What is Colostrum ?
Colostrum truly is a superfood. Also known as ‘first milk’ or ‘liquid gold’, it is a special milk-like fluid produced by cows, humans, and all other mammals in late pregnancy and the first few days after giving birth. It’s light yellow, gold, or sometimes clear in colour, and is a thick, creamy liquid. And wow, is it packed with amazing properties that protect and nourish your body.
Newborns of all mammalian species have immature, undeveloped immune and digestive systems, colostrum provides a diverse range of enzymes, antibodies, and growth factors, along with a healthy serving of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, all designed to promote the baby’s growth and stimulate development of the immune system. Mothers feed this milk to the newborn immediately following birth, and it is only available for a limited amount of time (typically around 3-4 days). Colostrum is densely packed with nutrients that protect and nourish the baby for the first few days of life. Although the amount of colostrum produced is very small, its high nutrient content is second-tonone and easy for newborns to digest. Colostrum provides everything a baby needs to thrive at the beginning of life. In fact, it is often referred to as nature’s ‘first food.’
Science has discovered that because colostrum is non-species specific, humans may benefit from taking bovine colostrum long after birth - throughout childhood, adulthood and into their senior years.
Research also shows that taking bovine colostrum supplements may promote immunity, help fight ills and chills, and improve gut health throughout life. Luckily for us, cows produce much more colostrum than they need. Once a cow has given birth, she produces approximately 25 litres of colostrum over the following 72 hours. The first five litres is given to the calf as this is vital for its survival and health. These five litres provide sufficient colostrum to ensure adequate nutrition to the calf and to safeguard herd quality.
To enhance your health and improve your immunity, you need to start with your gut. This place houses at least 70 percent of all cells that make up your immune system. The immune-boosting effects of colostrum are mostly due to its high concentration of antibodies IgA and IgG. Antibodies are proteins that fight these ills and chills. Research suggests that colostrum’s antibody levels are 100 times higher than in regular cow’s milk. These high anti- body levels can help to balance your immune system and protect your digestive system by nourishing the gut wall. A healthy gut wall means our bodies have a natural defence system giving us the resistance we need to fight off bugs and ills and chills helping our bodies perform at their best.
A healthy gut can determine your overall health and wellbeing. Colostrum may stimulate the growth of intestinal cells, strengthen the gut wall, and prevent intestinal permeability.
Lactoferrin acts as a prebiotic and stimulates the growth of good bacteria in the gut.
It also has been shown to support health of the gastrointestinal tract by increasing the surface area of your intestinal lining. This helps to improve the overall absorption of nutrients.
Rich in immunoglobulins & other natural antibodies, colostrum supplementation can help improve the microbiome – trillions of microbes living in your gut. Colostrum may also encourage the growth of friendly bacteria (probiotics) in the gut. Probiotics are tiny organisms that your gut loves. Probiotics are often called ‘good bacteria’ because they help keep your gut healthy, help with food digestion, help produce certain vitamins and help with the regulation of ‘bad’ bacteria. You can supplement probiotics with Alpha Lipid™ Lifeline™ Colostrum as it contains natural antibodies that build immunity through gut health. The growth factors in colostrum may help probiotics flourish and recolonise your gut; as such, colostrum is considered a prebiotic.
However, not all colostrum products are the same. To ensure maximum benefit, it is vital that as much natural bioactive colostrum is delivered to our bodies as possible. New Image™ International’s exclusive Alpha Lipid™ technology coats colostrum particles, protecting the nutrients as they pass through our harsh stomach environment. The Alpha Lipid™ coating is both water and fat-soluble, improving the spread and absorption of colostrum particles into our bodies.
Natures best-kept secret is a powerful support for your immune system. Colostrum is naturally occurring, and its proteins and antibodies support your immune system helping you feel fit, healthy and protected.
Alpha Lipid™ Lifeline™ combines colostrum & probiotics for powerful immune and digestive support to help you feel balanced, healthy and strong. With over 1 billion probiotics, 1000mg of calcium, vitamins and minerals we can add this to our favourite morning smoothie. Calcium is essential for growing bones and probiotics encourage a healthy digestive system by supporting normal gut flora.
Alpha Lipid™ Colostrum Capsules have all the benefits of Colostrum in the convenience of a capsule so are perfect for the busy ones of the family, always on the go. They are easy to swallow, at any time. You can even open 1 capsule and sprinkle over your favourite breakfast or add to yoghurt or milk for the littlies of the family (under 2, half the dose, as always consult your medical practitioner first). Colostrum’s antibodies work with your body’s own cells to enhance immunity.
Alpha Lipid™ Colostrum Tablets are tasty chewable tablets that are suitable for children over 2 years old (to prevent choking). They are a delicious vanilla flavour that assists the body’s natural repair process.
Alpha Lipid™ Colostrum is the perfect protection for busy active families.