Bovine colostrum supplements provide various nutritional benefits for individuals. These supplements are made from the first milk cows produce after giving birth, which contains nutrients in larger amounts than those found in human milk. If you want to try first cow milk supplementation, you may want to know what these supplements contain. Here are some ingredients in bovine colostrum supplementation products:
Proteins
Bovine colostrum has a higher protein content than mature cow’s milk. The main protein components in colostrum are whey proteins, which are soluble, and caseins, which are insoluble. Examples of whey proteins in bovine colostrum supplement products include lactoferrin and alpha-lactalbumin. Lactoferrin enhances antibacterial activity in the gut, promoting a healthy gut biome and improving iron absorption into the body. Alpha-lactalbumin raises serotonin levels in the brain while reducing cortisol concentration, which can help manage stress-related conditions.
Due to their insolubility, the body takes longer to digest caseins, which can help curb an excessive appetite. This protein contains amino acids which help build muscle in the body. Casein is also high in calcium, which is necessary for bone health.
Growth Factors
Bovine colostrum contains growth factors that are beneficial to the development of the gut, such as epidermal growth factors and insulin-like growth factors. Epidermal growth factors promote cellular repair, which helps with wound healing and liver regeneration. Insulin-like growth factors help regulate blood sugar levels, reducing your risk of diabetes. They also stimulate bone cell replication, which can prevent bone density loss.
Antimicrobial Factors
Immunoglobulins are the main antimicrobial factors in bovine colostrum. In calves, immunoglobulins contribute to the maturation of the immune system. In humans, these proteins boost the body’s immune response to fungi, bacteria, and viruses. Immunoglobulins can normalize immune systems compromised by autoimmune conditions in the right quantities. Five varieties of immunoglobulins are found in bovine colostrum: IgA, IgD, IgE, IgM, and IgG.
IgA binds pathogens, preventing them from attaching to the epithelial cells in the intestines. IgA naturally occurs in the human body and is found in the saliva and gastrointestinal tract, but colostrum supplementation can increase your IgA levels, helping you fight upper respiratory tracts and gut infections. IgD stimulates B-cells in the blood to mature, activating their immune function. IgE is an anti-allergen factor that triggers the release of histamine from specific types of white blood cells, minimizing the impact of an allergic reaction. IgG and IgM both work to eliminate enteric pathogens, which cause gut infections.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates in bovine colostrum include oligosaccharides, glycolipids, and glycoproteins. The primary oligosaccharide in colostrum is lactose, which can provide glucose and galactose to the liver, supporting glucose synthesis. Dietary oligosaccharides in colostrum are double the amount in regular cow’s milk. These oligosaccharides function as a prebiotic in the gut, as they bypass the intestines during digestion and pass into the colon intact, where they promote the production of healthy gut bacteria. Glycolipids supply energy to cells and facilitate cellular recognition, which is necessary for the body’s immune response. Glycoproteins like lactoferrin have anti-inflammatory effects on the body and modulate the immunity system. Lactoferrin can also bind with iron, facilitating iron absorption in the blood.
Get Bovine Colostrum Supplement Products
Bovine colostrum supplementation can improve your health by giving you access to nutrients and bioactive benefits that may not be present in substantial amounts in regular milk. Colostrum supplement products are rich in antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory components that may help boost your immunity and improve gut health. Bovine colostrum supplements are safe for most people as they contain naturally occurring ingredients and beneficial bioactives. Start your search for a quality, organic colostrum supplement today.