Colostrum and everything you need to know about it

One of the most important things a mother can give her baby is milk. It's the nourishment that allows the baby to develop at its most crucial time. Milk is also a host of ingredients - minerals, vitamins, hormones, fatty acids. Mom produces for her baby what every body needs. However, nothing can beat this first food, called colostrum, in which all the necessary substances are accumulated. Colostrum is, of course, found not only in humans, but in all mammals. No wonder, then, that man decided to take advantage of this treasure trove of properties. And so Colostrum found its way to the market. What is it? What are its properties and uses?

You are probably curious about what colostrum is and what it has in common with colostrum. Although this name is immediately associated with a supplement, it is actually bovine colostrum - colostrum bovinum. It is a product produced naturally in the mammary glands of cows, mares, goats or sheep. As with human colostrum, this animal colostrum is also extremely valuable. We can find more than 250 biologically active substances in it, which have a considerable impact on human health. First of all, they are supposed to protect young mammals from external dangers - viruses, bacteria, fungi. All thanks to immunoglobulin, lysozyme, lactoperoxidase or lactoferrin. For the immune system, colostrum is a real treasure, which we will tell you a little more about below. But Colostrum doesn't only work for immunity. And we will start with just that.

Everyone knows that colostrum is a great way to support the immune system. What may come as a surprise is that it is also characterized by anti-cancer properties. The effects of colostrum have been studied in many aspects, so we know that bovine colostrum fights melanoma, colon cancer and MethA fibrosarcoma cells, and reduces the risk of metastasis and recurrence [1]. People undergoing chemotherapy can also use bovine colostrum because of the substance's effect on immune support. However, colostrum is not only recommended for this civilization disease. Another is Alzheimer's, and in fact all neurodegenerative diseases that lead to brain damage. In the case of Alzheimer's, however, it is known that colostrin - a protein complex found in bovine colostrum - protects against the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques in the brain. These, among others, are responsible for the disease's progression [2]. What else does colostrum work for? The properties of bovine colostrum also make it possible to support the digestive system, especially the intestines. In addition to having a positive effect on the microflora, colostrum seals them, as well as inhibits inflammatory processes and enables the regeneration of the intestinal epithelium. Colostrum, and more specifically the casein contained in it, protects against dental caries and prevents bone demineralization. This is important especially for seniors. Of course, colostrum can also work on the skin. It positively influences its firmness, reduces wrinkles and allows skin regeneration, which makes it a recommended substance for working on scars.

But still colostrum is primarily a support for the immune system. Colostrum bovinum can significantly improve the functioning of your immune system. Why? Because among the more than 250 biologically active substances, there are these:

These are antibodies that a mother passes on to her baby with her milk. During an infection, they are the ones that allow the immune response to be properly carried out.

A protein that is characterized by antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. It prevents viruses from entering cells. It also participates in the process of obtaining iron from food.

This is a protein and enzyme that acts primarily as a bactericide. Lysozyme also exhibits anti-inflammatory properties.

However, as you might guess, these are not all substances that positively affect the immune system. Colostrum is a very complex product, improving the condition of the entire body, not just its response to the presence of pathogens. This is why this supplement is recommended to so many people. Who should reach for colostrum bovinum?

Colostrum is recommended primarily to those people who - for various reasons - face weakened immunity. This may be related to long antibiotic therapy or high exposure to pathogens. However, it is not the only one. It is ideal for people exposed to high and chronic stress, which also negatively affects the immune system, as well as seniors and children - two age groups that naturally have lowered immunity. As we mentioned above, colostrum is a good option for cancer patients. Of course, this type of supplementation is always worth consulting with your doctor. Even more so with such a difficult disease as cancer. Colostrum, however, is not just a solution for immunity, and it is worth remembering that. It's support for the bones, cardiovascular system, digestive system and even the skin. Colostrum in supplement form is encouraging to test just because of such a wide range of uses and fantastic effects.

[1] https://onkolmed.pl/wpis/816,na-co-pomaga-siara

[2] https://onkolmed.pl/wpis/812,jak-kolostrynina-wplywa-na-nasz-mozg-i-skore