The Science of Colostrum

Colostrum Overview

Colostrum is the first milk produced during late pregnancy and for a few days after birth, and provides essential nutrients and infection-fighting antibodies. Immunity is part of the foundation of wellbeing and colostrum supports natural immunity.
It provides the antibodies which attack the microbes that cause illness and growth factors which assist in the healing process of damaged tissue.
Research is proof and hundreds of studies by some of the world’s most respected doctors, researchers and scientists have shown that the components in colostrum can destroy viruses, bacteria, yeasts and parasites.
See our Research Articles for a selection of studies.

What is Colostrum?

Colostrum is literally ‘nature’s first food’. It is the pre-milk fluid that all female mammals give their newborn baby in the first few days after birth. Colostrum is a highly complex cocktail of vital immune and growth factors that a baby needs to protect itself against the diseases it will be exposed to, and assists with the development of the newborn into a strong and healthy adult.
Human babies acquire their immunity in the womb prior to birth, receiving immune factors (antibodies) via the placenta. Breast feeding then provides the additional protection, which explains why breast-fed babies are generally healthier than those that are bottle fed.
Antibodies are a key part of the immune system. They act as the body's army. Antibodies, (also known as immunoglobulin’s - Ig’s), are proteins that are found in the blood and other body fluids and are used by the immune system to identify and neutralise foreign objects, such as bacteria and viruses. Pathogenic bugs have protrusions on their cell surface called antigens and the antibodies bind to the antigens stopping the bugs from growing.
Cows must provide all of the immune and growth factors to their calves in the colostrum as they do not receive any whilst in the womb. It is not surprising therefore that a cow’s colostrum contains up to twenty times more immune factors than does human colostrum. Because colostrum is non-species specific, it can benefit all other mammals, including humans.
For centuries the colostrum taken from animals has been consumed by children and adults. People in India have used it as a traditional remedy for thousands of years. Research over the past three decades indicates that bovine (cow) colostrum is one of the most effective nutritional supplements available for supporting the immune system. It is also renowned for aiding tissue repair.
A complex substance, colostrum has many components, all of which have specific purposes and actions. Together they create a ‘super food’ which can be used by just about anyone.