What is colostrum? + The Benefits for Adults AND Kids

Vittoria Allen - August 06, 2024

Colostrum, often referred to as "liquid gold," is the first milk produced by your body during pregnancy and right after birth. This nutrient-rich fluid is packed with antibodies and acts as a natural vaccine, providing newborns with a strong foundation of health. But did you know that colostrum isn't just for babies? Adults are now tapping into the benefits of this powerhouse milk, thanks to products like Armra Colostrum.

What is Colostrum?

Colostrum is a yellowish, sticky fluid produced by the mammary glands during the late stages of pregnancy and the first few days after giving birth. It’s incredibly rich in proteins, vitamins, minerals, and antibodies, which are essential for a newborn’s immune system and overall health. Unlike mature milk, colostrum is lower in fat, making it easier for babies to digest.

The Growing Trend of Colostrum for Adults

Recently, the health and wellness community has been buzzing about the benefits of colostrum for adults. Companies like Armra are leading the charge, offering colostrum-based supplements (sustainably sourced from grass-fed battle) designed to boost immunity, improve gut health, and enhance athletic performance.

Benefits of Colostrum for Adults

Immune Boosting: Just like for babies, colostrum helps to bolster the immune system in adults, providing a natural defense against colds, flu, and other infections.
Gut Health: The growth factors in colostrum can help repair the gut lining, reduce inflammation, and improve conditions like leaky gut syndrome.
Athletic Performance: Colostrum is rich in growth factors that can aid in muscle recovery, increase lean muscle mass, and improve overall athletic performance.
Anti-Aging: The antioxidants and growth factors in colostrum can help reduce inflammation, promote tissue repair, and improve skin health, leading to a more youthful appearance.
Overall Wellness: Regular intake of colostrum supplements can lead to enhanced vitality and well-being, supporting a healthy lifestyle.

Benefits of Colostrum for Babies

Immune Support: Colostrum contains high levels of antibodies, particularly Immunoglobulin A (IgA), which helps protect the newborn from infections by coating the intestines and preventing pathogens from entering the bloodstream.
Nutrient-Rich: Packed with proteins, vitamins, and minerals, colostrum provides all the essential nutrients that a newborn needs in the first few days of life.
Gut Health: The growth factors in colostrum help to develop the gut lining, which is crucial for nutrient absorption and preventing gastrointestinal issues.
Low in Fat: Easier to digest than mature milk, colostrum is perfect for a newborn’s delicate digestive system.
Laxative Effect: Helps the baby pass their first stool, known as meconium, which assists in clearing excess bilirubin and prevents jaundice.

Expressing Colostrum Before Birth

Colostrum is the ideal food for every newborn after birth, perfectly tailored to meet a baby’s needs. Due to its composition, it allows your baby’s digestive organs to get used to their respective tasks slowly and gently. It also stabilizes newborns' blood sugar levels in the first few days after birth and helps with the elimination of the first bowel movement, called meconium, reducing the risk of newborn jaundice. However, it is not always possible to give a newborn baby fresh colostrum from the breast immediately after birth due to factors such as illness or latching difficulties. Hand expressing colostrum before birth (if the pregnancy is normal, from the 38th week of pregnancy at the earliest) can mean you’re prepared for any eventuality. Because a newborn’s stomach is as small as a hazelnut after birth, just a few drops of this highly concentrated milk are enough.

How to Store Colostrum

After each expression session, label the syringes or containers with your name, the date, and the time. Store them immediately in the freezer at 0°F (-18°C) or below. Colostrum can be stored in the freezer for up to six months. If your baby has already been born, colostrum can be fed directly.

How to Use Colostrum

For babies, colostrum is naturally provided through breastfeeding. For adults, colostrum is available in powder, capsule, or liquid form, often marketed as dietary supplements. It can be added to smoothies, shakes, or taken directly to reap its many benefits. Whether for newborns or adults, colostrum is truly a superfood with a myriad of health benefits. While it’s a natural part of early infant feeding, its role in adult health is gaining recognition and popularity. As always, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially during pregnancy or for those with existing health conditions. For new parents, ensuring that your baby gets this "liquid gold" can set the stage for a healthy start in life. For adults looking to boost their health, exploring colostrum supplements like Armra could be a step towards enhanced wellness and vitality.