Understanding Bovine Colostrum for Babies: Nutritional Insights for Parents
As a new parent, it is critical for you to understand the nutrition of your newborn baby. Toddlers and newborn infants need numerous macronutrients but in certain cases, it becomes complicated to provide them with the same. For example, if the baby is born preterm or the mother faces health issues post-pregnancy, it might become difficult to lactate and this can compromise the nutrition of the baby. Also, in some cases such as hypertension, reflux disease, metabolic disorders, thyroid issues, diabetes, and many other health problems, mother's milk may be nutrient-deficient which is, again, an alarming situation. This is where bovine colostrum comes into the picture.
Colostrum is the first milk that the human body produces after pregnancy. It is similar to what other mammals produce. In the case of cows, the milk colostrum produced is particularly nutritious and beneficial for your infants. In this blog, we are going to discuss the many benefits of using cow milk colostrum for your infant and whether it is safe and effective or not.
Expressing Milk Colostrum After Pregnancy
It has become a common practice for new mothers to try to express colostrum when their baby is born. This is the first milk that your infants should get from their first breastfeeding. Colostrum is known to provide important proteins, vitamins, and minerals that may support newborn health. The antibody profile of colostrum in general is also very impressive.
Note: Bovine or cow's colostrum is often referred to as "liquid gold" because of its rich pale yellow color and amazing nutrient profile.
Bovine Colostrum And Its Composition
Do you know what colostrum supplement is made of? It is high in protein and low in fat. It doesn't have any sugar content either. Cow’s colostrum contains proteins and antibodies too that are being explored for their potential role in supporting overall wellness and immune system development of your baby. It is dense in nutrients for the infant even in low quantities. Therefore, you only need a little bit of this supplement to make your infants healthy and support their growth.
Nutrients That Are Amply Present In Bovine Colostrum
This is probably one of the very few health supplements in the market that are super rich in protective nutrients.
Bovine colostrum contains nutrients such as immunoglobulin, lactoferrin, and leukocytes, which are being researched for their potential roles in supporting infant health.
- Immunoglobulin which is an antibody necessary for your children
- Lactoferrin which is a healthy protein that helps reduce infections
- Leukocytes that are healthy white blood cells
- Epidermal growth factor which is a healthy protein for cell growth
Also, the yellowish color that it has is due to carotenoids and an adequate quantity of vitamin A. This vitamin plays a very important role in supporting the vision of your baby and improving skin and immunity. Bovine colostrum also happens to be very rich in magnesium that supports the heart and bones of your baby. The ample amount of copper and zinc in it supports immunity.
Disclaimer: The information provided about ingredients is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Differentiating Between Colostrum And Normal Breast Milk
The biggest difference between normal breast milk and bovine colostrum is that the latter is produced during pregnancy and after the calf is born. It changes or transitions to normal milk after a few days. Small amounts of bovine colostrum still remain in that milk for several weeks. Distinct differences between normal milk and colostrum from cow's milk are:
- A much higher quantity of immunoglobulins, which are being studied for their role in infant immune system support
- As suggested by a study, it also has twice the amount of healthy protein as compared to normal breast milk
- Cow colostrum as 4 times the amount of zinc important for immunity
- Because it has a much lower content of fat and sugar, it is easier to digest for infants
- It has a thicker consistency and a slightly yellow color which makes it easier to identify
Disclaimer: Parents should consult their pediatrician before introducing any new supplements to their child’s diet. This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Bovine Colostrum And Your Newborn Baby - A Few Benefits You Cannot Overlook
As indicated by a study, bovine colostrum may help form a protective layer in the stomach and intestines, potentially reducing inflammation the baby’s gut that may result in illness and diseases
- Colostrums also has laxative properties that help your baby pass the dark first poop which is called the mecomium
- It may also help combat diseases of the stomach and help the baby get rid of harmful waste products
- Cow milk colostrum contains nutrients that are being studied for their potential to support infant growth and development
- It is thought to help regulate blood sugar levels in babies, especially if you have heredity for it
How Much Bovine Colostrum Supplement is Going To Be Enough For Your Newborn Baby
Usually, 1 to 4 tablespoons of cow milk colostrum per day is enough. The age of your infant and also the recommendations made by your pediatrician are going to matter. The quantity of bovine colostrum supplement should be well monitored. You can begin with tiny amounts because it is very dense in nutrition. With time, the amount of supplement is going to increase gradually as your baby grows.
Disclaimer: Parents should consult a pediatrician before introducing any new supplements to their child’s diet. This content is only meant for educational purposes and must not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. The appropriate amount of cow milk colostrum varies based on individual needs. Consult a pediatrician for personalized recommendations.
Assessing The Safety And Effectiveness of Bovine Colostrum For Infants
Some studies suggest colostrum may offer nutritional support for growth and digestive health. As suggested by a study, this dietary supplement should be administered at an optimal age and time. Exclusive feeding with bovine colostrum is generally not recommended, as it may not meet all nutritional needs. Consultation with a healthcare provider is essential. However, no adverse effects such as allergies or intolerance have been recorded so far.
The research also suggests that a large number of preterm infants with IUGR continue to experience slow growth due to many factors. In such situations, a mother's milk may become relatively deficient. Therefore, to support the optimal growth of such infants, nutrient fortifiers are recommended. Because cow milk colostrum has the right nutrient profile, it has the potential to fortify human milk without any added risk.
Final Thoughts
While cow’s colostrum supplement is dense in important nutrients for your infants, it is not going to be a substitute for mother's milk or a wholesome meal prepared with love. Choose health supplements for your babies only after careful consideration and consultation with your pediatrician. Wellness Extract is always here to educate you on health matters that matter.
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional.
