Colostrum for Adults
Science Based
Written by Amy Myers, MDThere’s a new superfood that’s taking the supplement world by storm. I’m talking about a nutrient-dense substance called colostrum! Maybe you’ve heard of it. It’s extremely beneficial for newborns, but what about colostrum for adults?
Colostrum powder may offer health benefits to adults as well. Before we get into that, though, it’s important to understand what colostrum is and how it benefits the body. Colostrum isn’t right for everyone, especially those who need to avoid dairy. What if you’d like to enjoy the benefits of colostrum but want to avoid dairy? I’ll answer all these questions and more in this article. I’ll also show you the best dairy free colostrum supplement on the market today.
What is Colostrum?
Colostrum is the first milk a mammal produces shortly after giving birth. This creamy, yellowish liquid is often referred to as “liquid gold”. Some call it that because it is rich in protein, carbohydrates, and antibodies. Nutrients like these help give their young the best start in life. Also, it floods the GI tract with beneficial microbes. These microbes guard and protect against harmful viruses or bacteria. By assisting in self-regulation and the detection of harmful pathogens, they also help balance the immune system. With all these nourishing properties, not hard to see why it’s so amazing!
Colostrum Benefits for Newborns?
Newborns come into this world with a complete blank slate. While growth and development have been happening for some time, the environment is different. For instance, the umbilical cord supplies nutrients to the baby. Additionally, the amniotic fluid in the mother’s womb protects the fetus from outside threats. After birth, however, they are now exposed to various elements. This increases their risk of contracting illness or disease.
Colostrum helps protect the newborn and is quite literally the perfect food. I say this because it provides all the essential nutrients they need during the first few days after birth. It contains ample amounts of Vitamins A, C, D, K, and E, which all work together to support the immune system.1 The vitamins, minerals, and antibodies in colostrum help the newborn’s body acclimate to everything it comes into contact with. It also helps regulate body temperature, blood sugar levels, metabolism, and circulatory function. These are all critical for survival.
Newborns are also born with a sterile GI tract. Meaning there is neither good nor bad bacteria present. Colostrum is easy to digest and introduces helpful bacteria, hormones, and growth factors to the newborn’s system. One example of this is lactoferrin. Lactoferrin is a protein involved in how well the immune system responds to threats.2 Together, this helps establish a healthy microbiome as the newborn interacts with the world.
Colostrum for Adults
As you can see, colostrum is quite the nutrient powerhouse for newborns. However, what are the benefits of colostrum for adults? It might surprise you to know that there are very similar health benefits adults can enjoy. Among these, some of the most specific benefits of colostrum for adults are gut and immune health. In fact, the antibodies found in colostrum powder may strengthen weaker immune systems. This can be especially helpful to those dealing with autoimmune diseases.
Almost 80% of your immunity is found in your gut. For this reason, addressing both is crucial to enjoying better health. The proteins and antibodies found in colostrum may also help improve gut permeability. Additionally, it may strengthen the gut lining. If you deal with conditions like Leaky Gut or Candida overgrowth, you know how important this is.
When you are younger, your body does a pretty good job of repairing itself. As you age, however, normal repair processes tend to slow down. Hormonal changes, environmental toxins, stress, and a poor diet can create inflammation. In turn, this can negatively impact your health. This is especially true of gut and immune health. Inflammation is the common denominator in many diseases. Brain health, mitochondrial health, and even premature aging all stem from inflammation.
Part of the solution to this is nourishing the body with immune-supporting ingredients. Choosing the right ones can help defend and protect against inflammation. Colostrum powder can be a great tool for this. However, even with its apparent health benefits, there is a downside to colostrum. Let me explain.
Colostrum Contains Dairy
Most of the colostrum powder supplements you see today come from cows. Remember, colostrum is the first milk a newborn receives. Because of this, it does in fact contain many of the same elements as dairy. The problem with colostrum-containing dairy is that it can do more harm than good. I recommend everyone avoid dairy because of how inflammatory it can be. I especially encourage those dealing with thyroid, gut issues, or autoimmune disorders to avoid dairy and gluten at all costs.
Dairy proteins can be hard to digest. For this reason, colostrum for adults can lead to inflammation and gut issues.3 Consequently, this can reduce your immune system’s ability to fight off inflammation. This can cause it overreact. Left unchecked, it can lead you down the road to autoimmune disorders.
If you want the immune and gut-nourishing benefits of colostrum but need to avoid dairy, I have good news! I have a dairy free colostrum powder that gives you all these great benefits and more. Plus, it comes without the side effects of dairy.
Dairy Free Colostrum: ImmunoLin®
What if you could repair your gut and support your immune system at the same time? This could lead to better digestion, more energy, and optimal health. After years of research, I discovered a powerful ingredient that does exactly that. It’s called ImmunoLin®, and I consider it one of my best weapons in promoting gut and immune healing.
Similarly to colostrum, ImmunoLin® also comes from a cow. The difference, however, is that this ingredient doesn’t come from the milk glands. It is a serum-derived bovine immunoglobulin/protein isolate (SBI). That means it doesn’t contain the dairy proteins found in colostrum or other dairy products. Immunoglobulins are glycoproteins that plasma cells in your body produce on their own. What’s more, ImmunoLin® contains concentrated levels of IgG antibodies. This type of antibody supports the body’s natural immune defense system.4
So when it comes to ImmunoLin® vs colostrum, which is better? Since ImmunoLin® is a potent dairy free colostrum alternative, I recommend using it to improve gut and immune function.
Gut ImmunIG™
Finding a dairy free colostrum powder that offers maximum immune support can be tricky. For this reason, I decided to create Gut ImmunIG™. This powerful immune support supplement contains highly concentrated immunoglobulins that perform multiple roles.
First, they act as antigen binders, capturing and flushing toxins from the gut. At the same time, they promote a balanced gut microbiome. This ensures a proper balance of beneficial bacteria. Having the right balance can inhibit the overgrowth of harmful bacteria. I often see this in those with SIBO.
This combination enables your body to eliminate toxins more efficiently. It also promotes better nutrient absorption and muscle maintenance. Gut ImmunIG™ is the all-in-one supplement that strengthens the gut-skin axis. In effect, it encourages a healthier complexion, stronger nails, and more vibrant hair.
On top of all these wonderful benefits, this dairy free colostrum powder is AIP friendly. It comes without gluten, egg, soy, or worries!
Final Thoughts on Colostrum for Adults
Colostrum plays an invaluable role in nourishing newborns. Packed with vitamins and minerals, carbohydrates, and proteins, this creamy liquid is often referred to as “liquid gold”. It’s not hard to see why on account of how nutrient-dense it is!
As helpful as it is for newborns, colostrum for adults is a topic that is still being explored. It’s true that many of the gut and immune-boosting properties of colostrum may have very similar results for adults. That said, it does contain dairy. Those dealing with thyroid, autoimmune conditions, or gut infections should avoid it.If you’re on a gut and immune health journey and are curious if colostrum for adults is right for you, try Gut ImmunIG™. This dairy free colostrum powder offers powerful nourishing and detoxification properties. It’s also easy to incorporate into your routine! Plus, it comes free from additives, allergens, sweeteners, or dyes. Try mixing it with this Watermelon Mint Mocktail for a fun and refreshing way to improve your health!