Colostrum: pharmacological, nutraceutical and functional properties

Colostrum is the first secretion of the breast that starts to give milk and shows different features than lactation milk. In addition to nutrients such as colostrum protein, carbohydrate, fat, vitamin, it is rich in immunoglobulins, antimicrobial peptides and growth factors, especially biologically active molecules necessary for specific functions. Colostrum, the first food of life, supports the maturation and tissue growth of the digestive system and immune function in newborns and animals, contributes to the immunological defense of newborns. There are studies emerging that bovine colostrum may be one of the promising nutraceuticals that can prevent or alleviate various diseases in newborns and adults. In this review thesis study, in line with the information given about the definition of nutraceutical components of colostrum and its role in protecting against various diseases; it has been determined that colostrum has many important nutritional components, well designed double-blind controlled placebo studies to expand its therapeutic use, they have an active role in treatment of diseases, their availability as a food additive, play an active role in developing the immune system, and are among the future predictions for colostrum.