Grass-fed Beef Colostrum - 30 sachets

Colostrum (first milk) is the milk a cow produces in the 24 to 48 hours after giving birth to her calf. It is not ordinary milk but a concentrated package of immunoglobulins (IgG), lactoferrin, growth factors (IGF-1), proline-rich polypeptides, oligosaccharides, vitamins and minerals, designed to kick-start the newborn calf's immune system and gut. Ancestral uses only the surplus colostrum from grass-fed cows (the calf comes first), freeze-dried without heating and without additives. The cows graze outdoors all year round in New Zealand and Australia: grass-fed, with no added hormones, antibiotics, pesticides or GMOs.

Colostrum is traditionally used to support the gut lining and the immune system, by athletes for recovery and gut strain during intensive training, around courses of antibiotics and during the winter season. The immunoglobulins and lactoferrin act locally in the gastrointestinal tract. It is food, not a medicine; results vary from person to person.

Take 1 stick (1,000 mg) a day, preferably on an empty stomach half an hour before a meal; stir the powder into cold or lukewarm water, juice, yoghurt or a smoothie, or take it straight on the tongue. When your needs are higher (intensive exercise, after antibiotics) you can take 2 to 3 sticks a day. Do not mix with hot drinks: heat breaks down the immunoglobulins. A box contains 30 sticks, enough for a month.

All three contain freeze-dried grass-fed colostrum (the capsules and sachets from New Zealand and Australia, the powder from the USA). The capsules (3,000 mg per 6 capsules) are tasteless and convenient for a fixed dose. The sachets contain 1,000 mg per stick, ideal on the go and for stirring into a drink. The loose powder (119 g, 1 g scoop) is the best value per gram and can be dosed freely, for example 1 to 3 g a day. Colostrum tastes slightly sweet and milky.

Colostrum is a dairy product: it contains lactose (less than ordinary milk, but not lactose-free) and cow's milk proteins. With lactose intolerance most people tolerate 1 to 3 g a day well, if necessary with a lactase enzyme. With a true cow's milk allergy (IgE), colostrum is not suitable. People sensitive to casein should start low.

Colostrum is generally well tolerated. A few people experience some gas, a change in bowel movements or mild skin reactions in the first few days as the gut flora adjusts; if so, start with half a stick and build up slowly. Contains no liver, so no vitamin A load.

Yes, colostrum is food and is widely used for children (half to 1 g a day, mixed into cold food or drink). During pregnancy and breastfeeding there is no objection; to be on the safe side, consult your midwife. If you take immunosuppressive medication or have an autoimmune condition, consult your doctor. Colostrum naturally contains IGF-1 in dietary amounts; it is not on the doping list.

Contains milk (colostrum); beyond that no gluten, soy, nuts, egg, fish, sugar, colourings or fillers, and no capsule or gelatin. Not suitable for vegans. Store the sticks in a cool, dry and dark place; use an opened stick straight away.