Bovine colostrum is the first milk cows produce after giving birth. It is a nutrient-rich fluid that is used in supplements for humans to help provide various health benefits, including immune support. Here’s what to look for when selecting a bovine colostrum supplement:
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Sourced Ethically
Bovine colostrum collection can raise ethical concerns, such as making sure the newborn calves receive the vital nutrition they need for healthy growth. Reputable producers address these concerns by clearly indicating the source of their colostrum supplements and prioritizing the needs of the calves. It’s key that calves are allowed to have access to the first and most nutritionally rich colostrum. This helps make sure they receive their fair share before any is collected for supplementation purposes.
Cows often produce more colostrum than their calves need. Once a calf is full, producers collect the excess colostrum to make supplements. Check if the company has published information regarding the ethics of sourcing colostrum. If you can’t find such information on their website, contact them and ask how they source colostrum.
Collected Promptly
The time of harvesting colostrum can impact its quality. For a high-quality colostrum supplement, choose one collected within the first few hours after delivery. This could be within the first six hours after calving. Producers collect colostrum within six hours after calving because of its high immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration. This type of antibody is at its highest after delivery and decreases over time. Taking colostrum supplements with a high concentration of IgG is beneficial for the immune system. The antibody can help protect you against viruses, bacteria, and fungi.
Collected From Grass-fed Cows
When choosing a colostrum supplement, check the supplier’s source and prioritize an option from pasture-fed cows. Look for supplements sourced from farms that treat their cows with care and respect. Such cows may be allowed to graze on natural pasture or fed products derived from grass. Grass feeding can expose cattle to key nutrients and live enzymes from the soil. This allows them to produce more antibodies in their colostrum, which are an integral part of the supplement.
Processed Using High-quality Methods
Proper processing makes it possible to find a colostrum supplement with similar qualities to its natural state. Before selecting your ideal option, check how a company processes and preserves its colostrum supplements. The method a producer uses to process colostrum will impact the effectiveness of its nutritional components. You can choose a colostrum supplement that’s processed using cold treatment or left unstripped.
Processing colostrum at high temperatures will destroy its key components, losing its efficacy. One method of processing colostrum involves flash pasteurizing and freeze drying using low temperatures. Processing at low temperatures will help retain the colostrum’s immunoglobulins and bioactive compounds. This method will also prevent bacterial growth in the colostrum.
Tested by a Third-party
A reputable company will sell colostrum supplements that have been tested for safety. A certified laboratory should conduct the testing to avoid selling products with contaminants. These labs help make sure the product is free of bacteria, pesticides, and heavy metals. This testing can verify that the colostrum supplement contains what the label claims. Choose products that include a “third-party tested” claim on the label. You can also contact the producer to inquire about the organization responsible for testing their colostrum.
Choose a Quality Bovine Colostrum Supplement
When finding colostrum supplements, you’ll need to do more than select your preferred flavors. Look for supplements from companies that prioritize the safety and purity of their products. Such companies supply third-party tested and properly processed colostrum supplements. You should also choose products that use natural ingredients for flavor and coloring. Find a high-quality bovine colostrum supplement today to add it to your diet.
