Bovine Colostrum, benefits for the immune system

Colostrum is the first milk produced after birth (3 to 5 days) and is a rich natural source of macro- and micro-nutrients. Colostrum is the most-known natural substance with the greatest immune-boosting effects.

Colostrum is the first milk produced after birth (3 to 5 days) and is a rich natural source of macro- and micro-nutrients, immunoglobulins, and peptides with anti-microbial growth factors.[1] Colostrum is characterised by numerous properties capable of protecting individuals from the attack of pathogenic organisms, representing the most-known natural substance with the greatest immune-boosting effects.[2] Indeed, colostrum, which contains high levels of antibodies and other antimicrobial agents (e.g. lactoferrin), conveys protection to the offspring of many mammalian species, including humans, against several pathogens. The use of colostrum, in contrast to the use of the single components contained in it (e.g. lactoferrin, antibodies, growth factors) may have relevant advantages. The natural matrix in which its components are embedded can protect them from the digestion of the acidic environment of the stomach. Indeed, after ingestion, proteins and especially immunoglobulins must pass through the gastrointestinal tract and its proteolytic enzymes intact to be absorbed into the blood circulation. Fortunately, the colostrum matrix exhibits trypsin-inhibiting activity. Such activity ensures the protection of the most relevant ingredients that in turn can reach the blood circulation intact. The anti-trypsin activity of colostrum depends of the species from which it is obtained. As an example, the colostrum of carnivores the anti-trypsin activity is less prominent than in ungulates (e.g. cow).[3]
Several products containing BC are nowadays available. The main differences refer to the quality of BC used, the concentration of the main bioactive molecules, and the presence of other ingredients that can work synergically with colostrum. Cor.Con. International has rationally developed three different BC-based products able to reproduce the natural protective effect of colostrum in children, adults, and elderly people. Indeed, the BC contained in our products has a high content of immunoglobulins Ig and growth factors. Moreover, the BC used in our products has been clinically tested, resulting in effective in preventing seasonal flu and gastrointestinal diseases.

Cor.Con. International has rationally developed three different BC-based products able to reproduce the natural protective effect of colostrum in children, adults, and elderly people.


References  1.        Colostrum and its benefits: a review – ScienceDirect. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0271531702003731.

2.         Thapa, B. R. Health factors in colostrum. Indian J Pediatr 72, 579–581 (2005).

3.         Trzebiatowski, L., Georgiev, P. & Wehrend, A. [Trypsin-inhibitor activity in colostrum – an overview]. Tierarztl Prax Ausg G Grosstiere Nutztiere 50, 258–264 (2022).