Colostrum is often called “nature’s first food” as it is the first nutrition newborns receive from a mother’s breasts.
This liquid is yellow, viscous, and chock full of critical nutrients that newborns depend on for proper growth, development, immune function, and gut health.
While colostrum is primarily known for its benefits for babies, it is gaining traction among adults as a supplement with health-boosting properties.
Today, we’ll discuss why colostrum is important for babies, and how it can benefit adults.
What is Colostrum?
Colostrum is the first form of breast milk produced by mammals, including humans, during the late stages of pregnancy and the first few days after childbirth.
Colostrum has also been referred to as “liquid gold” not just for its yellow color but also due to the fact it is rich in numerous essential nutrients, including protein, carbohydrates, and fats that newborns need to thrive.
Colostrum vs Breast Milk
Generally, mothers produce colostrum during pregnancy and for the first few days after birth, typically two to four days. It is produced in small amounts (2-20mL per feeding), which correspond to the stomach capacity of newborns. In addition to supplying key immune support ingredients, it also supports gut health and helps reduce the risk of jaundice.
Mature breast milk begins to develop around two weeks postpartum, following a transitional phase that starts 3–5 days after birth. It is thinner with a bluish-white appearance, and produced in significantly larger quantities (~24–30oz per 24 hours).
Nutrient composition also differs as mature breast milk contains higher amounts of fat, lactose, and calories to support rapid infant growth. It is lower in protein compared to colostrum, though.[1]
Colostrum supplements for adults: Why are they popular?
Due to colostrum’s numerous benefits for babies, researchers and amateur supplement enthusiasts have begun to explore what benefits colostrum may offer adults.
It bears mentioning that most colostrum supplements contain bovine colostrum, which is colostrum from cows. While that may shock you, research-to-date suggests that bovine colostrum offers several health benefits for adult humans.
#1 Supports Gut Health
Much like human colostrum, bovine colostrum contains key growth factors and enzymes that support gut health.[2]
In fact, the digestive enzymes in colostrum aid the body’s ability to break down various proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, which improves nutrient absorption.
For individuals experiencing various forms of GI distress, such as leaky gut, chronic diarrhea or IBS, colostrum may offer relief. An in-depth narrative review of bovine colostrum studies found that it offered benefits for numerous cases, including infection diarrhea, IBD, and gut permeability.[3]
To top it off, researchers not that colostrum possesses prebiotic properties, which may help nourish gut-friendly bacteria.[3]
#2 Bolsters Immunity
Similar to human colostrum, bovine colostrum contains immunoglobulins and lactoferrin, which help combat various bacteria, viruses and fungi. Lactoferrin, specifically, supports the immune system by reducing inflammation and offering antimicrobial properties, which helps resist infections.[4]
It comes as little surprise, then, that colostrum supplements help support adults’ immune systems. What may surprise you, though, is that colostrum’s antimicrobial properties made it a valuable agent before antibiotics like penicillin were discovered.[5]
Recent research also indicates that colostrum supplements may be worth checking out during cold and flu season.[6]
#3 Enhances Athletic Performance & Recovery
Colostrum is rich in growth factors that may support muscle growth and tissue repair.[7] As you’re likely aware, intense physical exercise (e.g. resistance training) is essential for gaining strength and building lean muscle. A necessary outcome of these training sessions, though, is muscle damage (microtears in muscle fibers).
Typically, we use a combination of protein (especially Clear Protein), carbohydrates, and certain supplements, like those found in 1UP Pure Rebuild, Creatine to fuel the body’s natural recovery and repair processes.
Studies suggest that colostrum supplements can accelerate recovery from strenuous workouts and reduce muscle damage.[8] This means athletes could experience less soreness and quicker recovery between workouts.
Other studies find that colostrum supplementation may significantly increase athletes’ sprint and jumping performances (2.3%).[9] This may not seem like much, but for competitive athletes, this is massive.
