypertensive, and anticarcinogenic properties.
Carbohydrates
Colostrum is rich in five types of carbohydrates: lactose, glycolipids, nucleotide sugars, oligosaccharides, and glycoproteins. Lactose may stimulate the growth of beneficial gut bacteria like lactobacilli and bifidobacterial while inhibiting harmful bacteria growth in the gut. This carbohydrate also enhances the body’s ability to absorb minerals like calcium, zinc, and magnesium. Oligosaccharides have a prebiotic effect, promoting your gut health. They also stabilize blood sugar levels in the body and reduce your appetite, which is beneficial for treating and preventing obesity. Glycoproteins contribute to the body’s immune function by providing a medium through which white blood cells can attach to the blood vessel lining.
Fats, Vitamins and Minerals
Most of the saturated fat contained in abundance in colostrum is removed by producers when processed for human consumption. The good fat that processors leave in colostrum supplements contains oleic acid, which lowers cholesterol levels and improves cardiovascular health. Colostrum also contains vitamins and minerals that contribute to human health, like vitamins A, B, C and E, and minerals like calcium, magnesium, copper, and zinc.
How Manufacturers Make Bovine Colostrum Supplements
Humans do not make enough colostrum to use for supplements, so manufacturers collect colostrum from cows a few days after giving birth. The milk is frozen, pasteurized, and turned into powder form. Manufacturers also sell colostrum supplements in the form of pills, tablets, and liquid. Some companies create a special type of hyperimmune colostrum supplements made from the colostrum of cows vaccinated against specific diseases, which is rich in antibodies that can fight these diseases.
Colostrum Supplements Dosage
Because colostrum is a natural animal product, there is no risk of overdosing on colostrum supplements. There is no official dosage for colostrum supplements since they are not regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration. Adults may take 10 to 60 grams of colostrum daily for about eight weeks, but for children, the right dosage depends on their age and weight. If you want to take colostrum supplements for a specific condition, consult your healthcare provider to know what dose would be effective. Avoid colostrum supplements if you are lactose intolerant or allergic to milk.
Enjoy the Health Benefits of Colostrum
Bovine colostrum supplementation can provide you with nutrients in high concentrations not found in regular milk and other foods. The proteins, fats, and carbohydrates found in colostrum can elevate your immune system, reduce inflammation in the body, and improve your gut health. Since colostrum is a natural animal product, it has minimal side effects and might only affect someone already allergic to cows’ milk. Individual response to colostrum supplements may vary, so monitor how your body reacts to the supplements to determine if they work for you. Invest in colostrum supplements today to boost your health.
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