How is Colostrum Made & Stored? A Look Into The Process

Scott Patterson - July 23, 2024

Colostrum is nature’s superfood for newborn mammals, packed with everything they need for energy, growth, development, and a strong immune system. This magical first milk sets the foundation for a healthy start in life.

To truly harness the power of colostrum, let’s dive into what it is, how it’s made, the collection process, and the best ways to store it.

Where does colostrum come from?

Colostrum is the first milk produced by mammals immediately after giving birth. This thick, yellow fluid is rich in antibodies, vitamins, minerals, proteins, and fats, providing essential nourishment and immune support for newborns. Available for the first three to four days postpartum, colostrum helps protect against infections and supports overall growth and development, making it a powerful natural supplement for both newborns and adults.

Benefits of colostrum

Colostrum has several key benefits, including:

Highly nutritious: Colostrum contains higher levels of vitamins A, B, C, and E, as well as proteins, fats, and carbohydrates compared to regular milk.
Boost your immune system: Colostrum has high levels of specific antibodies (IgA and IgG), proteins designed to fight bacteria and viruses. It is particularly effective for athletes and reduces the risk of upper respiratory infections.
Treat and prevent diarrhea: The protein lactoferrin and the different antibodies found in bovine colostrum have been shown to help with diarrhea caused by viral and bacterial infections.
Benefit gut health: colostrum can help intestinal cell growth, strengthen the gut wall, and prevent intentional perforations. It may also reduce the symptoms of colitis.

How colostrum is made

Colostrum production begins during pregnancy and becomes most abundant immediately after birth. The mammary glands produce this nutrient-rich fluid in preparation for the newborn’s arrival. Colostrum is essential for providing the newborn with the nutrients and antibodies needed for growth and immune support. Here's a detailed look at its production:

Early Production: Colostrum production can start as early as the second trimester. Hormonal changes during pregnancy trigger the mammary glands to prepare for milk production.
Post-Birth Availability: Colostrum is most readily available immediately following birth and continues for about three to four days before transitioning to mature milk.
Nutrient Composition: Colostrum is packed with antibodies (IgA and IgG), proteins, vitamins (A, B, C, E), minerals, digestive enzymes, and fats. This unique composition helps protect the newborn from infections and supports overall growth and development.
Transition to Mature Milk: Within a few days postpartum, colostrum gradually transitions into mature milk. This mature milk continues to provide essential nutrients, though its composition changes to meet the evolving needs of the growing infant.

How colostrum is collected

Collecting colostrum efficiently and ethically is crucial to preserving its beneficial properties. The collection process should ensure the highest quality and safety for human consumption. Colostrum collection is most effective within the first two hours after birth, though it should occur within six hours to maintain the highest concentration of antibodies.

Once collected, the colostrum is checked for quality using a refractometer. This device measures the refraction of light in the colostrum - in Brix - which indicates the level of antibodies present. The higher the Brix value, the better the quality of the colostrum. A Brix level of 21 or higher indicates good quality. Colostrum with a Brix level below 21 can still be used but is considered less optimal.

Ethical best practices

Following ethical best practices ensures humane treatment of animals and the preservation of colostrum’s quality. Collection is performed in a gentle manner to avoid causing distress to the animals.

Proper handling and hygiene practices are maintained throughout the process to prevent contamination and ensure safety. Ethical practices also involve sustainable farming methods and ensuring that the nutritional needs of the animals are met, which contributes to the overall quality of the colostrum.

How colostrum is processed

Processing colostrum involves a series of meticulous steps to ensure it retains its beneficial properties and is safe for consumption.

First, freshly collected colostrum is immediately cooled or frozen. This step is crucial to preserve its nutrients and prevent bacterial growth. The colostrum is typically stored in flat bags, allowing it to freeze quickly and maintain its quality. Proper storage conditions are essential to ensure that the colostrum retains its high levels of antibodies and other nutrients.

Next, colostrum undergoes pasteurization, a process that heats the colostrum to a specific temperature to kill harmful bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella. This heating process is carefully controlled to ensure that it does not significantly affect the colostrum's beneficial antibodies. Pasteurization ensures the colostrum is safe for consumption while retaining its immunological benefits, making it suitable for use as a supplement.

In addition to pasteurization, colostrum can be processed using high-pressure processing (HPP). HPP involves applying extreme pressure to the colostrum to eliminate bacteria while preserving the delicate proteins and antibodies. This method is particularly effective because it maintains the nutritional integrity of the colostrum better than some other methods, ensuring that it remains highly beneficial.

Another common method is spray drying or freeze drying, which turns colostrum into a powder form. This process is convenient for packaging and storage, making colostrum supplements easy to use. However, these methods must be carefully managed to minimize damage to the sensitive antibodies and proteins in colostrum. The goal is to balance convenience with nutritional integrity, ensuring that the powdered colostrum remains effective.

Some colostrum may be treated with preservatives such as potassium sorbate or sodium benzoate to help limit bacterial growth and extend the shelf life of the colostrum. While many colostrum products use preservatives, Prelude colostrum supplements do NOT and instead use all-natural ingredients.

How colostrum is stored

Proper storage of colostrum is essential to preserve its beneficial properties and ensure it remains safe for consumption. Here’s how colostrum is typically stored:

Immediate Cooling or Freezing: After colostrum is collected, it should be immediately cooled or frozen to prevent bacterial growth and preserve its nutrients. Storing colostrum in flat bags allows it to freeze quickly, maintaining its quality and nutritional integrity.

Temperature Control: Colostrum should be stored at a temperature of at least negative five degrees Fahrenheit. If it is kept at 33 to 35 degrees Fahrenheit, fresh colostrum should be used within one week. When frozen, colostrum can be stored for up to six months without significant loss of its beneficial properties.

Clean Storage Containers: Colostrum should be stored in clean, single-serve containers or bags to prevent contamination. Using single-serve containers also helps preserve the nutritional value of the colostrum by minimizing exposure to air and bacteria each time it is accessed.

Avoiding Bacterial Growth: It is important to minimize the time colostrum spends at room temperature. If not used immediately, it should be prepared for storage to prevent bacterial levels from doubling, which can occur within 20 minutes.

Preservatives for Extended Storage: Chemical preservatives like potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate can be used to extend the shelf life of colostrum. These preservatives help limit bacterial growth while maintaining the colostrum's nutritional content.

Quality of the Source: The quality of the colostrum also depends on the health and nutrition of the source animal. Ensuring that the animal receives proper nutrition during pregnancy helps produce colostrum with a longer shelf life and better nutritional profile.

Can I use colostrum as a supplement?

Absolutely! Colostrum is not just beneficial for newborns; it offers a range of health benefits for adults as well. Colostrum supplements such as colostrum gummies are packed with essential nutrients, antibodies, and growth factors that can support your overall health and well-being.

Boosts Immune System: Colostrum is rich in antibodies, particularly Immunoglobulin G (IgG), which plays a crucial role in strengthening the immune system. This makes colostrum supplements an excellent choice for anyone looking to enhance their immune defense.
Supports Gut Health: The growth factors in colostrum can help maintain a healthy gut lining, promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, and reduce inflammation. This is especially beneficial for those with digestive issues or conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Enhances Athletic Performance: Athletes can benefit from colostrum’s ability to support muscle growth and repair. The proteins and growth factors in colostrum help reduce recovery time and improve overall physical performance.
Promotes Healthy Aging: Colostrum contains components that can support cellular repair and regeneration, helping to combat the effects of aging. Its nutrient-rich profile helps maintain skin elasticity and overall vitality.
Ethical and High-Quality: Prelude ensures that the colostrum used in our supplements is collected and processed using ethical and high-quality practices. This guarantees that you receive a product that is both effective and responsibly sourced.

Incorporating colostrum supplements into your daily routine can provide numerous health benefits, making it a powerful addition to your wellness regimen. Experience the natural power of colostrum with Prelude and take a step towards a healthier, more vibrant life. Contact us today to learn more and start your journey to better health with our premium colostrum supplements.

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