Colostrum Benefits Are Many – A Superfood!

What is Colostrum?

Colostrum has literally been around since the beginning of time. Towards the end of pregnancy and during the first few hours after giving birth, female mammals produce colostrum that is then passed on to the newborn in their first few days of life. Colostrum is packed full of immune boosting antibodies that can essentially set the framework for the baby’s immune system function, and help prevent disease and illness.

These antibodies found in Colostrum, called immunoglobulins, are referred to as IgA, IgG, and IgM in mammals. Colostrum is very rich in proteins, vitamin A, and sodium chloride, but contains lower amounts of carbohydrates, lipids, and potassium than normal milk. The most important bioactive components in colostrum are growth factors and antimicrobial factors. The antibodies in Colostrum provide passive immunity, while growth factors stimulate the development of the gut. These are then passed to the baby and provide the first protection against pathogens.

What Does it Do?

The immune boosting property of colostrum via its transfer factors was first noted by Sherwood Lawrence in 1949. He found that these transfer factors “can ‘educate’ or modulate a recipient’s immune system, teaching it to recognize these specific antigens and communicating the knowledge that they are present.”

Bovine Colostrum has been used for hundreds of years to help people with immune compromised diseases, and was actually the first oral vaccine given to polio patients. It contains very high concentrations of immunoglobulins which can then bind themselves to antigens and are marked for removal from the body.

Lactoferrin, an abundant protein component of Colostrum, binds to iron. This binding makes iron less available for use by bacteria and other pathogenic microorganisms, including fungi and viruses, which need iron to grow and survive. Lactoferrin’s ability to regulate iron also influences T-cell, neutrophil, and monocyte proliferation – all essential components of the immune response. Since iron regulation is essential for normal growth, it is a key aspect for controlling the advancement of diseases in the body.

Who Could Benefit From Colostrum?

Anyone can benefit from the use of a Colostrum supplement – whether you have a healthy immune system or find yourself constantly plagued with illness and disease. Athletes have also found numerous advantages when including a Colostrum supplement in their fitness routine. Some benefits may include; improved strength, endurance, gastrointestinal health and improved immune function.

Endurance training can increase intestinal permeability which may contribute to the development of gastrointestinal symptoms in some athletes. A study done by the American Physiological Society looked at the effects of strenuous exercise on gut permeability, and heat stroke partially caused by toxins entering through the gut. They found that intense exercise increases gut permeability by as much as 2.5 times, however, the group with Colostrum in their system actually had an 80 percent decrease in that permeability.

Including Colostrum in a training program is allowing athletes to recover even faster from hard work-outs by supplying muscles with the necessary amino acids and protein. Also, because Colostrum contains extra amounts of Immunoglobulins it helps support the immune system during those hours after a strenuous exercise when immunosuppression takes place.

A study done recently looked at stress induced immunodepression like that found in athletes. They found that the use of a Colostrum supplement speeded their recovery time and prevented a decrease in immune function. Their results suggest that 4 weeks of colostrum supplementation limits the immunodepressive effects caused by a prolonged physical stressor, such as exercise.

Colostrum and Kids!

Another group of people benefitting from Colostrum use are kids. On average children get sick with cold and flu bugs 6 times per year! Once they start school all bets are off – if you are a parent you know that trying to keep your child healthy between the months of October through March is a huge feat. We can do all kinds of things to help our children stay healthy – like get enough sleep, eat healthy foods, cut back on the sugar, but if you want to help boost immune function naturally…Colostrum may help ward off those coughs and sniffles.

What Kind of Colostrum Should I Buy?

When looking for a Colostrum supplement, make sure you buy an all-natural, grass-fed product such as Bioactive Colostrum™.The cows that produce our all natural Colostrum are guaranteed to be disease, pesticide, chemical, hormone-treatment and GMO-free.

Look on the label – the only ingredient should be Colostrum. Stay away from all the un-necessary added ingredients and artificial sweeteners. Well Wisdom’s Bioactive Colostrum™ can be mixed in a protein shake, with your favorite beverage (milk, water, etc.) or you can also place it directly into the mouth and chew it.

So, if you’re dealing with a compromised immune system, find yourself catching every bug and germ, or want to help support your body during strenuous exercise – give Colostrum a try.

Pub Med: Dose effects of oral bovine colostrum on physical work capacity in cyclists

American Physiological Society: The nutriceutical bovine colostrum truncates the increase in gut permeability caused by heavy exercise in athletes

Natural News: Colostrum is a Proven, Effective Immune System Booster

British Journal of Nutrition: Bovine colostrum supplementation