Calostro – El Superfood de la Madre Naturaleza (Serie 1/10)

Colostrum is a special secretion that occurs naturally in the bodies of mammals, including cows. It is, in a sense, the first food that every human consumes. While so-called «superfoods» have been on everyone's lips for some time, colostrum is rarely mentioned in this context, although the ingredients of this special milk are remarkable from a nutritional standpoint. But what exactly is colostrum, and why is it considered in connection with the topic of nutrition?

In this article, part 1 of this colostrum series, we would like to shine the spotlight on colostrum and discuss why it can be considered one of the most original foods and in what context it is considered in relation to the nutrition of us adults.

We invite you to first accompany us to the cow pasture on this brief scientific excursion. Put on your rubber boots, and let's go!

Colostrum refers to the first milk formed by a cow after the birth of a calf, also known as «beestings». Women and mammals in general also produce it so that it can be passed on to their offspring through breastfeeding or suckling in the first days after birth.

El calostro desempeña un papel importante en los recién nacidos, que llegan al mundo indefensos y únicamente con un sistema inmunitario innato, pero todavía no adquirido. La importancia del calostro para los bebés y los terneros se refiere especialmente a su Sistema inmunológico.
However, this special form of milk is not only important for newborn calves and babies, but is also considered in connection with adult nutrition when consumed as a supplementary food.

But how does colostrum actually form, and what is its connection to our nutrition as adults?

The formation of colostrum in the cow's body is a complex biological process. Already during pregnancy, hormonal changes occur that prepare the body for the upcoming birth and milk production.

The hormones prolactin and estrogen play a role in the development of the mammary glands. In the days and weeks before birth, the first phase of milk formation begins, known as «lactogenesis I». During this phase, the cow's mammary glands grow and develop to be prepared for the upcoming milk production. The hormones estrogen and progesterone are involved here.

Immediately after the calf is born, the transition to the second phase of milk formation occurs, known as «lactogenesis II». Here, the production of «first milk» rapidly increases. The hormones prolactin and oxytocin are involved in milk production: prolactin is associated with milk formation, while oxytocin is involved in the contraction of the mammary gland muscles and the milk flow.

En los primeros días tras el nacimiento, el ternero puede beber el calostro de su madre. Esta primera leche es rica en nutrientes y anticuerpos relacionados con el Sistema inmunológico del ternero. A diferencia de un bebé, el ternero nace sin un sistema inmunitario desarrollado. Por ello, la primera leche de la vaca madre desempeña un papel especialmente importante para la cría.

It also contains high concentrations of proteins, growth factors, vitamins and minerals that are important for the growth and development of the calf.

Compared to the milk produced later, colostrum is incidentally thicker and has a golden color. Normal milk is less concentrated in immune factors and is whitish in color.

And what is the connection between colostrum and the term «superfood»?

Before we answer this question, we would like to briefly clarify what is understood by a superfood.

«Superfood» is a term that has become quite popular in recent years to refer to foods considered particularly nutrient-rich. Although there is no official or scientifically recognized definition of a «superfood», the informal term is still gladly used to refer to foods that have a high concentration of certain nutrients, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals or other bioactive compounds.

Colostrum contains a multitude of nutrients, antibodies and other immune factors that are also of nutritional interest for us adults.

The only difficulty, if you will, in describing colostrum as a superfood lies, according to a few authors, in the fact that the term «superfood» is sometimes associated with foods that are readily available, inexpensive and accessible to the general population. Colostrum is not yet as widespread and can be hard to find in some regions, but let's be honest: how many goji berries, blue algae (spirulina) or cacao nibs have you seen at your local weekly market, let alone been able to buy at affordable prices?

Many, even most, superfoods are somewhat «exotic», a bit more expensive and often come from distant tropical countries. Colostrum, on the other hand, can theoretically be found almost anywhere there is dairy farming and livestock breeding, and where is there none? Scientific findings on colostrum are relatively new, and many farmers are not yet aware that there is a market for surplus colostrum.

At this point it is important to mention that even with existing colostrum producers, you should rely exclusively on high-quality colostrum from trustworthy sources. Dairy farmers must first prioritize the welfare of the calves before surplus colostrum can be skimmed off for human consumption. Moreover, the quality and purity of colostrum can vary from provider to provider.

Due to its nutritional properties, colostrum is a food that deserves attention in connection with the term «superfood».

We therefore want to look more closely at the nutrients in colostrum and the topics in whose context they are considered.

El calostro se considera en relación con diversos temas de nutrición cuando se consume como alimento. Pero ¿qué contiene realmente? El calostro puede imaginarse como una especie de cóctel lácteo natural compuesto por todo tipo de nutrientes, proteínas, vitaminas y grasas. Además, contiene factores de crecimiento como el factor de crecimiento similar a la insulina tipo 1 (IGF-1), que se considera en relación con el crecimiento muscular y la renovación de los tejidos. El calostro es un alimento y no una sustancia dopante.

The proteins and enzymes contained in beestings are considered in connection with gut health. The topic of digestion is of interest to many people.

Likewise, it contains naturally occurring substances that are studied in research in connection with inflammatory processes in the body. Some people also report a changed sense of well-being during or after taking colostrum.

Los componentes más conocidos son probablemente los anticuerpos y los factores inmunitarios, que se consideran en relación con el Sistema inmunológico. La investigación sigue estudiando si de ello se pueden derivar efectos en el ser humano adulto y en qué medida.

El Sistema inmunológico humano es una red compleja de células, proteínas y tejidos que está relacionada con la defensa frente a agentes patógenos como virus, bacterias y otros microorganismos causantes de enfermedades. El Sistema inmunológico desempeña un papel importante para la salud. En la investigación, el calostro se estudia en relación con el Sistema inmunológico humano.

Una de las características más notables del calostro es su alto contenido en inmunoglobulinas, en particular la inmunoglobulina G (IgG). Estos anticuerpos forman parte del sistema inmunitario y están relacionados con el reconocimiento de agentes patógenos, casi como James Bond.

El calostro contiene inmunoglobulinas como IgG, así como lactoferrina y lisozima, que se consideran en relación con el Sistema inmunológico. En la investigación, la lactoferrina y la lisozima también se analizan en relación con células inmunitarias como los linfocitos T y los macrófagos. Estas células participan en el reconocimiento y la eliminación de agentes patógenos en el organismo.

Colostrum also contains substances that are considered in connection with the regulation of the immune system and with inflammatory reactions. A balanced interplay of these processes is an important topic in immunology.

The immunoglobulin A (IgA) contained in colostrum is also considered in connection with the mucous membranes, for example in the respiratory tract and the digestive tract. After all, many infections begin in the upper respiratory tract.

So what is the conclusion?

The nutrients in colostrum are remarkable. Colostrum shows us how amazing Mother Nature is and how she supplies us with a source of nutrients and immune factors that is considered not only for newborn animals, but also in connection with adult nutrition. Colostrum is therefore, in a sense, the pioneer, or as young people would say, the «OG» of the superfood scene.

The research and use of colostrum as a dietary supplement or food opens up exciting possibilities for promoting our health and well-being. If more dairy farmers sustainably skim off surplus colostrum and reputable providers take on the demanding processing procedure, then colostrum should soon be mentioned in the same breath as goji berries and other superfoods. The health potential that high-quality, ultrafiltered, non-heat-treated colostrum from milking surpluses holds cannot be dismissed.

Please note that it is important to consult a specialist before taking colostrum or other dietary supplements, as well as when changing dietary habits.

The information in this blog is for general educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice.