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From the chart above, it is very obvious how fast the relationship of the biologically active components in bovine colostrum changes after birth of the calf. Recognizing this changing relationship is extremely important in defining what bovine colostrum really is and in assuring that it contains the maximum amount of biologically active substances.
Protein
Most of the biologically active substances in complete bovine colostrum that can convey significant health benefits are proteins. Since almost all of the beneficial proteins are conveyed from the mother’s bloodstream into the colostrum before birth and the mother then begins to reabsorb them about 6-8 hours after birth, it is important to use colostrum that has been collected during a time period that will minimize the effect of the reabsorption process. Of real significance is the fact that by 24 hours after birth most of the proteins in the udder fluid can be accounted for by two individual proteins that are primarily only of nutritional value, casein and albumin.
Colostral Fat
Some people and companies believe that the milk fat in bovine colostrum either does not have any purpose or can deteriorate the product quicker. One such company takes the fat out of their product but adds a different fat component back into their product. Their claim is their ?colostrum? is more digestible. True bovine colostrum helps in digestion. The protein, casein, found in bovine colostrum, breaks down in the stomach into amino acids and peptides which are absorbed then used to create new muscle in the stomach. If the milk fat is removed from the colostrum, not only are you losing some important biologically active substances, but you are losing the benefits of the casein protein.
Bovine colostrum contains 20-30% milk fat. Insulin, some growth factors, corticosteroids, steroid hormones, and vitamins A, D, E and K are some of the beneficial biologically active substances found in the milk fat of bovine colostrum.
Lactose (Milk Sugar)
Approximately 10-15% of all of the solid material in high quality complete first milking colostrum will be lactose.2 Lactose is extremely important to the calf as an immediate metabolic energy source when it is broken down to glucose and galactose by an enzyme (lactase) in the saliva and the stomach. Therefore, it makes good sense that the amount of lactose in transitional milk and mature milk increases as the calf develops rapidly during the early days of its life.
Since most people have the same enzyme (lactase) in their saliva and their digestive system, the lactose in the colostrum that they use as a dietary supplement can provide the same ready source of metabolic energy. However, there are ?lactose intolerant? individuals who have problems digesting lactose because their body produces too little or none of the lactase enzyme. The amount of lactose in first milking colostrum collected within 6 hours after birth is about one-half of what it is at 12 hours after birth and one-third of what it becomes by 24 hours. Therefore, a high quality complete first milking colostrum collected within 6 hours after birth can be used as a dietary supplement by more people without potentially having them suffer the discomforts associated with lactose intolerance.
Additional Compositional Considerations
The following comparative facts about colostrum and milk further stress the value of a complete first milking colostrum in maximizing the health related benefits.
Colostrum has 10 times the amount of vitamin A than milk.
Colostrum contains 3 times more vitamin D than milk.
Colostrum contains at least 10 times more iron than milk.
Phosphorous, magnesium and calcium are found to be greater in colostrum than milk.
Biologically Active Components
The biologically active components in complete first milking colostrum can be divided into categories based upon the health aspect where they exert their greatest influence. In some cases the functions of these components can be clearly separated into such categories, while, in many cases, the dividing line is clouded. The major categories are the Immune Factors, the Growth Factors and the Metabolic Factors. It is very important to recognize that most of the very broad claims made by many suppliers of colostrum for human consumption about what these substances do are based upon very specialized studies in experimental animals and represent the company’s interpretation of the results and not necessarily that of the original scientific investigator.
Dr. Anthony Kleinsmith is considered one of the world’s leading experts on colostrum as a health supplement. He is sought-after for media appearances; he travels worldwide in his continuing efforts to educate people about colostrum everywhere. His first book sold over half of a million prints worldwide. You can read more about the benefits of colostrum at www.ImmuneTree.com
