Colostrum is one of the most fascinating natural substances in existence. Humans, cows, goats, and all mammals produce it as the Mes Faits right after giving birth. It is widely studied in immunology, early development health, gut barrier support, mucosal immunity, and maternal to newborn nutrient transfer.
Below, you will find 40 real-world, science-based facts about colostrum. These are educational facts — not medical treatment claims. Colostrum is studied — not guaranteed to diagnose, treat, or cure disease. Any supplement decisions should always involve a licensed healthcare professional.
Let’s begin.
Fact 1:
Colostrum is the very first secretion that mammary glands produce right after giving birth.
Fact 2:
Colostrum is not “milk” — it is a pre-milk fluid.
Fact 3:
Colostrum is thicker and darker (often yellow or golden) than mature milk.
Fact 4:
Humans produce colostrum for around 24–72 hours after delivery.
Fact 5:
Cow (bovine) colostrum is the most commercially used form in supplement industry.
Fact 6:
Colostrum is rich in immunoglobulins like IgG, IgA & IgM.
Fact 7:
Immunoglobulin G (IgG) is the major antibody in cow colostrum.
Fact 8:
Colostrum has lactoferrin — a protein known for iron binding.
Fact 9:
Colostrum has natural growth factors including IGF-1 & IGF-2.
Fact 10:
Colostrum naturally contains maternal immune information.
Fact 11:
Baby animals without colostrum are at higher infection risk.
Fact 12:
Humans evolved colostrum secretion millions of years ago.
Fact 13:
Colostrum supports gut barrier development in newborns.
Fact 14:
Colostrum has oligosaccharides — food for good bacteria.
Fact 15:
It contributes to the newborn microbiome seeding process.
Fact 16:
Colostrum was used in Ayurveda medicine historically.
Fact 17:
Colostrum supplements today are freeze-dried, not boiled.
Fact 18:
Recognized academic institutions have colostrum studies.
Fact 19:
Over 5,000+ published research papers reference colostrum.
Fact 20:
Bovine colostrum is biologically similar to human colostrum.
Fact 21:
Colostrum is rich in peptides and bioactive molecules.
Fact 22:
It contains cytokines — chemical signalling proteins.
Fact 23:
Colostrum also has polyamines — growth support molecules.
Fact 24:
Colostrum has vitamins A, E, B-complex & trace minerals.
Fact 25:
Fat in colostrum helps improve absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
Fact 26:
Colostrum proteins can denature with excess heat.
Fact 27:
Low-heat processing techniques maintain bioactivity better.
Fact 28:
Colostrum powders are used in some sports nutrition formulas.
Fact 29:
Athletes use colostrum — often to support recovery.
Fact 30:
Some colostrum products are standardized for IgG percentage.
Fact 31:
Colostrum is an ancient biological fluid with modern scientific interest. It is mother nature’s “first gift” to newborns — a delivery system of immune information, proteins, signalling molecules, micronutrients, and microbial support structures.
Modern evidence does not say colostrum treats diseases by itself — but thousands of papers analyze it for immune support functions, gut barrier research, mucosal immunity, epithelial integrity studies, and maternal-infant health modelling.
Humans have used colostrum for thousands of years — but science is still discovering new components inside it.
If someone is considering colostrum supplements — they should compare brand purity, processing methods, IgG %, and quality testing — and consult a licensed doctor for individual suitability.
Colostrum is one of the most powerful natural biological substances ever created in nature. It is the first fluid that mammals produce after giving birth. This pre-milk fluid is richer, thicker, and more nutrient-dense than mature milk. Researchers call it “liquid gold,” because of its bioactive structure and its deep role in newborn immune preparation.
Below are 40 detailed facts that highlight how unique, complex, and scientifically fascinating colostrum truly is.
Fact 1:
Colostrum is the very first secretion from mammary glands that happens before actual milk production.
Fact 2:
Colostrum is considered “pre-milk” because it is different in viscosity, density, and formula compared to mature milk.
Fact 3:
Human colostrum is often yellow or golden due to vitamin A and carotenoid concentration.
Fact 4:
In most humans, mature milk replaces colostrum within 24 to 72 hours after childbirth.
Fact 5:
Bovine colostrum (from dairy cows) is the primary type used in the global supplement industry.
Fact 6:
Colostrum is extremely rich in immunoglobulins — IgG, IgA, IgM — which help support early immune development.
Fact 7:
Bovine colostrum can contain up to 100 times more IgG than mature cow milk.
Fact 8:
Lactoferrin inside colostrum has an iron-binding function and is studied for its protective biochemical behaviour.
Fact 9:
Colostrum contains IGF-1 and IGF-2 (Insulin-like Growth Factors) which help support tissue growth and development.
Fact 10:
Colostrum transfers maternal immune intelligence from mother to newborn.
Fact 11:
Newborn animals depend heavily on colostrum — without it, survival rates often drop dramatically.
Fact 12:
Colostrum evolution began millions of years ago — before humans existed — as a mammalian survival tool.
Fact 13:
Colostrum helps kickstart the newborn digestive system and gut protection mechanisms.
Fact 14:
Oligosaccharides in colostrum serve as prebiotic compounds that support beneficial bacteria.
Fact 15:
The newborn microbiome — the foundation for lifelong gut health — begins forming with colostrum intake.
Fact 16:
Ancient Ayurvedic writings mention bovine colostrum as a sacred healing food.
Fact 17:
Most modern colostrum supplements are freeze-dried to preserve peptide activity.
Fact 18:
Major universities and medical institutions have published research related to colostrum bioactivity.
Fact 19:
More than 5000+ academic papers reference colostrum.
Fact 20:
Bovine colostrum has molecular similarities that make it relevant for human research models.
Fact 21:
Colostrum delivers peptides, enzymes, and biologically active molecules not present in mature milk in the same concentration.
Fact 22:
Cytokines found in colostrum play a communication role in immune system signalling.
Fact 23:
Polyamines in colostrum are important for cell growth and tissue development.
Fact 24:
Colostrum contains vitamins like A, E, B-complex, plus minerals like zinc and selenium.
Fact 25:
Fat content helps newborns absorb fat-soluble vitamins more effectively.
Fact 26:
Bioactive proteins in colostrum can be damaged if exposed to high temperatures.
Fact 27:
Manufacturers use low-heat or cold processes to preserve peptide life.
Fact 28:
Colostrum is used in athletic formulas as a supportive recovery ingredient.
Fact 29:
Professional athletes have used colostrum in training cycles as a nutrition adjunct — not a banned substance.
Fact 30:
Many supplement companies standardize colostrum based on IgG percentage strength.
Fact 31:
Responsible colostrum sourcing follows the “calf-first ethics rule” — the newborn calf receives its share first.
Fact 32:
Research positions colostrum as functional nutrition — not pharmaceutical therapy.
Fact 33:
Colostrum is classified as a functional food ingredient — not as a prescription drug.
Fact 34:
In early 1900s, before antibiotics were invented, doctors in Europe explored colostrum empirically.
Fact 35:
Today’s manufacturing standards involve laboratory testing, batch documentation, and purity audits.
Fact 36:
Freeze drying maintains immunoglobulin structure better than aggressive spray heating.
Fact 37:
Some modern formulas combine colostrum with probiotic species for synergistic gut support.
Fact 38:
Colostrum supplements come in powder, scoopable jars, capsules, tablets, and even flavored chewables.
Fact 39:
Raw liquid colostrum spoils rapidly — which is why stabilizing and drying techniques are important.
Fact 40:
Consumers should request certificates of analysis (COA) to ensure no fillers or contaminants.
Final Summary (Conclusion)
Colostrum is nature’s first biologically intelligent nutrient delivery system. It is engineered by evolution to protect newborn mammals at the most vulnerable stage of life. It provides antibodies, growth factors, peptides, cytokines, vitamins, minerals, and prebiotic content — all inside one concentrated fluid.
This is why colostrum has been respected culturally for thousands of years, and researched scientifically for decades.
Freya Parker 
warehousemate 
AHSAHS22S