Colostrum is the “first food of life,” and it helps promote newborn growth and development. All mammalian mothers produce colostrum late in pregnancy and in the first few days after the birth of their young. Colostrum contains a plethora of substances which ensure these newborns can get the nutrients they need to thrive. Animal babies will die if they do not receive colostrum. Human babies can survive without colostrum, but they are generally at a developmental disadvantage and are more susceptible to illnesses in comparison to those who receive colostrum.

Although many people link colostrum exclusively to newborn growth and development, it is important to note that bovine colostrum contains many essential nutrients that help people of any age shut down excessive intestinal permeability.

What Is Intestinal Permeability?

Excessive intestinal permeability, also referred to as “leaky gut,” results in larger-than-average spaces between the cells in the gut wall. The normally tight junctions between the cells loosen and become “less tight.” Of note, the gut wall is only ONE cell thick, so it’s easy to understand how the gut can become leaky. When these spaces form, they enable undigested food particles, chemicals, and other toxic materials to enter the bloodstream. As a result, these toxic materials can cause the immune system to react to these “foreign” substances.

The root cause of leaky gut remains unknown. Some researchers believe nutritional deficiencies, excess consumption of sugar, stress, and other dietary factors can lead to leaky gut.

Colostrum is the “first food of life,” and it helps promote newborn growth and development. All mammalian mothers produce colostrum late in pregnancy and in the first few days after the birth of their young. Colostrum contains a plethora of substances which ensure these newborns can get the nutrients they need to thrive. Animal babies will die if they do not receive colostrum. Human babies can survive without colostrum, but they are generally at a developmental disadvantage and are more susceptible to illnesses in comparison to those who receive colostrum.

Although many people link colostrum exclusively to newborn growth and development, it is important to note that bovine colostrum contains many essential nutrients that help people of any age shut down excessive intestinal permeability.

What Is Intestinal Permeability?

Excessive intestinal permeability, also referred to as “leaky gut,” results in larger-than-average spaces between the cells in the gut wall. The normally tight junctions between the cells loosen and become “less tight.” Of note, the gut wall is only ONE cell thick, so it’s easy to understand how the gut can become leaky. When these spaces form, they enable undigested food particles, chemicals, and other toxic materials to enter the bloodstream. As a result, these toxic materials can cause the immune system to react to these “foreign” substances.

The root cause of leaky gut remains unknown. Some researchers believe nutritional deficiencies, excess consumption of sugar, stress, and other dietary factors can lead to leaky gut.

The growth factors in bovine colostrum include:

• Epithelial Growth Factor (EGF): EGF plays a role in protecting skin by stimulating cellular repair and replication. This applies to the outer skin and the inner lining of the gastrointestinal tract.
• Insulin-Like Growth Factors (IGF-I and IGF-II): IGF-I and IGF-II are the most prominent growth factors in colostrum and affect how the body uses fat, protein, and sugar for fuel. IGF-I has been shown to promote protein synthesis, leading to an increase in muscle mass and decrease in fat tissue. It stimulates the body to burn fat for fuel instead of the body’s own muscle tissue in times of fasting (dieting). Furthermore, IGF-I supports the repair and growth of DNA and RNA.
• Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF): PDGF helps with cell division in connective tissue, smooth muscle, and fibroblasts and promotes neuron survival and regeneration.
• Transforming Growth Factors A & B (TGF A & TGF B): TGF promotes the proliferation of cells in connective tissue and supports bone and cartilage development. It also helps repair tissue and supports the growth and development of the gut lining.

Bovine Colostrum Supplementation: What You Need to Know

Bovine colostrum supplements are available for men, women, children, and even pets. They may be taken in a capsule or powder form as part of a regular diet. Additionally, bovine colostrum supplements often contain a wide range of ingredients that benefit the body in many ways.