Many people who are interested in current nutritional trends ask themselves: “Colostrum, what is it?”. Because in recent years, this raw material has increasingly come into the spotlight as a dietary supplement – thanks in part to a wide variety of Hollywood celebrities.
Jennifer Aniston has publicly mentioned that she incorporates colostrum into her daily routine. Kim Kardashian and Kourtney Kardashian have since even launched their own colostrum brand. These mentions naturally spread far and wide, so that interest is also growing noticeably in Europe.
As a premium brand of colostrum products, we would therefore like to provide clear answers to basic and frequently asked questions (FAQ). In this article, you can find out what colostrum is, how it is produced and what you need to bear in mind when taking it,
Colostrum: What is it actually?
Colostrum is also known as first milk. This is because it is the milk that mammals receive in the first hours and days of their lives. It contains a different composition of nutrients than the milk produced afterwards.
Colostrum is characterized by a particularly high density of vital nutrients, as it is intended to give the newborn organism an optimal start in life. The composition of cow colostrum is 99% identical to human colostrum, which is why it is also ideal as a nutritional supplement for humans*.
(*Unfortunately, as a manufacturer/distributor of foodstuffs, we are prohibited from making healing statements regarding the effects of colostrum products on humans. We must therefore refer to worldwide medical publications and studies or to the relevant specialist literature).
What ingredients does colostrum contain?
Bovine colostrum (cow colostrum) has a natural composition of over 400 ingredients that is unique in its form – so unique that it cannot be imitated synthetically in the laboratory!
The most important ingredients include:
- Immunoglobulins (antibodies)
- Amino acids
- Proline-rich peptides
- Lactoferrin
- Growth factors
- Vitamins
- Minerals
- and much more.
What does “IgG factor 40” mean for colostrum?
The IgG factor is an important indicator of the density of immunoglobulins present. IgG stands for immunoglobulin G, the most common type of antibody responsible for defence, i.e. the recognition and neutralization of pathogens. “IgG factor 40” means that there are 40 times as many type G antibodies as in the same amount of human breast milk.
This high concentration is unique to armacura® products compared to many other manufacturers and is achieved for two reasons:
- On the one hand, cow colostrum naturally contains very high levels of antibodies, as the first immunization in cows does not take place via the placenta as in humans, but only via the first milk.
- On the other hand, the cow’s immunoglobulins are preserved thanks to a special gentle production process.
How is colostrum obtained?
Cow colostrum is obtained from milking surpluses. The cow produces far more colostrum (approx. 15-20 liters) than the calf drinks (approx. 5-7 liters) – these surpluses were often thrown away in the past, but can now also be used for humans thanks to professional processing. After the calf has been sufficiently supplied with colostrum – it is allowed to drink as much as it needs and wants – the surplus is collected and then processed further.
How is colostrum processed?
The processing of the raw material colostrum plays a decisive role in the quality of the end product. Particularly gentle treatment is important here, as many ingredients are very sensitive. In a first step, colostrum is partially defatted to make the product more digestible and longer-lasting.
It is then preserved at armacura® using special processes that make the addition of preservatives superfluous.
Colostrum liquid: Cold filtration
The liquid colostrum serum is produced using a purely physical process that does not require heat or additives. The nutrients are retained in this way – for a product with maximum bioavailability.
Colostrum powder: spray drying vs. freeze drying
Colostrum in powder form is produced by some manufacturers using spray drying. However, the hot air used in this process can sometimes denature temperature-sensitive components.
At armacura®, the colostrum is deep-frozen and then dehydrated using a vacuum – a particularly gentle process.
Find out more about the modern processes: armacura® Colostrum quality
Colostrum: What is the most important thing when taking it?
Dosage forms of colostrum
Colostrum is available in various forms as a food or food supplement:
Capsules
Powdered colostrum in capsules has a particularly long shelf life, is easy to dose and particularly practical for travel. The capsules are swallowed together with cold liquid (e.g. water).
Colostrum: What is the ideal dosage?
As colostrum is a completely natural food, there is no risk of overdosing. Ingredients that are not needed are simply excreted by the body. However, as a high-quality natural product, colostrum should of course not be wasted.
Dosage recommendations vary depending on the manufacturer. For our armacura® Colostrum Serum, we recommend one ampoule (6 ml) per day.
For colostrum capsules, a quantity of 1 capsule (400 mg) per 25 kg body weight is often recommended. For armacura® Colostrum Powder we recommend 4 g per day. For the armacura® direct immune sticks, we recommend 1 stick (2.5 g) per day.
Important information on taking colostrum
Colostrum is generally very well tolerated and is also suitable for long-term regular consumption. People of all ages can take colostrum products for an optimal supply of macro and micronutrients.
There is also no reason why colostrum should not be consumed during pregnancy, breastfeeding or when planning to have children. There are also generally no restrictions if you have diabetes. Only in the case of lactose intolerance should the intake be started slowly in order to wait for any reactions. An allergy to milk protein could also prevent the intake of colostrum.
If you are still unsure about taking colostrum, it is best to talk to your doctor to take your individual health situation into account.
Conclusion: Colostrum, what kind of food is it?
Colostrum is a natural product with a very special composition designed to help the newborn organism get off to a successful start in life.
It is valued for its extremely high density of valuable nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and amino acids, but also for its high density of natural antibodies (immunoglobulins). As cow colostrum is 99% similar in composition to human colostrum, it is also ideal as a nutritional supplement for humans*.
The milk surpluses are processed and preserved using special procedures. Colostrum is available as a food supplement in liquid or powder form (in capsules, as a powdered drink or as a complex formula with other ingredients).
Incidentally, colostrum is also used in cosmetics – for example as a rich ingredient in skin care creams.
(*Unfortunately, as a manufacturer/distributor of foodstuffs, we are prohibited from making healing statements regarding the effects of colostrum products on humans. We must therefore refer to worldwide medical publications and studies or to the relevant specialist literature).
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