Colostrum - also known as young and first milk - is a special fluid produced by the mammary glands of mammals - including humans - at the end of pregnancy and for several days after birth. Because it contains significantly more active compounds than normal (mature) milk, it is considered one of the best natural ways to improve the function of the immune system. Colostrum is of crucial importance for the newborn baby. This is because it provides him with essential nutrients and protects him from pathogenic micro-organisms by stimulating his immune system - colostrum is the only form of immunity for the baby for about the first three months of life. It therefore influences the proper development of the still immature immune system ^{[1, 2, 3]}.

Colostrum components, i.e. which immunologically active compounds contribute to its multidirectional effects

Colostrum is a rich source of immunoglobulins, peptides and micro- and macronutrients. It also contains carbohydrates and lipids. Among the most important active compounds contained in colostrum are the protein components, which are divided into two groups:

• caseins (insoluble proteins) - have immunoregulatory, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties; they are also called energy sources;
• whey proteins (soluble protein components) - these include:
  • immunoglobulins - colostrum is a rich source of immunoglobulins, which are crucial at the stage when the mother transmits passive immunity to the offspring; IgG is the main class of immunoglobulins found in bovine colostrum ^[4]; these are antibodies that participate in the normal functioning of the immune system;
  • lactoferrin (LF) - antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiparasitic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects;
  • α-lactalbumin (LA) - antiviral, anticancer, anti-stress effects;
  • β-lactoglobulin,
  • lactoperoxidase - antimicrobial activity;
  • glimacropeptide - antimicrobial, anticoagulant effects ^{[1, 2, 3]}.

Other immune regulators contained in bovine colostrum include colostrin (also known as proline-rich polypeptide or PRP). Among other things, it is responsible for the anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anti-tumour and immunomodulatory effects of colostrum ^{[2, 3]}.

In addition, bovine colostrum contains fat-soluble vitamins (A, D and E), water-soluble vitamins (B vitamins) and the minerals calcium, copper, iron, zinc, manganese, phosphorus and magnesium. The content of these components may contribute to antioxidant and immune-supporting effects ^[2].

Immunoglobulins contained in bovine colostrum and their importance for the body

Immunoglobulins are immune proteins produced by cells of the immune system that play a central role in the adaptive humoral immune response. Antibodies, or the aforementioned immunoglobulins, show the ability to recognise and eliminate antigens (foreign molecules). By taking part in immune responses, they have the task of neutralising and removing harmful bacteria, viruses, fungi and other types of pathogens, thus protecting the body from their pathogenic effects ^{[5, 6]}. Immunoglobulins are an important component of colostrum immune activity. They are crucial during the transmission of passive immunity from the mother to the offspring. This is why they are called the most important mediators of the immune system^{[6, 7]}.

Colostrum bovinum is a rich source of immunoglobulins. These include IgA, IgD, IgE and IgM, but the G-type immunoglobulins (IgG) are the main ones. Studies have shown that they exhibit protective properties in many species, including humans ^{[2, 6]}. Bovine colostrum supplementation - due to its content of immunoglobulins of type G - can support the body's immune function, which seems promising especially for immunocompromised individuals. Intake of colostrum affects both passive immunity and modulation of the acquired and innate immune system ^[2]. Bovine colostrum has also been shown to support the digestive and respiratory systems ^[8].

Colostrum - what does it help with?

The properties of colostrum are extensive. It shows a positive supportive effect on the body in both children and adults. In the first periods of life, it provides a protective shield against pathogens. In turn, in later life, it is a support for many conditions - both chronic and temporary. Colostrum supplementation can therefore help prevent many ailments, as well as support in their management^[1]. Different types of colostrum can be found on the market: sheep colostrum and goat colostrum, among others. However, bovine colostrum (Latin: colostrum bovinum) is the most popular. It is time to learn more about the effects of colostrum on various bodily functions.

Immunomodulatory properties of colostrum

Colostrum has a strong immunomodulatory effect - this means that it has the effect of strengthening the immune system response ^[9]. As a result, it can protect against bacteria or viruses. Lactoferrin (LF) and colostrin (PRP), and to a lesser extent casein, are responsible for these properties. These compounds have a multifaceted effect - they influence the self-regulation of biological processes, the activation of the immune response and the prevention of abnormal immune responses (autoimmunity) ^[1].

Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of colostrum

Colostrum shows a preventive effect against various types of infections. It has antibacterial, antiviral, antiparasitic and antifungal properties. The immunologically active compounds of colostrum - mainly lactoferrin - mentioned earlier are responsible for this ^[1]. This makes colostrum a valuable aid both in terms of preventing infection and supporting the body in an infection that has already arisen. It has also been shown that lysozyme can have anti-inflammatory effects ^[3].

Effect of colostrum on sports performance and training quality

The benefits of colostrum can be felt by physically active individuals. It has been shown that this substance can increase anaerobic power ^[10] and improve post-workout recovery processes, resulting in better performance during training ^[11]. Studies have shown that colostrum also has an effect on body composition - when combined with exercise, it can increase lean body mass in women and men ^[12].

How does colostrum work on the intestines?

The lactoferrin contained in colostrum regulates the composition of the intestinal microflora of newborns ^[1] and protects against the occurrence of traveler's diarrhoea caused by E. coli^[13]. Importantly, LF inhibits the growth of pathogenic bacteria in the intestine while not killing beneficial strains of lactic bacteria ^[1]. This action of colostrum significantly increases the safety of its intake and has a positive impact on the microbiota. In addition, the bioactive oligosaccharides present in colostrum act as a prebiotic, i.e. stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria in the intestinal lumen^[2], and lactoferrin shows protective properties on intestinal epithelial cells ^[3]. Casein has also been shown to have a protective effect in leaky gut syndrome (endotoxaemia) ^[3], which causes many gastrointestinal disorders - including diarrhoea, constipation, bloating and abdominal pain.

How do we obtain colostrum? What influences its quality?

Colostrum is a popular substance that is available in the form of dietary supplements - e.g. in powder or capsule form. As colostrum is the so-called first milk of mammals, this fluid is extracted up to several days after birth from, among others, cows, goats, sheep and mares. This secretion is collected on individual farms and frozen to be sent to processing plants for pasteurisation, spray drying or freeze-drying into powder. Among the important factors affecting colostrum quality is the timing of colostrum collection after calving. The most common rule of thumb is to harvest colostrum by day 3 postpartum. The most valuable is that collected up to 12 hours after calving - it contains the highest amount of nutrients, mainly immunoglobulin type G. Both the period of collection and the method of storage and processing can significantly affect the bioactivity of the product. The later colostrum is collected, the lower the IgG content, among other things ^[2].

Colostrum from OSAVI - quality, efficacy and transparent sourcing

The quality of the product is influenced by how the substance is obtained. Colostrum is harvested from the surplus of the first milking, up to 12 hours after calving at the latest. This makes it possible to obtain a high content of immunoglobulin type G in the final product of more than 30% IgG. Colostrum comes from Holstein-Friesian cows grazing in the so-called Green Lungs of Poland. The method of obtaining colostrum is based on adherence to strict rules, including environmental friendliness. Colostrum from OSAVI is taken from healthy cows in which no synthetic growth hormones have been used, and a withdrawal period has been observed if antibiotics have been administered to the animals. Processing it with improved methods allows us to provide you with a product with high bioavailability. We are referring to:

• microfiltration process (without pasteurisation) - this removes potentially harmful pathogens while preserving the bioactivity of biologically important proteins (e.g. immunoglobulins and peptides);
• spray drying - this uses low-pressure steam and carefully controlled temperatures to produce a high-quality powder while protecting colostrum proteins.

Both drying at high temperatures, subjecting colostrum to pasteurisation and obtaining it many hours after lactation negatively affect its quality. When choosing colostrum in supplement form, it is worth paying attention to the information provided by the manufacturer. This way, you can consciously buy a product with the maximum amount of active substances and thus get the best results from supplementation. Colostrum OSAVI is processed taking into account the most important stages of the production process (microfiltration process and drying at appropriate temperatures).

Three different Colostrum products from Osavi:

[1] Cancer, K., & Bronkowska, M. (2014). The immunological significance of colostrum.Hygeia, 49(2), 249-254.
[2] Playford RJ, Weiser MJ. (2021). Bovine Colostrum: Its Constituents and Uses. Nutrients; 13(1):265. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13010265.
[3] Zimecki M., & Artym J. (2005). Therapeutic properties of proteins and peptides from colostrum and milk. Advances in Hygiene and Experimental Medicine, 59.
[4] B Hurley WL, Theil PK. (2011). Perspectives on immunoglobulins in colostrum and milk. Nutrients; 3(4):442-474. doi:10.3390/nu3040442.
[5] Mix E., Goertsches, R. & Zett U.K. Immunoglobulins—Basic considerations. J Neurol 253 (Suppl 5), v9–v17 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00415-006-5002-2.
[6] Hurley WL, Theil PK. (2011). Perspectives on Immunoglobulins in Colostrum and Milk. Nutrients; 3(4):442-474. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu3040442.
[7] Janusz Marcinkiewicz J., Siedlar M.Physiology and basic organization of the immune system, Handbook of pediatrics. Immunology. Practical Medicine. Retrieved 04/16/2023 from https://www.mp.pl/podrecznik/pediatria/chapter/B42.166.1.
[8] Ulfman L. H. t. al. (2018). Effects of bovine immunoglobulins on immune function, allergy, and infection. Frontiers in nutrition, 5, 52.
[9] He, F. et. al. (2001). Modulation of human humoral immune response through orally administered bovine colostrum. FEMS immunology and medical microbiology, 31(2), 93–96. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1574-695X.2001.tb00504.x.
[10] Buckley, J. D., Brinkworth, G. D., & Abbott, M. J. (2003). Effect of bovine colostrum on anaerobic exercise performance and plasma insulin-like growth factor I. Journal of sports sciences, 21(7), 577–588. https://doi.org/10.1080/0264041031000101935.
[11] Buckley, J. D. et. al. (2002). Bovine colostrum supplementation during endurance running training improves recovery, but not performance. Journal of science and medicine in sport, 5(2), 65–79. https://doi.org/10.1016/s1440-2440(02)80028-7.
[12] Antonio J., Sanders M. S. & Van Gammeren D. (2001). The effects of bovine colostrum supplementation on body composition and exercise performance in active men and women. Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.), 17(3), 243–247. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0899-9007(00)00552-9.
[13] Otto W. et. al. (2011). Randomized control trials using a tablet formulation of hyperimmune bovine colostrum to prevent diarrhea caused by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli in volunteers. Scandinavian journal of gastroenterology, 46(7-8), 862–868. https://doi.org/10.3109/00365521.2011.574726.