Colostrum is the first form of breast milk that is released by the mammary glands of humans and mammals after birth. It is rich in nutrients, antibodies and antioxidants necessary for the newborn's immune system. Colostrum is thicker and more yellow than normal breast milk. Bovine colostrum is colostrum from cows.

What does colostrum contain?

Bovine colostrum is extremely nutritious and contains more nutrients than regular milk.
In particular, it has a higher content of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, magnesium, B vitamins and vitamins A, C and E than cow's milk.
While colostrum is rich in macronutrients, vitamins and minerals, its health benefits are largely related to specific protein compounds, which include:

• Lactoferrin. Lactoferrin is a protein involved in the body's immune response to infections, including those caused by bacteria and viruses.
• Growth factors. Growth factors are hormones that stimulate growth. Bovine colostrum is particularly rich in two protein-based hormones, insulin-like growth factors 1 and 2, or IGF-1 and IGF-2 (1).
• Antibodies. Antibodies are proteins, also known as immunoglobulins, used by the immune system to fight against bacteria and viruses. Bovine colostrum is rich in IgA, IgG and IgM antibodies.

 

It can increase immunity

Bovine colostrum can strengthen your immune system and help your body fight against infectious agents.

The immune-stimulating effects of colostrum are largely due to its high concentration of IgA and IgG antibodies. Antibodies are proteins that fight against viruses and bacteria.
Research shows that colostrum supplements can be particularly effective in increasing immunity in elite athletes.
Researchers have also suggested that higher levels of IgA may strengthen immunity and increase the body's ability to fight upper respiratory tract infections.
 

Antidiarrheal effect

The compounds in bovine colostrum - especially the variety of antibodies and the protein lactoferrin - can help prevent diarrhea associated with bacterial and viral infections.

 

It can benefit intestinal health

Bovine colostrum can have beneficial effects on the intestinal level and can fight against infections in the digestive tract.
Studies support effects of bovine colostrum such as: stimulating the growth of intestinal cells, strengthening the intestinal wall and preventing intestinal permeability.
These beneficial effects are probably due to lactoferrin and the growth factors it contains.