colostrum

Colostrum, like other forms of milk, is mostly water, and also contains lactose, fat, minerals and protein. It also contains bioactive components including antibodies to protect the newborn against disease and infection, and immune and growth factors. Colostrum contains white blood cells.

Newborns have very immature and small digestive systems, and colostrum delivers its bioactives in a concentrated low-volume form. Colostrum is known to contain immune cells (as lymphocytes){{cite web | url=https://www.womenshealth.gov/itsonlynatural/addressing-myths/myths-in-the-african-american-community.html | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161214020108/https://www.womenshealth.gov/itsonlynatural/addressing-myths/myths-in-the-african-american-community.html | archive-date = 14 December 2016 | title=Breastfeeding myths in the African-American community | work = It's Only Natural | publisher = WowensHealth.gov | date=2017-06-09}} and many antibodies such as IgA, IgG, and IgM.{{cite journal | vauthors = Poonia A, Shiva | title = Bioactive compounds, nutritional profile and health benefits of colostrum: a review. | journal = Food Production, Processing and Nutrition | date = 2022 | volume = 4 | issue = 1 | pages = 26 | doi = 10.1186/s43014-022-00104-1 | doi-access = free | pmc = 9592540 | department = Review }}{{cite journal | vauthors = Ramani A, Taherabbas S, Manik S | title = Bovine colostrum as a promising nutraceutical: a systematic review. | journal = Sustainable Food Technology | date = May 2024 | volume = 2 | issue = 3 | pages = 531–547 | doi = 10.1039/D3FB00256J | doi-access = free }} These are some of the components of the adaptive immune system. Other immune components of colostrum include the major components of the innate immune system, such as lactoferrin, lysozyme, lactoperoxidase,{{cite book |doi=10.1002/9780470715413.ch16 |chapter=The Lactoperoxidase-Thiocyanate-Hydrogen Peroxide Antibacterium System |title=Ciba Foundation Symposium 65 – Oxygen Free Radicals and Tissue Damage |series=Novartis Foundation Symposia |year=2008 | vauthors = Reiter B |issue=65 |pages=285–294 |pmid=225143 |isbn=978-0-470-71541-3 }} complement, and proline-rich polypeptides (PRP).{{cite journal | vauthors = Palmeira P, Carneiro-Sampaio M | title = Immunology of breast milk | journal = Revista da Associação Médica Brasileira | date = 2016 | volume = 62 | issue = 6 | pages = 584–593 | doi = 10.1590/1806-9282.62.06.584 | pmid = 27849237 | doi-access = free }}{{cite journal | vauthors = Indrio F, Neu J, Pettoello-Mantovani M, Marchese F, Martini S, Salatto A, Aceti A | title = Development of the Gastrointestinal Tract in Newborns as a Challenge for an Appropriate Nutrition: A Narrative Review | journal = Nutrients | volume = 14 | issue = 7 | date = March 2022 | page = 1405 | pmid = 35406018 | pmc = 9002905 | doi = 10.3390/nu14071405 | doi-access = free | department = Review }} A number of cytokines (small messenger peptides that control the functioning of the immune system) are found in colostrum as well, tumor necrosis factor, and others.{{cite journal | vauthors = Silva FG, Silva SR, Pereira AM, Cerqueira JL, Conceição C | title = A Comprehensive Review of Bovine Colostrum Components and Selected Aspects Regarding Their Impact on Neonatal Calf Physiology | journal = Animals | volume = 14 | issue = 7 | date = April 2024 | page = 1130 | pmid = 38612369 | pmc = 11010951 | doi = 10.3390/ani14071130 | doi-access = free | department = Review }}{{cite journal | vauthors = Godhia ML, Patel N | title = Colostrum–its Composition, Benefits as a Nutraceutical–A Review. | journal = Current Research in Nutrition and Food Science Journal | date = August 2013 | volume = 1 | issue = 1 | pages = 37–47 | doi = 10.12944/CRNFSJ.1.1.04 | department = Review }}

Colostrum also contains a number of growth factors, such as insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-1),{{cite journal | vauthors = Xu RJ | title = Development of the newborn GI tract and its relation to colostrum/milk intake: a review | journal = Reproduction, Fertility, and Development | volume = 8 | issue = 1 | pages = 35–48 | year = 1996 | pmid = 8713721 | doi = 10.1071/RD9960035 | department = Review }} and II,{{cite journal | vauthors = Yalçıntaş YM, Duman H, López JM, Portocarrero AC, Lombardo M, Khallouki F, Koch W, Bordiga M, El-Seedi H, Raposo A, Alves JL, Karav S | title = Revealing the Potency of Growth Factors in Bovine Colostrum | journal = Nutrients | volume = 16 | issue = 14 | date = July 2024 | page = 2359 | pmid = 39064802 | pmc = 11279796 | doi = 10.3390/nu16142359 | doi-access = free | department = Review }} transforming growth factor alpha,{{cite journal | vauthors = Okada M, Ohmura E, Kamiya Y, Murakami H, Onoda N, Iwashita M, Wakai K, Tsushima T, Shizume K | title = Transforming growth factor (TGF)-alpha in human milk | journal = Life Sciences | volume = 48 | issue = 12 | pages = 1151–1156 | year = 1991 | pmid = 2002746 | doi = 10.1016/0024-3205(91)90452-H | department = Review }} beta 1 and beta 2, fibroblast growth factors, epidermal growth factor, granulocyte-macrophage-stimulating growth factor,{{cite journal | vauthors = Playford RJ, Macdonald CE, Johnson WS | title = Colostrum and milk-derived peptide growth factors for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders | journal = The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition | volume = 72 | issue = 1 | pages = 5–14 | date = July 2000 | pmid = 10871554 | doi = 10.1093/ajcn/72.1.5 | doi-access = free | department = Review }} platelet-derived growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, and colony-stimulating factor 1.

Proline-rich polypeptides (PRPs) are small immune signaling peptides that were independently discovered in colostrum and other sources, such as blood plasma, in the United States, Czechoslovakia and Poland.{{cite journal | vauthors = Janusz M, Zabłocka A | title = Colostral proline-rich polypeptides--immunoregulatory properties and prospects of therapeutic use in Alzheimer's disease | journal = Current Alzheimer Research | volume = 7 | issue = 4 | pages = 323–333 | date = June 2010 | pmid = 19939229 | doi = 10.2174/156720510791162377 | department = Review }} Hence they appear under various names in the literature, including Colostrinin, CLN, transfer factor and PRP. They function as signal transducing molecules that accelerate the maturation of cells of the immune system.{{cite book |doi=10.1007/978-0-387-74087-4_9 |chapter=A Proline-Rich Polypeptide from Ovine Colostrum: Colostrinin with Immunomodulatory Activity |title=Bioactive Components of Milk |series=Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology |year=2008 | vauthors = Zimecki M |volume=606 |pages=241–250 |pmid=18183932 |isbn=978-0-387-74086-7 | department = Review }}

{{Further|Anti inflammatory agents in breast milk|Human milk immunity}}

In humans, colostrum is produced for the first few days after childbirth. The antibodies in colostrum protect infants from infection{{cite journal | vauthors = Thapa BR | title = Health factors in colostrum | journal = Indian Journal of Pediatrics | volume = 72 | issue = 7 | pages = 579–581 | date = July 2005 | pmid = 16077241 | doi = 10.1007/BF02724182 | department = Review }}{{cite web |title=The Phases of Breast Milk {{!}} WIC Breastfeeding Support |url=https://wicbreastfeeding.fns.usda.gov/phases-breast-milk |website=wicbreastfeeding.fns.usda.gov |access-date=29 December 2022 |language=en}} and colostrum is hypothesized to have anti-inflammatory properties.{{cite journal | vauthors = Bagwe-Parab S, Yadav P, Kaur G, Tuli HS, Buttar HS | title = Therapeutic Applications of Human and Bovine Colostrum in the Treatment of Gastrointestinal Diseases and Distinctive Cancer Types: The Current Evidence | journal = Frontiers in Pharmacology | volume = 11 | issue = | pages = 01100 | date = 2020 | pmid = 33071773 | pmc = 7533576 | doi = 10.3389/fphar.2020.01100 | doi-access = free | department = Review }} It is suggested infants fed with human colostrum have lower incidence of gastrointestinal infections. Colostrum has a laxative effect, encouraging the baby's body to excrete stool, which helps eliminate excess bilirubin,{{Cite web |last=Bệnh viện An Sinh |date=2018-12-03 |title=Những lợi ích của sữa non |url=https://tuoitre.vn/nhung-loi-ich-cua-sua-non-20181203160320974.htm |access-date=2024-06-16 |website=TUOI TRE ONLINE |language=vi}}{{Cite web | vauthors = Tĩnh BH |date=2023-10-30 |title=Khám phá 4 lợi ích tuyệt vời của sữa non cho trẻ sơ sinh |url=https://baohatinh.vn/post-256483.html |access-date=2024-06-16 |website=Báo Hà Tĩnh |language=vi}}{{Cite web |title=Sữa non gerllac |url=https://gerllac.vn/ |access-date=2024-06-16 |language=vi}} although jaundice lasts longer in breastfed infants than in those who are formula-fed.{{cite web | url=https://llli.org/breastfeeding-info/jaundice/ | title=Jaundice }}

Upon exposure to pathogens, dairy cattle produce antibodies against the pathogens. These antibodies are present in the cow's bloodstream and colostrum. Some of these antibodies are specific to human pathogens, including Escherichia coli, Cryptosporidium parvum, Shigella flexneri, Salmonella species, Staphylococcus species,{{cite journal | vauthors = McConnell MA, Buchan G, Borissenko MV, Brooks HJ |title=A comparison of IgG and IgG1 activity in an early milk concentrate from non-immunised cows and a milk from hyperimmunised animals |journal=Food Research International |date=2001 |volume=34 |issue=2–3 |pages=255–261 |doi=10.1016/S0963-9969(00)00163-0 }} and rotavirus (which causes diarrhea in infants). Albert Sabin, who developed the first oral vaccine against polio, used colostrum in an experiment to evaluate the protective effect of breastfeeding against the poliomyelitis virus. Sabin obtained blood serum and milk samples from 30 human nursing mothers at different times after delivery. He then mixed the serum and blood from each individual mother together, in systematically differing proportions, and added "a constant amount" of the Lansing strain of the poliomyelitis virus. The mixtures were then injected into the brains of mice. The results showed that 100% of the human colostrum samples had antipoliomyelitic activity whereas only "80 per cent of the milk specimens obtained between 101 and 340 days after delivery" had such activity. He also tested cow's milk (not specified as colostrum) and found that milk samples from 2 of 9 cows contained antipoliomyelitic activity.{{cite journal | vauthors = Sabin AB | title = Antipoliomyelitic substance in milk of human beings and certain cows | journal = A.M.A. American Journal of Diseases of Children | volume = 80 | issue = 5 | pages = 866–867 | date = November 1950 | pmid = 14777169 | doi = 10.1001/archpedi.1950.04040020867012 }} When antibiotics began to appear, interest in colostrum waned, but after antibiotic-resistant strains of pathogens developed, interest turned to colostrum as a natural alternative to antibiotics.{{cite journal | vauthors = Pallasch TJ | title = Antibiotic prophylaxis: problems in paradise | journal = Dental Clinics of North America | volume = 47 | issue = 4 | pages = 665–679 | date = October 2003 | pmid = 14664458 | doi = 10.1016/s0011-8532(03)00037-5 }}

Bovine colostrum and human colostrum contain many of the same antibodies, immune and growth factors, and nutrients.{{cite journal | vauthors = McGrath BA, Fox PF, McSweeney PL, Kelly AL |title=Composition and properties of bovine colostrum: a review |journal=Dairy Science & Technology |date=March 2016 |volume=96 |issue=2 |pages=133–158 |doi=10.1007/s13594-015-0258-x |doi-access=free }}{{cite web |title=Bovine Colostrum: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews |url=https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-785/bovine-colostrum |website=WebMD |access-date=29 December 2022 |language=en}}

There is also research suggesting that a large proportion of colostrum is not fit for human consumption "due to tremendous bacterial loads". Salmonella was detected in 15% of unpasteurised samples.{{cite journal | vauthors = Houser BA, Donaldson SC, Kehoe SI, Heinrichs AJ, Jayarao BM | title = A survey of bacteriological quality and the occurrence of Salmonella in raw bovine colostrum | journal = Foodborne Pathogens and Disease | volume = 5 | issue = 6 | pages = 853–858 | date = December 2008 | pmid = 18991543 | doi = 10.1089/fpd.2008.0141 }} Pasteurisation reduces the bioactive proteins many of the benefits rely upon, however.{{cite journal | vauthors = Dominguez E, Perez MD, Calvo M | title = Effect of heat treatment on the antigen-binding activity of anti-peroxidase immunoglobulins in bovine colostrum | journal = Journal of Dairy Science | volume = 80 | issue = 12 | pages = 3182–3187 | date = December 1997 | pmid = 9436097 | doi = 10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(97)76290-8 | doi-access = free }}

Colostrum may support respiratory health in adults and children.{{cite journal | vauthors = Ulfman LH, Leusen JH, Savelkoul HF, Warner JO, van Neerven RJ | title = Effects of Bovine Immunoglobulins on Immune Function, Allergy, and Infection | journal = Frontiers in Nutrition | volume = 5 | pages = 52 | date = 22 June 2018 | pmid = 29988421 | pmc = 6024018 | doi = 10.3389/fnut.2018.00052 | doi-access = free }}{{cite journal | vauthors = Cesarone MR, Belcaro G, Di Renzo A, Dugall M, Cacchio M, Ruffini I, Pellegrini L, Del Boccio G, Fano F, Ledda A, Bottari A, Ricci A, Stuard S, Vinciguerra G | title = Prevention of influenza episodes with colostrum compared with vaccination in healthy and high-risk cardiovascular subjects: the epidemiologic study in San Valentino | journal = Clinical and Applied Thrombosis/Hemostasis | volume = 13 | issue = 2 | pages = 130–136 | date = April 2007 | pmid = 17456621 | doi = 10.1177/1076029606295957 | doi-access = free }}{{cite journal | vauthors = Saad K, Abo-Elela MG, El-Baseer KA, Ahmed AE, Ahmad FA, Tawfeek MS, El-Houfey AA, Aboul Khair MD, Abdel-Salam AM, Abo-Elgheit A, Qubaisy H, Ali AM, Abdel-Mawgoud E | title = Effects of bovine colostrum on recurrent respiratory tract infections and diarrhea in children | journal = Medicine | volume = 95 | issue = 37 | pages = e4560 | date = September 2016 | pmid = 27631207 | pmc = 5402550 | doi = 10.1097/MD.0000000000004560 }} One study of human subjects suggested that oral colostrum was effective in preventing influenza. Bovine colostrum was shown to reduce symptoms of allergic rhinitis in children.{{cite journal |last1=Wong |first1=C. |title=O033 Bovine colostrum as an adjunct therapy in the control of allergic respiratory disease in children |journal=Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology |date=November 2016 |volume=117 |issue=5 |pages=S12 |doi=10.1016/j.anai.2016.09.393 }}

Colostrum may help to maintain and support intestinal integrity and improve nutrient absorption, while its naturally occurring prebiotics feed beneficial gut bacteria in adults and children.{{cite book |doi=10.1016/B978-0-12-809868-4.00001-7 |chapter=Health Benefits of Bovine Colostrum in Children and Adults |title=Dairy in Human Health and Disease Across the Lifespan |date=2017 |pages=3–20 |isbn=978-0-12-809868-4 | vauthors = Buttar HS, Bagwe SM, Bhullar SK, Kaur G }}{{cite journal | vauthors = Playford R |title=Peptide therapy and the gastroenterologist: colostrum and milk-derived growth factors |journal=Clinical Nutrition |date=June 2001 |volume=20 |pages=101–106 |doi=10.1054/clnu.2001.0434 }}{{cite journal | vauthors = Patel K, Rana R | title = Pedimune in recurrent respiratory infection and diarrhoea--the Indian experience--the pride study | journal = Indian Journal of Pediatrics | volume = 73 | issue = 7 | pages = 585–591 | date = July 2006 | pmid = 16877852 | doi = 10.1007/BF02759923 | doi-access = free }}{{cite journal | vauthors = Gopal PK, Gill HS | title = Oligosaccharides and glycoconjugates in bovine milk and colostrum | journal = The British Journal of Nutrition | volume = 84 | issue = S1 | pages = S69–S74 | date = November 2000 | pmid = 11242449 | doi = 10.1017/s0007114500002270 | doi-access = free }}{{cite journal | vauthors = Mehra R, Garhwal R, Sangwan K, Guiné RP, Lemos ET, Buttar HS, Visen PK, Kumar N, Bhardwaj A, Kumar H | title = Insights into the Research Trends on Bovine Colostrum: Beneficial Health Perspectives with Special Reference to Manufacturing of Functional Foods and Feed Supplements | journal = Nutrients | volume = 14 | issue = 3 | pages = 659 | date = February 2022 | pmid = 35277018 | pmc = 8840100 | doi = 10.3390/nu14030659 | doi-access = free }}

Colostrum may have continued benefits in children over the age of one: to support children's immune systems, soothe digestive upsets, and otherwise support digestive health.{{cite journal | vauthors = Barakat SH, Meheissen MA, Omar OM, Elbana DA | title = Bovine Colostrum in the Treatment of Acute Diarrhea in Children: A Double-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial | journal = Journal of Tropical Pediatrics | volume = 66 | issue = 1 | pages = 46–55 | date = February 2020 | pmid = 31168590 | doi = 10.1093/tropej/fmz029 }}{{cite journal | vauthors = Huppertz HI, Rutkowski S, Busch DH, Eisebit R, Lissner R, Karch H | title = Bovine colostrum ameliorates diarrhea in infection with diarrheagenic Escherichia coli, shiga toxin-producing E. Coli, and E. coli expressing intimin and hemolysin | journal = Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition | volume = 29 | issue = 4 | pages = 452–456 | date = October 1999 | pmid = 10512407 | doi = 10.1097/00005176-199910000-00015 | doi-access = free }}

Bovine colostrum may help maintain a healthy immune system during athletic training, while supporting cellular proliferation as well as protein synthesis and soft tissue repair.{{cite journal | vauthors = Brinkworth GD, Buckley JD, Slavotinek JP, Kurmis AP | title = Effect of bovine colostrum supplementation on the composition of resistance trained and untrained limbs in healthy young men | journal = European Journal of Applied Physiology | volume = 91 | issue = 1 | pages = 53–60 | date = January 2004 | pmid = 14504943 | doi = 10.1007/s00421-003-0944-x }}{{cite journal | vauthors = Duff WR, Chilibeck PD, Rooke JJ, Kaviani M, Krentz JR, Haines DM | title = The effect of bovine colostrum supplementation in older adults during resistance training | journal = International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism | volume = 24 | issue = 3 | pages = 276–285 | date = June 2014 | pmid = 24281841 | doi = 10.1123/ijsnem.2013-0182 }}{{cite journal | vauthors = Kotsis Y, Mikellidi A, Aresti C, Persia E, Sotiropoulos A, Panagiotakos DB, Antonopoulou S, Nomikos T | title = A low-dose, 6-week bovine colostrum supplementation maintains performance and attenuates inflammatory indices following a Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Test in soccer players | journal = European Journal of Nutrition | volume = 57 | issue = 3 | pages = 1181–1195 | date = April 2018 | pmid = 28285432 | pmc = 5861165 | doi = 10.1007/s00394-017-1401-7 }} One study showed that one brand of concentrated bovine colostrum powder improved running performance in one test, on average, in thirty males but did not improve performance in another test.{{cite journal | vauthors = Buckley JD, Abbott MJ, Brinkworth GD, Whyte PB | title = Bovine colostrum supplementation during endurance running training improves recovery, but not performance | journal = Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport | volume = 5 | issue = 2 | pages = 65–79 | date = June 2002 | pmid = 12188088 | doi = 10.1016/s1440-2440(02)80028-7 }}

Bovine colostrum (BC) affects skin. A study{{cite journal | vauthors = Jogi R, Tager MJ, Perez D, Tsapekos M | title = Bovine Colostrum, Telomeres, and Skin Aging | journal = Journal of Drugs in Dermatology | volume = 20 | issue = 5 | pages = 538–545 | date = May 2021 | pmid = 33938706 | doi = 10.36849/JDD.5851 | doi-broken-date = 30 December 2024 }} conducted in 2021 by Jogi Reena et al. found that Bovine Colostrum may help delay skin aging by reducing telomere shortening, which is a marker of cellular aging. The researchers attributed these benefits to the antioxidant properties of BC, which help maintain telomere length and boost fibroblast proliferation—a key element in collagen production and the maintenance of skin structure.

Enhanced Healing and Regeneration{{cite journal | vauthors = Kim H, Kim DE, Han G, Lim NR, Kim EH, Jang Y, Cho H, Jang H, Kim KH, Kim SH, Yang Y | title = Harnessing the Natural Healing Power of Colostrum: Bovine Milk-Derived Extracellular Vesicles from Colostrum Facilitating the Transition from Inflammation to Tissue Regeneration for Accelerating Cutaneous Wound Healing | journal = Advanced Healthcare Materials | volume = 11 | issue = 6 | pages = e2102027 | date = March 2022 | pmid = 34865307 | pmc = 11468066 | doi = 10.1002/adhm.202102027 }}: BC has been shown to stimulate fibroblast activity, aiding in the repair of damaged skin and the creation of new tissue, making it effective for wound healing and scar reduction.

Anti-Aging Properties: BC is rich in antioxidants that combat free radicals, which are significant contributors to skin aging.{{Cite web |title=What Makes Colostrum Powder Beneficial for Skin Health? |url=https://wellnessextract.com/blogs/wellness/what-makes-colostrum-powder-beneficial-for-skin-health |access-date=2025-01-21 |website=Wellness Extract USA |language=en}} These antioxidants, combined with growth factors,{{Cite journal |last1=Duan |first1=Hao |last2=Sun |first2=Qian |last3=Chen |first3=Chao |last4=Wang |first4=Rongchang |last5=Yan |first5=Wenjie |date=January 2024 |title=A Review: The Effect of Bovine Colostrum on Immunity in People of All Ages |journal=Nutrients |language=en |volume=16 |issue=13 |pages=2007 |doi=10.3390/nu16132007 |doi-access=free |pmid=38999755 |pmc=11242949 }} improve skin elasticity and firmness, helping to diminish the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. A clinical study{{Cite journal |last1=Bhatti |first1=Hammad A |last2=Basra |first2=Mohammad K A |last3=Patel |first3=Girish K |date=2013 |title=Hair restoration approaches for early onset male androgenetic alopecia |journal=Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology |language=en |volume=12 |issue=3 |pages=223–231 |doi=10.1111/jocd.12047 |pmid=23992164 }} published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found that topical application of antioxidants significantly improved skin texture and reduced signs of aging in participants over a 12-week period.

Wound Healing{{cite journal | vauthors = Mandloi V, Banerjee T, Sharma A, Pratap A, Ansari MA, Srivastava V | title = Role of Bovine Colostrum Dressing on Chronic Non-Healing Wounds in Comparison to Conventional Dressing: A Case-Control Study | journal = The International Journal of Lower Extremity Wounds | pages = 15347346241241578 | date = April 2024 | pmid = 38592472 | doi = 10.1177/15347346241241578 }}: The immunoglobulins and lactoferrin{{Cite web |title=What Does Lactoferrin Supplement Do? Unveiling Its Health Benefits |url=https://wellnessextract.com/blogs/wellness/what-does-lactoferrin-supplement-do-unveiling-its-health-benefits |access-date=2024-12-30 |website=Wellness Extract USA |language=en}} in topically applied BC work together to improve the Bates-Jensen Wound Assessment score of chronic non-healing ulcers on day 21 of treatment.

Colostrum is beneficial for newborn farm animals. They receive no passive transfer of immunity via the placenta before birth, so any antibodies that they need have to be either ingested or supplied by injection or other artificial means. The ingested antibodies are absorbed from the intestine of the neonate.{{cite journal | vauthors = Balfour WE, Comline RS | title = Acceleration of the absorption of unchanged globulin in the new-born calf by factors in colostrum | journal = The Journal of Physiology | volume = 160 | issue = 2 | pages = 234–257 | date = February 1962 | pmid = 16992118 | pmc = 1359530 | doi = 10.1113/jphysiol.1962.sp006844 }}{{cite journal | vauthors = Bush LJ, Staley TE | title = Absorption of colostral immunoglobulins in newborn calves | journal = Journal of Dairy Science | volume = 63 | issue = 4 | pages = 672–680 | date = April 1980 | pmid = 6991559 | doi = 10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(80)82989-4 | doi-access = free }}{{cite journal | vauthors = Staley TE, Bush LJ | title = Receptor mechanisms of the neonatal intestine and their relationship to immunoglobulin absorption and disease | journal = Journal of Dairy Science | volume = 68 | issue = 1 | pages = 184–205 | date = January 1985 | pmid = 3884680 | doi = 10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(85)80812-2 | doi-access = free }}{{cite journal | vauthors = Jensen AR, Elnif J, Burrin DG, Sangild PT | title = Development of intestinal immunoglobulin absorption and enzyme activities in neonatal pigs is diet dependent | journal = The Journal of Nutrition | volume = 131 | issue = 12 | pages = 3259–3265 | date = December 2001 | pmid = 11739877 | doi = 10.1093/jn/131.12.3259 | doi-access = free }}{{cite journal | vauthors = Sawyer M, Willadsen CH, Osburn BI, McGuire TC | title = Passive transfer of colostral immunoglobulins from ewe to lamb and its influence on neonatal lamb mortality | journal = Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association | volume = 171 | issue = 12 | pages = 1255–1259 | date = December 1977 | pmid = 604324 }} Maximum absorption of colostral antibodies by the newborn animal occurs within 4 hours{{cite web | url=https://beef.unl.edu/beefwatch/2022/colostrum-101/ | title=How colostrum works, why calves need it, and what to do if they aren't getting it | UNL Beef | Nebraska }} or thirty minutes of birth.{{cite journal |vauthors=Pakkanen R, Aalto J |title=Growth Factors and Antimicrobial Factors of Bovine Colostrum |journal=International Dairy Journal |year=1997 |volume=7 |pages=285–297 |doi=10.1016/S0958-6946(97)00022-8 |issue=5 }}

The role of colostrum for newborn animals is to provide nutrition, and protect against infection while the immune and digestive systems are developing and maturing. Bovine colostrum provides macro- and micro-nutrients, as well as growth factors, cytokines, nucleosides, oligosaccharides, natural antimicrobials, antioxidants; and a range of immunoglobulins such as IgG, IgA, IgD, IgM and IgE. Minimal levels of IgG are essential to prevent failure of passive transfer. The iron-binding glycoproteins lactoferrin and transferrin in bovine colostrum assist in attacking pathogens by impacting their cell membrane and making them more susceptible to the immune systems attack by neutrophils. Cytokines in bovine colostrum enhance B and T cell maturation and increase endogenous antibody production. They also help regulate epithelial cell growth and development, proliferation, and restitution. Transfer factors enhance the activity of T cells. Other growth and immune factors such as IGF-1, IGF-2, FGF, EGF, TGF, PDGF, etc.

Bovine Colostrum contains bioactive components that support immunity and gut health in animals, and fight bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. Early, high-quality colostrum is beneficial for survival and healthy development. It repairs intestinal damage and improves nutrient absorption. In calves, colostrum helps develop their gut and prevents death. It reduces infections, antibiotic use, and diarrhea, leading to faster growth and higher profits for farmers.

{{Unreferenced section|date = May 2023}}

Much like in humans and production animals, companion animal survival in the newborn stage of life is largely dependent upon colostrum. Companion animal immune systems require several weeks to several months in order to fully develop. Maternal antibodies provide benefit for a relatively short period of time so a gap exists with immune sufficiency where an animal is at risk of infection. Like humans, companion animal immune response changes with age where early life and later in life have similarities. That is, an immune bias whereby the animal has less of an ability to fend off infections and greater prevalence of allergy at both ends of the age spectrum. Stress also affects a companion animal's immune system including changes in environment, diet, etc. Maintaining gut microbial balance is key to maintaining a healthy immune system as well as mucosal integrity, similar to humans, demonstrated to benefit companion animal immunity and digestive health.

In humans, bovine colostrum plays a role in increasing Ig levels, increasing lymphocyte proliferation stimulating activity and increasing phagocytosis activity. These are supported by other components of colostrum which further enhance the activity of the immune response. The iron binding glycoproteins lactoferrin and transferrin in bovine colostrum assist in attacking pathogens by impacting their cell membrane and making them more susceptible to the immune systems attack by neutrophils. Cytokines present in bovine colostrum enhance B and T cell maturation and increase endogenous antibody production. They also play a major role in regulation of epithelial cell growth and development, proliferation, restitution. Transfer factors enhance the activity of T cells. Other growth and immune factors such as IGF-1, IGF-2, FGF, EGF, TGF, PDGF, etc. Colostrum contains glycomacropeptides which help to regulate appetite. Studies{{cite journal | vauthors = Duan H, Sun Q, Chen C, Wang R, Yan W | title = A Review: The Effect of Bovine Colostrum on Immunity in People of All Ages | journal = Nutrients | volume = 16 | issue = 13 | pages = 2007 | date = June 2024 | pmid = 38999755 | pmc = 11242949 | doi = 10.3390/nu16132007 | doi-access = free }} suggest that bovine colostrum may enhance animal immunity, improve gut health, and lower the risk of illness.

Hyperimmune colostrum is natural bovine colostrum collected from a population of cows immunized repeatedly with a specific pathogen. The colostrum is collected within 24 hours of the cow giving birth. Antibodies towards the specific pathogens or antigens that were used in the immunization are present in higher levels than in the population before treatment. Although some papers have been published stating that specific human pathogens were just as high as in hyperimmune colostrum, and natural colostrum nearly always had higher antibody titers than did the hyperimmune version. A clinical trial{{cite journal | vauthors = Otto W, Najnigier B, Stelmasiak T, Robins-Browne RM | title = Randomized control trials using a tablet formulation of hyperimmune bovine colostrum to prevent diarrhea caused by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli in volunteers | journal = Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology | volume = 46 | issue = 7–8 | pages = 862–868 | date = July 2011 | pmid = 21526980 | pmc = 3154584 | doi = 10.3109/00365521.2011.574726 }} showed that if the immunization is by surface antigens of a strain of E. coli bacteria, the Bovine Colostrum Powder TGA guidance BCP can be used to make tablets capable of binding to the bacteria so that they are excreted in stools, thus preventing diarrhea that is caused by this strain of E. coli. This prevents the successful colonization of the gut, which would otherwise lead to bacteria releasing enterotoxigenic materials which cause diarrhea.

File:Colostrum cakes.JPG.]]

File:Molozyvo.jpg. It is a sweet cheese made of cow colostrum.]]

Although bovine colostrum has been consumed by humans for centuries,{{cite book |doi=10.1016/B978-0-12-809868-4.00001-7 |chapter=Health Benefits of Bovine Colostrum in Children and Adults |title=Dairy in Human Health and Disease Across the Lifespan |year=2017 | vauthors = Buttar HS, Bagwe SM, Bhullar SK, Kaur G |pages=3–20 |isbn=978-0-12-809868-4 }} only in recent decades have we seen randomized clinical trials to test for health benefits. It is probable that little absorption of intact growth factors and antibodies into the bloodstream occurs, due to digestion in the gastrointestinal tract. However, two experiments, one using human pancreatic fluid and one using rats, suggested the presence of casein and other buffering proteins allows epidermal growth factor but not transforming growth factor α to survive degradation induced by human pancreatic fluid and allows epidermal growth factor to pass into the lumen of the small intestine in rats, where it can stimulate repair, working via local effects.{{cite journal | vauthors = Playford RJ, Woodman AC, Clark P, Watanapa P, Vesey D, Deprez PH, Williamson RC, Calam J | title = Effect of luminal growth factor preservation on intestinal growth | journal = Lancet | volume = 341 | issue = 8849 | pages = 843–848 | date = April 1993 | pmid = 8096559 | doi = 10.1016/0140-6736(93)93057-8 }} This provides a probable mechanism explaining reductions in gut permeability after colostrum administration in some published studies,{{cite journal | vauthors = Davison G, Marchbank T, March DS, Thatcher R, Playford RJ | title = Zinc carnosine works with bovine colostrum in truncating heavy exercise-induced increase in gut permeability in healthy volunteers | journal = The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition | volume = 104 | issue = 2 | pages = 526–536 | date = August 2016 | pmid = 27357095 | doi = 10.3945/ajcn.116.134403 | hdl-access = free | doi-access = free | hdl = 2160/43902 }}{{cite journal | vauthors = Marchbank T, Davison G, Oakes JR, Ghatei MA, Patterson M, Moyer MP, Playford RJ | title = The nutriceutical bovine colostrum truncates the increase in gut permeability caused by heavy exercise in athletes | journal = American Journal of Physiology. Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology | volume = 300 | issue = 3 | pages = G477–G484 | date = March 2011 | pmid = 21148400 | doi = 10.1152/ajpgi.00281.2010 | author6-link = Mary Pat Moyer }}{{cite journal | vauthors = Playford RJ, MacDonald CE, Calnan DP, Floyd DN, Podas T, Johnson W, Wicks AC, Bashir O, Marchbank T | title = Co-administration of the health food supplement, bovine colostrum, reduces the acute non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced increase in intestinal permeability | journal = Clinical Science | volume = 100 | issue = 6 | pages = 627–633 | date = June 2001 | pmid = 11352778 | doi = 10.1042/cs1000627 }} while another study found colostrum promising as treatment for distal colitis.{{cite journal | vauthors = Khan Z, Macdonald C, Wicks AC, Holt MP, Floyd D, Ghosh S, Wright NA, Playford RJ | title = Use of the 'nutriceutical', bovine colostrum, for the treatment of distal colitis: results from an initial study | journal = Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics | volume = 16 | issue = 11 | pages = 1917–1922 | date = November 2002 | pmid = 12390100 | doi = 10.1046/j.1365-2036.2002.01354.x | doi-access = free }} The effect of colostrum on extra-gastrointestinal problems has been studied in a small number of randomised double-blind studies.{{cite journal | vauthors = Uruakpa F, Ismond MA, Akobundu EN |year=2002|title=Colostrum and its benefits: a review|journal=Nutrition Research|volume=22|issue=6|pages=755–767|doi=10.1016/S0271-5317(02)00373-1}}{{cite journal | vauthors = Playford RJ, Floyd DN, Macdonald CE, Calnan DP, Adenekan RO, Johnson W, Goodlad RA, Marchbank T | title = Bovine colostrum is a health food supplement which prevents NSAID induced gut damage | journal = Gut | volume = 44 | issue = 5 | pages = 653–658 | date = May 1999 | pmid = 10205201 | pmc = 1727496 | doi = 10.1136/gut.44.5.653 }}{{cite journal | vauthors = Carver JD, Barness LA | title = Trophic factors for the gastrointestinal tract | journal = Clinics in Perinatology | volume = 23 | issue = 2 | pages = 265–285 | date = June 1996 | pmid = 8780905 | doi = 10.1016/S0095-5108(18)30242-2 }}

The gut can be affected by ulcers, inflammation, and infectious diarrhea.{{cite journal | vauthors = Baumgart DC, Dignass AU | title = Intestinal barrier function | journal = Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care | volume = 5 | issue = 6 | pages = 685–694 | date = November 2002 | pmid = 12394645 | doi = 10.1097/00075197-200211000-00012 }} There is currently much interest in the potential value of colostrum for the prevention and treatment of these conditions., As pointed out by Kelly, inconsistency between results in some published studies may be due in part to variation in dose given and to the timing of the colostrum collection being tested (first milking versus pooled colostrum collected up to day 5 following calving).{{cite journal | vauthors = Kelly GS | title = Bovine colostrums: a review of clinical uses | journal = Alternative Medicine Review | volume = 8 | issue = 4 | pages = 378–394 | date = November 2003 | pmid = 14653766 }}

Some athletes have used colostrum in an attempt to improve their performance,{{cite journal | vauthors = Hofman Z, Smeets R, Verlaan G, Lugt R, Verstappen PA | title = The effect of bovine colostrum supplementation on exercise performance in elite field hockey players | journal = International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism | volume = 12 | issue = 4 | pages = 461–469 | date = December 2002 | pmid = 12500989 | doi = 10.1123/ijsnem.12.4.461 }} decrease recovery time, and prevent sickness during peak performance levels.{{cite journal | vauthors = Marchbank T, Davison G, Oakes JR, Ghatei MA, Patterson M, Moyer MP, Playford RJ | title = The nutriceutical bovine colostrum truncates the increase in gut permeability caused by heavy exercise in athletes | journal = American Journal of Physiology. Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology | volume = 300 | issue = 3 | pages = G477–G484 | date = March 2011 | pmid = 21148400 | doi = 10.1152/ajpgi.00281.2010 }}{{cite journal | vauthors = Berk LS, Nieman DC, Youngberg WS, Arabatzis K, Simpson-Westerberg M, Lee JW, Tan SA, Eby WC | title = The effect of long endurance running on natural killer cells in marathoners | journal = Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise | volume = 22 | issue = 2 | pages = 207–212 | date = April 1990 | pmid = 2355818 }} Supplementation with bovine colostrum, 20 grams per day (g/d), in combination with exercise training for eight weeks may increase bone-free lean body mass in active men and women.{{cite journal | vauthors = Antonio J, Sanders MS, Van Gammeren D | title = The effects of bovine colostrum supplementation on body composition and exercise performance in active men and women | journal = Nutrition | volume = 17 | issue = 3 | pages = 243–247 | date = March 2001 | pmid = 11312068 | doi = 10.1016/s0899-9007(00)00552-9 }}

Low IGF-1 levels may be associated with dementia in the very elderly, although causation has not been established.{{cite journal | vauthors = Arai Y, Hirose N, Yamamura K, Shimizu K, Takayama M, Ebihara Y, Osono Y | title = Serum insulin-like growth factor-1 in centenarians: implications of IGF-1 as a rapid turnover protein | journal = The Journals of Gerontology. Series A, Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences | volume = 56 | issue = 2 | pages = M79–M82 | date = February 2001 | pmid = 11213280 | doi = 10.1093/gerona/56.2.m79 | doi-access = free }} Malnutrition can cause low levels of IGF-1,{{cite journal | vauthors = Caregaro L, Favaro A, Santonastaso P, Alberino F, Di Pascoli L, Nardi M, Favaro S, Gatta A | title = Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), a nutritional marker in patients with eating disorders | journal = Clinical Nutrition | volume = 20 | issue = 3 | pages = 251–257 | date = June 2001 | pmid = 11407872 | doi = 10.1054/clnu.2001.0397 }} as can obesity.{{cite journal | vauthors = Rasmussen MH, Frystyk J, Andersen T, Breum L, Christiansen JS, Hilsted J | title = The impact of obesity, fat distribution, and energy restriction on insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), IGF-binding protein-3, insulin, and growth hormone | journal = Metabolism | volume = 43 | issue = 3 | pages = 315–319 | date = March 1994 | pmid = 7511202 | doi = 10.1016/0026-0495(94)90099-x }} Although IGF-1 is not absorbed intact by the body, some studies suggest it stimulates the production of IGF-1 when taken as a supplement{{cite journal | vauthors = Mero A, Kähkönen J, Nykänen T, Parviainen T, Jokinen I, Takala T, Nikula T, Rasi S, Leppäluoto J | title = IGF-I, IgA, and IgG responses to bovine colostrum supplementation during training | journal = Journal of Applied Physiology | volume = 93 | issue = 2 | pages = 732–739 | date = August 2002 | pmid = 12133885 | doi = 10.1152/japplphysiol.00002.2002 }} whereas others do not.

Colostrum also has antioxidant components, such as lactoferrin{{cite journal | vauthors = Wakabayashi H, Matsumoto H, Hashimoto K, Teraguchi S, Takase M, Hayasawa H | title = Inhibition of iron/ascorbate-induced lipid peroxidation by an N-terminal peptide of bovine lactoferrin and its acylated derivatives | journal = Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry | volume = 63 | issue = 5 | pages = 955–957 | date = May 1999 | pmid = 10380640 | doi = 10.1271/bbb.63.955 | doi-access = free }} and hemopexin, which binds free heme in the body.{{cite journal | vauthors = Gutteridge JM, Smith A | title = Antioxidant protection by haemopexin of haem-stimulated lipid peroxidation | journal = The Biochemical Journal | volume = 256 | issue = 3 | pages = 861–865 | date = December 1988 | pmid = 3223958 | pmc = 1135495 | doi = 10.1042/bj2560861 }}

The Isle of Man had a local delicacy called "Groosniuys", a pudding made with colostrum.{{Cite journal|date=1991|title=Cooking and Food|url=https://www.gov.im/lib/docs/mnh/education/manxfarmingcountrylife/9%20COOKING%20AND%20FOOD.pdf|journal=Manx Farming and Country Life|volume=9|access-date=2017-08-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100215091118/http://www.gov.im/lib/docs/mnh/education/manxfarmingcountrylife/9%20COOKING%20AND%20FOOD.pdf|archive-date=2010-02-15|url-status=dead}}

In Finland, a baked cheese called Leipäjuusto is traditionally made with either cow colostrum or reindeer milk.

A sweet cheese-like delicacy called 'Junnu' or 'Ginna' is made with colostrum in the south Indian states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. It is made with both cow and buffalo milk; in both cases milk produced on the second day after birth is considered ideal for preparing this pudding-like delicacy. Colostrum is in very high demand in these states, resulting in product adulteration.{{Cite news| vauthors = Bhumika K |date=2017-05-18|title=The milky way|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/food/the-milky-way/article18485560.ece|access-date=2021-04-21 }}

Bovine colostrum has also found application in oral and dental care. Some formulations, such as protective tooth gels designed for children, utilize colostrum's natural immunoglobulins, lactoferrin, and growth factors to support gum tissue regeneration and strengthen mucosal immunity.{{citation needed|date=May 2025}}

One such example is a Turkish dental care brand that incorporates bovine colostrum into its pediatric protective dental gel formulations. These products are marketed as being free from synthetic preservatives and commonly used additives like SLS and parabens, focusing on biocompatible oral health support.{{cite web |title=Protective Tooth Gel with Colostrum |url=https://bonnytiny.com/kolostrum-nedir-kolostrum-altin-damlalar/ |website=Bonny Tiny |access-date=2025-05-15}}

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• [http://www.sheepandgoat.com/articles/colostrum.html Maryland Cooperative Extension]
• [https://adhiveda.co/blogs/news/bovine-colostrum Usage of Bovine Colostrum]{{dead link|date=February 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}

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