Colostrum

The colostrum or colostrum (Latin colostrum ) is the first milk produced by the female mammary gland to feed the newborn optimally in the first few days in mammals. This first milk is known as colostrum or colostrum in cows as colostrum or Beast ( m. ). It contains proteins, enzymes, vitamins, minerals, growth factors, amino acids, and antibodies. In order for the child or young animal will strengthen and support its immune defenses.

Human colostrum

Due to its high protein content, the colostrum is something slimy, thick and yellowish in color, sometimes mixed with blood. It is provided to the newborn immediately after birth is available and changes in humans within the next 18 to 36 hours, its composition until after about five days, the "normal" milk is produced. The colostrum is very rich in antibodies, which makes it very important for the relatively disease-prone newborns, and should therefore be given as soon as possible.

Cow colostrum

In cows colostrum also the beast or beast milk is ( in Switzerland Brieschmilch ) called. Colloquially, the term Pfaff, Pfaff milk, milk and Kuhpriester priests are known, especially in the southwest of Germany. Colostrum of cows is considered a healthy food. There are numerous studies on the efficacy of colostrum. Among other things, colostrum provide some protection against infectious diseases and aid in wound healing and regeneration of damaged intestinal mucosa. Colostrum is also used for co-treatment of allergies, hypertension, diabetes, and depression. Evidence for the effectiveness of the application for these indications are still lacking.

Colostrum is also used as a raw material for bread and cheese. In Finland cheese is made from colostrum under the name Leipäjuusto (bread cheese) available in any grocery store and with cloudberry jam a popular Nachtischspeise.

Food regulatory situation

When milk or milk-based colostrum must ( " milk of the first five days after calving " ) pursuant to § 18 ( 2) Milk Regulation in Germany not be placed on the market. In contrast, colostrum in Germany may be marketed as foods of their own kind, for example as a dietary product on the market. The use of colostrum in food supplements is currently in technical and legal discussion. Advertising claims of the effects of colostrum are subject to the requirements of the new Health Claims Regulation, which requires a scientifically adequate protection since 1 July 2007. In Australia, cow colostrum is used specifically for performance enhancement in sport, as it seems to favor the body's release of growth hormones and breast milk will probably never come to the doping index.

The quality of colostrum used depends very strongly on the processing of the raw material. Due to strong heating go the valuable contents lost. With the method of Kaltsterilfiltrierung the basic product on the one hand sterilized the other hand, freeze-dried and heated, especially not more than 42 degrees Celsius. The colostrum powder thus obtained is in accordance with good quality.

For import of food from colostrum, the animal health conditions must be met. Subject to the conditions of the Commission's decision 95/343/EC.