In my opinion, colostrum is a very interesting product. We have our own colostrum on offer through the distribution of Arktis Biopharma products in Switzerland.

So although I could easily write an article about colostrum myself, I would prefer to let a proven specialist in the field of colostrum have his say in this article: My "competitor" and friend Sven Altorfer. He is the founder and owner of the company Beaster and creates colostrum products. I met him and asked him a few questions about him as a person, the development of his company and the colostrum product.

Chronically ill - Sven's path to performance and his own product

From overweight smoker to triathlete

In November 2004, Sven was not in a particularly good shape. He weighed 136 kg and was a smoker. On November 12, 2004, he made a decision: "Life has to be different."

He had read a lot about exercise and especially about nutrition, which he then began to put into practice.

In January 2007, Sven reached his target weight of 94 kg.

And as it is: once you have reached a goal, you set yourself a new one. This new goal was to complete a triathlon!

The discovery of naturopathy

To achieve this goal, he had to go over the books again, especially because he was very often ill at the time. About twice a year he was plagued by flu with a very high fever, which he then fought for weeks with medication. The symptoms got better and better with treatment, but the flu became more frequent and more severe.

Then suddenly it wasn't just the flu, but also bronchitis. This could not be controlled and was already taking on chronic characteristics.
Through this history of suffering, he came across topics such as naturopathy, homeopathy and Chinese medicine and started his first successful trials with propolis.

Through his further study of literature, he came across colostrum. This helped him a great deal, especially in acute phases. He had the feeling that his immune system became much more stable. He still got the flu, but not nearly as much and for as long.

Different qualities of colostrum products

During his research, he noticed that there are different qualities of colostrum products, which are mainly influenced by the production process. Through intensive study of the literature, the optimum process for achieving the best bioavailability in the manufacture of the end product emerged.

Sven then wrote to colostrum producers worldwide to see which countries had the greatest expertise or where there was a certain culture surrounding colostrum. He found very good producers in the USA and New Zealand.
However, he thought it was crazy to transport colostrum over such distances when you have cows practically on your doorstep. In addition, the farms in both countries were very large and they had specialized in one drying process, spray drying. However, spray drying generates heat, which has a negative impact on bioavailability.

But

Sven

knew what he wanted:

Cold filtration

This involves microbiological tests are carried out and the product is quarantined for 3 months. Stress tests are also carried out.

Gentle freeze-drying

Slow

, gentle freeze-drying in bags, which takes around 12-24 hours and results in a crystalline form.

Cows with horns

Sven

had read several reports and studies on cows with and without horns. Based on these reports, he only considered cows with horns.
The cow's horn has a significant influence on the animal's metabolism. Removing the horns disrupts the cow's entire hormone balance and metabolism, the breakdown of toxins is restricted and the structure of the milk proteins changes. An ongoing study is currently trying to prove that the casein in dehorned cows is transformed into a highly allergenic product. We can also see from our own feedback that people who are allergic to milk proteins or milk sugar (lactose) have no problems if they buy their milk from a farmer where the cows are grazing and have horns, or if their customers drink Demeter milk.

Unfortunately, we only have around 10% cows with horns in Switzerland, which makes it difficult to meet demand with local cows or colostrum.

Beaster - present and future

It was not possible for Sven to build his own production facility at the beginning. He didn't even know how high the demand would be and whether or not he would even be able to sell a capsule. Today, however, he is thinking about building a plant.

In Switzerland, as previously mentioned, there is another hurdle: we don't have enough farms with horned cows to set up all the logistics. Sven currently sources his raw materials in Austria and Germany. However, he is not allowed to bring these raw materials across the border unprocessed. He has to pre-treat the raw materials in the EU to make them sterile (not sterile). In Switzerland, the rest is finished in contract work.

The recipes for the Beaster colostrum products are always created by Sven. He has the support of a food technologist friend who often reaches his limits because of Sven's high demands on the quality of his products. What seems impossible, Sven wants to make possible. High quality with as few compromises as possible is the motto.

It often takes a year or more from the recipe to the finished product.

There are usually additional hurdles when it comes to the recipes for the products. For example, obtaining protein powder with the same requirements that he places on colostrum. Above all, you have to realize that he is a very small fish when it comes to purchasing raw materials. And if you have such high standards as he does, then there can be headwinds.

Sven's goal is to be able to do all the production in Switzerland in the future.

What is colostrum?

Ingredients

Colostrum is the cow's first milk and is used to protect the calves in an emergency. It contains all the nutrients that the immune system needs. Not only the animal immune system, but also the human immune system!

Colostrum contains a high proportion of protein and relatively little lactose.

Use and effect of colostrum

Colostrum is used in the following situations, among others:

• Strengthening the immune system
• Prevention for Hay fever
• Intestinal problems
• Wound healing
• Neurodermatitis
• Herpes and mouth ulcers
• Gum problems
• Sore throat
• Flu
• Support during chemotherapy
• Stabilization

In old age, it can lead to a stabilization of hormones, especially in women, and improve menopausal symptoms.

Colostrum is also very popular in sport. As the immune system is always under great strain in sport, it helps to protect athletes from infections. The high protein content also helps and supports the regeneration process. Muscular fatigue is noticeably reduced.

Dosage

The dosage is from 10ml per day. Sven and I both use it in such a way that we recommend starting with 30-40ml per day and reducing it after 1-2 months. We both recommend taking liquid colostrum first, as absorption via the oral mucosa works very well, especially if you have an impaired gut.

You can then switch to capsule or powder form.

Do you have a question about colostrum? Have you tried it yourself? Then write us a comment!We look forward to your feedback.