Colostrum can help build a child’s immunity and reduce susceptibility to infections.
Female mammary glands secrete bovine colostrum (colostrum bovinum). The baby’s first food is formed at the end of pregnancy and in the first few days after birth. It boosts immunity and prevents infection.
Colostrum (colostrum bovinum) is a fluid that is secreted by the mammary glands of female mammals. It is produced at the end of pregnancy and during the first few days after birth, constituting the young’s first food. It boosts their immunity and provides protection against infection.
The immune system of a newborn is stimulated by the mother’s first milk. UNICEF has designated colostrum as the first vaccine administered to a child. According to studies, children who have consumed this substance are significantly less likely to become ill in the future. Therefore, it is advantageous to arm them with this “immune bomb.”
The Immune Bomb
The clinical nutritionist emphasizes that an increasing number of studies confirm colostrum’s beneficial effect on immunity. Colostrum should be eaten by everyone in the family, from kids as young as three to adults and even the elderly.
A cow also secretes a very large amount of colostrum—10–15 liters, in the case of women, it is about 20–30 ml. For this reason, we can collect colostrum from cows and use it successfully.
The primary contraindication to supplementation is an allergy to the protein in cow’s milk. Because colostrum is a zoonotic product. In the case of children, it is always advisable to consult a pediatrician before beginning treatment. According to the recommendations, we can begin giving colostrum to our children at age three.
Immunity comes from the gut, and if the microbiome is good, it increases the chances of avoiding infection even after contact with the pathogen.
A dietitian presents three basic benefits of taking colostrum .
- immunity support,
- Improvement of intestinal homeostasis, or, in everyday language, putting the digestive tract in order. This is because colostrum helps good intestinal batteries grow.
- improving vitality – adding energy.
How to use colostrum?
Immunoglobulins (antibodies that protect against pathogens), lactose, colostronin (which reduces allergy symptoms), lysozyme (bactericidal), lactoferrin (anti-viral and inhibits the growth of cancer cells), minerals, and vitamins are found in colostrum. How is it to be utilized?
The expert points out that in pharmacies, we can find bovine colostrum in the form of tablets, liquids, as well as freeze-dried powder in capsules and disposable sachets.