What To Look for When Choosing a Colostrum Supplement
Colostrum is associated with boosting the immune system, fortifying the gut, and promoting better skin and hair. The milk-like formula is produced naturally by humans, cows, and other mammals after childbirth. Colostrum is rich in growth factors, antibodies, antioxidants, vitamins, micronutrients, and minerals. Here are a few things to look for when choosing a colostrum supplement:
Rich Nutrient and Ingredient Profile
The colostrum sold as supplements is derived from cows and is known as bovine colostrum. This supplement features various nutrients found in the raw colostrum and extra compounds added to deliver more health benefits. Raw bovine colostrum’s nutrient profile has lactoferrin, IgA, IgG, and IgM-type antibodies, growth factors, and hormones. Colostrum also features B vitamins, zinc, magnesium, vitamins A, D, and E, and micronutrients. These nutrients strengthen the newborn’s immunity against bacterial and viral infections and promote gut maturity.
When you purchase a colostrum supplement, check the label to identify all nutrients and ingredients in the formula. Some supplements have a full spectrum of nutrients and bioactive ingredients. Look for supplements with lactoferrin, immunoglobulins, and growth factors. You can also find supplements with cytokines, proline-rich polypeptides, and other healthy nutrients. Some supplements also come in a variety of types such as unflavored or vanilla. Choose supplements with grass-fed bovine colostrum as the first ingredient on the label and a high amount of immunoglobulin G.
High-quality Source and Processing
To produce the best colostrum and milk, cows need to be healthy and well-fed. Pasture-fed cows raised in farms optimized for healthy growth are more likely to produce nutritious colostrum and milk. Look for farms that treat their animals with care and follow ethical practices when sourcing colostrum. The richest colostrum comes from the milk sourced immediately after birth but ethical farms let the calves get their fill first. Cows produce enough colostrum for their calves, so the excess is processed for human consumption.
Colostrum is processed to increase safety, shelf life, and usage convenience. While processing is necessary, overprocessed colostrum may lose some of its efficacy. Review the procedure used to produce the colostrum, focusing on low-temperature flash pasteurization and freeze-drying. Avoid colostrum products processed under high heat and thawing. The raised temperature interferes with the bioactive agents while increasing the potential for pathogen contamination. Choose farms that don’t use fillers, artificial sweeteners, preservatives, pesticides, flow agents, antibiotics, and gluten in their supplements.
Testing Certifications and IgG Percentage
Colostrum suppliers perform various tests to make sure the formulas are safe and pure. Processing dairy products like colostrum comes with an increased risk of contamination by bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. Heavy metals and pesticides used to treat the cows may also end up in the milk. Some companies also use fillers, soy, artificial flavours, and preservatives. Testing certifications provide proof that the colostrum is safe and doesn’t feature any unwanted ingredients and contaminants. Some certificates also indicate that the facility meets the safety and processing requirements.
Look for FDA dietary supplements produced in GMP-certified facilities and collected from Grade A dairy farms. Review the internal and third-party lab analysis to make sure the supplement is pure and potent. Other certifications include non-GMO, kosher, and antibiotic-free. Check the IgG percentage to determine your supplement’s potency. High-quality colostrum has a higher IgG percentage, so look for this information on the label. Leading farms and suppliers provide detailed labels and are available for inquiries about their supplements.
Buy Quality Colostrum Supplements Today
Colostrum has many potential health benefits, but users should look for high-quality supplements and ingredients. Whether you prefer unflavored or flavoured colostrum, get your supplement from a reputable company with ethical practices and trusted processes. Contact a colostrum supplement supplier today to find out more about their colostrum products.
