Colostrum is the pre-milk fluid produced from the mother's mammary glands during the first few hours after birth (72 hours after birth for human mothers, 0-8 hours for bovine/cow mothers). It provides life-supporting immune and growth factors that ensure the health and vitality of the newborn.
FAQ
Research has shown that once we pass puberty, our bodies gradually produce less of the immune and growth factors that fight off disease and heal damaged tissues. With the loss of these vital components we become more vulnerable to disease, injury and other age related ailments. These problems are further compounded because we live in a toxic environment with pollutants and allergens all around us.
Colostrum is the best source of these life giving components. It is Mother Nature's perfect combination of immune factors, growth factors (anti-aging factors), vitamins, minerals, amino acids and more! Research has shown that colostrum has powerful natural components which help bring the body to a state of homeostasis (a powerful, natural state of health and well-being). In addition, the growth factors in colostrum create many of the positive "side-effects" of a healthy organism such as: an enhanced ability to metabolize or "burn" fat, greater ease in building lean muscle mass, and enhanced rejuvenation of skin, muscle and organs.
Colostrum offers the broadest possible spectrum of biologically active substances to promote the development of a sound body. It assures effective and efficient metabolism and supports the activation and maintenance of a fully functional immune system capable of combating potential threats from microorganisms and other harmful sources.
Colostrum is a food and is safe for people of all ages. It can be consumed in any quantity without any contraindications.
Scientific research conducted in the last decade (in major medical research centers and universities throughout the world) has shown that the molecular combinations of the immune and growth factors in cow's colostrum are virtually identical to human. Research has also shown colostrum from a bovine (cow) is not species specific, and is up to 100-1000 times more potent than human colostrum. This means that every mammal on earth can benefit from bovine colostrum.
We do not promote the use of goat colostrum because it is species specific and doesn't provide all the beneficial components necessary to help balance the entire body system.
The calves' needs are always met first. Extra colostrum remains after the calves' needs are satisfied. Studies show that most calves would die or have serious health issues if they didn't get at least 2 quarts of colostrum (which doesn't do our dairy farmers any good), we ensure they get their fill and then collect the remainder.
Raw colostrum differs from dried colostrum in that it contains immune factors from just one parent. Dried colostrum is much more beneficial because it is pooled from thousands of cows which provides a broader base of immune factors.
Strict testing is done to ensure the safety of the colostrum. Every batch is tested and comes with an Animal Health Certificate from the USDA. No transmission of this disease has ever been connected with the dairy industry, either here or abroad. US dairy foods are considered a model of consumer safety and nutrition.
The "Rishis" (India's spiritual leaders) vegan diet has included colostrum for thousands of years and we have shipped our colostrum into India for years. Today in India, the milkman delivers colostrum to the wealthy. Colostrum is really neither animal nor vegetable but is a unique substance in a class of its' own.
Colostrum is the pre-milk fluid produced by mammalian mothers prior to birth. It is not milk. True colostrum contains almost no lactose, so those that are lactose intolerant should have no problems with high quality colostrum.
If concerned, you might consider taking a lactose digestive aid for the first while until the benefits of the colostrum are achieved (at which time some have reported no longer having any further lactose intolerance issues). Consumers should also make sure that products labeled colostrum are 100% colostrum (not colostrum-whey or concentrates of milk-whey or transitional-milk). And, we always recommend speaking to your health practitioner prior to starting any supplement regimen.
We collect our colostrum during the first 6 hours after birth which is when it contains the highest concentration of immune and growth factors and digestive inhibitors. Many companies collect their "colostrum" around 24 hours after birth (or even longer) at which point it has lost much of its potency and has turned into transitional milk.
No, as long as you get the bioactivity into the system that colostrum provides; it becomes a matter of convenience and taste. It is ideal to take colostrum on an empty stomach with lots of water to aid its transit into the upper intestine.
Colostrum has no drug interactions, but you may experience side effects from other supplements, herbs or medications you take. Colostrum helps the bowel absorb; this means everything you put into the gut may have a much higher uptake. Medications may need to be re-evaluated for dose and necessity by your medical professional.
It has been suggested that for best results, colostrum should be front-loaded (taken in larger doses initially and then lowered after desired results are obtained). With a 98.9% uptake into the body, it is utilized to its fullest capacity and has no contraindications of any sort.
Some people may experience "a healing incident" when starting colostrum (also known as a herxheimer) as a result of the body releasing toxins. Symptoms may include: digestive problems, skin eruptions, rashes or flu-like symptoms (these symptoms usually disappear in a couple of days). Colostrum's growth factors may create initial pain in areas of old wounds or injuries as it helps with the healing process. If this becomes uncomfortable, you may want to cut back increasing your intake slowly as you reach optimum levels.
Each person's body assimilates and uses colostrum differently, so you may need to adjust to determine what dosage is best for you. Capsules ideally should be taken on an empty stomach without any food or other supplements (at least 30 minutes before you eat or at least 45 minutes after you eat) with 8-12 oz. of water. We might recommend: before breakfast, and then again several hours after lunch, and an hour before dinner. Try to get into a regular routine so you always remember.
The powder may be taken by itself or mixed with other foods (such as our LeptiTrim6 shake products). Many people have even made a paste using the colostrum powder to promote topical healing.
For quicker absorption, the colostrum powder may be placed under the tongue or around the gums and allowed to absorb. The powder may also be mixed and taken with any liquid drink or food (we have found mixing it with applesauce, smoothies, yogurt, or oatmeal works well) or on an empty stomach.
Absolutely. Colostrum is fantastic for increasing lean muscle mass, endurance and recovery time. To optimize fitness and performance, you can add 6-10 grams of Colostrum powder to a protein drink or juice and drink 30 - 45 minutes before working out. Again, there are no set parameters so depending on the results you are looking for each body may need different dosage amounts.
Always consult with your doctor or medical professional prior to taking any prescription drugs, over the counter medicines, herbal or nutritional supplements.
There are no contra-indications with colostrum and we even offer a children's chewable colostrum tablet. Again, we always suggest consulting with your health care provider prior to starting on any supplements.
Bovine colostrum is not species specific and works wonderfully with cats, dogs and other mammals. Sprinkle the powder in a pet dish…most pets love the taste of colostrum.
If you cannot swallow capsules, you may open the capsule and mix it with a few tablespoons of yogurt, applesauce or other food. Try not to take any other food with the colostrum or wait at least thirty minutes before you eat. We also offer chewables and pure colostrum powder.
Colostrum contains different factors that help to balance the metabolism and work on getting those different areas within the body functioning normally. As it does this, your body looks to burn the best energy source we have, FAT.
Within about two hours of eating, our body's blood glucose levels are depleted and we begin utilizing sources of stored fuel (fat and muscle protein) for energy. It is easier for our bodies to burn muscle tissue as opposed to fat. By increasing food intake along with exercise and colostrum, weight gain will come through increased muscle mass (muscle tissue weighs more than fat per volume).
After puberty our body begins slowing down the production of growth hormones. These hormones are necessary for the reproduction of virtually all of our body cellular tissue. It has been shown that by age 80 we are producing virtually no growth hormone, and so we age and die. Colostrum's growth factors are the actual hormones that stimulate the normal reproduction of body cellular tissue. Normal reproduction means just that (normal) not aged, cancerous, wrinkled or weakened. The New England Journal of Medicine stated that the most effective anti-aging process would be simply the replacement of growth hormones at proper levels to slow, possibly stop and even reverse the aging process.
Most of us are in search of a means to increase the brain's feel-good chemicals, serotonin and dopamine. Colostrum is a natural and healthy means of stimulating the brain to release serotonin and dopamine and prolong their re-uptake. Colostrum also activates the release of other chemicals in the brain that affect alertness and concentration.
Colostrum's immune factors are highly effective anti-bacterial and anti-viral agents to help reduce and eliminate infections in external injuries (cuts, burns, abrasions and surgical wounds). Colostrum also contains epithelial (skin) growth hormone that stimulates accelerated healing and powerful anti-inflammatory agents that can eliminate swelling and pain.
Colostrum's powerful antibacterial factors have been shown to help the fight against gingivitis.