Everything You Need to Know About Colostrum: Benefits & Uses

Published: 31 October, 2024 | 6'

Surely you have heard about the numerous benefits of colostrum for newborns, but did you know that these benefits can also be harnessed in adulthood? Thus, we can find it in the form of dietary supplements aimed at boosting our immune system or in the sports sector.

We’ll explain why it is so important for babies and how we can take advantage of it throughout our lives with the help of Dr. Luis Gutiérrez Serantes, a physician and health communicator.

What is colostrum? 

Colostrum is a fluid produced during the first hours after birth by the mammary glands of mammals. It is therefore also known as “first milk” given to newborns, as following this secretion and modifications in its composition, regular breast milk is formed.

Composition of colostrum

“The composition of colostrum is different from that of mature breast milk, as it is adapted to the needs of the newborn baby,” explains Dr. Gutiérrez. The amount of colostrum produced is very low because newborns' kidneys are not fully developed and can only process small amounts of liquid. In addition, it contains enzymes that aid in the baby's digestion, as their own intestinal enzymes are still immature.

It is also beneficial for the newborn’s intestinal health in forming their microbiota, as it contains immunoglobulins that recognise foreign substances in the body. It promotes the maturation of the baby’s digestive tract and immune systems, as it also supports the colonisation of the intestine by lactobacillus, live microorganisms that have positive effects on our digestive system and promote intestinal wellbeing.

Thus, Dr. Gutiérrez confirms that “the digestive and immune systems of newborns have not yet completed their maturation, so these enzymes together with the immunoglobulins and growth factors in colostrum support this development.”

Unlike mature breast milk, it has a higher content of proteins, fat-soluble vitamins E, A, K, and carotenoids, and minerals such as sodium, calcium, iron, and potassium, among others. 

Does colostrum contain proteins?

Colostrum consists of proteins, which are made up of amino acids that are combinable molecules for forming proteins. These proteins are beneficial for muscle and tissue development as well as for nutritional and energy purposes. 

Certain types of proteins in colostrum also provide health benefits associated with the modulation of the gut microbiota, acting as prebiotics.

Immunoglobulins in colostrum

“Colostrum contains immunoglobulins, proteins found in secretions such as tears or breast milk whose main function is to recognise foreign substances in the body and neutralise them,” explains Dr. Gutiérrez Serantes.

The immunoglobulins (Ig), commonly known as antibodies, are proteins that our immune system uses to recognise and act against potential external aggressors. Thus, “the presence of these in our bodies is crucial for the proper functioning of natural defences,” states the doctor.

Colostrum contains a large amount of immunoglobulins, mainly of the IgA and IgG types and proteins such as lactoferrin, which benefit the care and maturation of the innate immunity present from birth and forming the first line of defence in the immune response.

Lactoferrin plays a role in modulating the immune response with its defensive and antioxidant capabilities. This protein has a high affinity for iron, binds to it, and prevents its use by microorganisms.

Benefits of colostrum 

• First of all, it has a significant amount of nutrients, and is also easily digestible for newborns, providing essential growth factors for the development of organs.
• Due to its high content of immunoglobulins and components involved in the body’s defence response, colostrum plays a vital role in the response to external agents.
• Since some vitamins cannot cross the placental barrier due to their nature, colostrum is the primary source of these nutrients for the infant after birth.
• It promotes gastrointestinal wellbeing and nutrient absorption. According to a study published in the scientific journal Nutrients, bovine colostrum supplements may benefit the growth of intestinal cells and maintain the structure of the intestinal wall epithelium due to the high concentrations of lactoferrin and growth factors.

Newborns can benefit from the positive effects of colostrum through breastfeeding, although adults can also obtain sources of colostrum included in various dietary supplement formulations, usually of bovine origin.

What is bovine colostrum?

Bovine colostrum is the first milk produced by the cow after giving birth in the subsequent hours and is the first food the mother provides to the newborn. It offers similar positive effects to those of human colostrum, and its uniqueness is that it is currently used in the form of dietary supplements to benefit from its properties in adulthood. 

Its use has mainly expanded in dietary supplements aimed at athletes or for boosting immune defences due to its positive effects on overall wellbeing, the high concentration of bioactive components it contains, and its good tolerability.

Benefits of bovine colostrum 

“Like human colostrum, bovine colostrum has a high nutritional value due to its content of amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and immunoglobulins,” explains Dr. Gutiérrez, “with a concentration higher than that of regular milk.” 

Colostrum mainly possesses benefits for immune defences as we have mentioned, but it also has positive activity on gastrointestinal wellbeing and athletic performance.

• It enhances athletic performance and recovery due to its bioactive components. Both its high protein content and its high value in growth factors influence muscle development.
• The enzymes present in bovine colostrum promote gastrointestinal wellbeing, as it has good tolerability and is easy to digest. 

Precautions and Considerations for Bovine Colostrum 

Those who have lactose intolerance should pay attention to the composition of dietary supplements that contain bovine colostrum in their formulation. Hence, the doctor confirms that “since it comes from bovine milk, it is unsuitable for individuals sensitive to cow’s milk protein.”

Differences between human colostrum and bovine colostrum 

Human colostrum differs from bovine colostrum by its origin and use mainly, as both act in a similar manner, providing the nutrients of their composition to newborns, which have positive effects on their immune defences and development.

Although all female mammals produce colostrum, the peculiarity of bovine colostrum lies in its use in dietary supplements. It is extracted in the hours following the birth of dairy cattle and undergoes a freeze-drying and/or freezing process, thus preserving its composition and properties.

Colostrum in dietary supplements, how is it taken?

As a source of bioactive components such as enzymes, antibodies, and growth factors, which are present in greater quantities in colostrum than in other dairy products, colostrum has become an interesting ingredient for inclusion in dietary supplements.

We can find it in formulations aimed at boosting our defences, as well as in sports supplements with other ingredients like whey protein (whey protein).

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Content created in collaboration with Dr. Luis Gutiérrez Serantes. This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a specialist.

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