Review: Colostrum as an Emerging food: Nutraceutical Properties and Food Supplement

Colostrum of ruminants is the first secretion of the mammary gland produced after birth. It is a complex biological fluid that ensures the immune support of newborns in early life. There is a growing interest in human consumption of colostrum as a nutraceutical due to its nutrients, antibodies, vitamins, immune factors, and growth factor contents. This review illustrates the applications of colostrum as an emerging food focusing on its nutraceutical aspect and the importance of colostrum as a functional food. Emphasis is also posed on the use of colostrum for its potential probiotic properties as well as an immunomodulator, antioxidant, and anticancer activities. We focused on the latest technology adopted in colostrum quality evaluation and explored the effects of treatments on bioactive compounds. In conclusion, soon, colostrum-based supplements may play a complementary/adjuvant role in the prevention and treatment of different diseases as well as for pharmaceutical purposes or as an everyday food supplement.