Colostrum & Its Benefits Explained
If you’re a parent, you’ve likely heard of colostrum. It is the first milk that all nursing mothers produce and contains nutrients that are essential for a newborn. In the video, Dr. Crosby states, "To a pediatrician like myself, colostrum is considered to be liquid gold because it is so incredibly important for a child’s overall health." Watch to learn more or read below for Dr. Crosby's expert input on this amazing superfood.
What does does colostrum do?
In the newborn period, colostrum is basically a baby's first superfood. It helps to jumpstart gut function, the immune system, and a healthy microbiome in the first few days of life. Nature has designed a substance that contains everything a newborn needs in perfect combination. It contains protective proteins and immune factors which help support the immune system so your newborn's immune system can recognize and ward off potential invaders. It also contains prebiotics and growth factors, which help to promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut and strengthen the protective barrier of the gut, helping to create a balanced and healthy microbiome the first few days of life.
Is colostrum available to older children and adults?
Yes, colostrum is produced by all mammals, not just humans. And much the way we drink milk from dairy cows, colostrum from cows and be collected for human consumption. All those components that are found in human colostrum, the protective proteins, the immune factors, the prebiotics, they're all present in cow colostrum as well.
What are the health benefits of cow colostrum?
Today there are over 6,000 studies illuminating the science of cow colostrum and its applications for human health. Two of the most thoroughly studied health benefits of colostrum are immune health and digestive health. These benefits have been shown in both children and adults. Colostrum helps support digestive health by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, and supporting the gut’s natural repair process. Colostrum supports immune health by strengthening your body's natural immune response and by supporting a healthy gut where over 70% of the immune system resides.
What should you look for when choosing a colostrum supplement?
First and foremost, look for companies that put the health of the calf first, and collect only after the calf has received all of the colostrum it needs to thrive. You should also look for companies that support the health and wellbeing of the cows that supply the colostrum. Cows that live on USDA Grade A certified dairies are best. Colostrum is also best when it’s collected on the first days of milking once the calves have received everything they need. After the first day, the components in colostrum start to become less and less potent, meaning it will be less beneficial for your health. The idea that colostrum is readily available beyond the newborn period really amazes me. To a pediatrician like myself, colostrum is liquid gold; it really is a superfood. It provides essential nutrients for growth, as well as strengthens the immune and digestive systems, as well as overall health. It’s wonderful that it’s now possible to receive those benefits throughout life. I’m proud to recommend Life’s First Naturals to my patients, both parent and child.