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What is colostrum? -

Colostrum is a breast fluid produced by mammals prior to milk in the first few days after they give birth. It is high in nutrients and antibodies.

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What is colostrum? -

Bovine colostrum contains high levels of immunoglobulins, antimicrobial peptides, and growth factors. It is higher in protein and lower in fat than regular breast milk.

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Antioxidants and antibodies -

The antioxidants and antibodies in colostrum are produced by the mother cow to support a healthy immune system in her calf.

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Bovine colostrum -

Bovine colostrum is very similar to human colostrum in terms of its nutrient profile. In order to make supplements, colostrum from cows is pasteurized.

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Bovine colostrum -

Following pasteurization, colostrum is dried into pills or powders. The powders are mixed into liquid for supplementation.

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Popularity -

The popularity of colostrum supplements has soared recently, as they've gone viral online on social media platforms. 

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Popularity -

Bovine colostrum supplements are presented as having numerous health benefits for humans, such as helping to fight infections, boosting immunity, and helping to improve gut health.

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More nutritious -

Bovine colostrum is higher in protein, magnesium, fat, B vitamins, carbs, and vitamins A, C, and E than regular cow’s milk.

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Specific compounds in colostrum -

There are three specific compounds in colostrum that are hard to source elsewhere. They are lactoferrin, growth factors, and antibodies.

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Lactoferrin -

Lactoferrin is a protein involved in the response of the immune system to viral and bacterial infections, among others.

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Growth factors -

Growth factors are the hormones that stimulate growth in the body. Insulin-like factors IGF-1 and IGF-2 are protein-based hormones, found in extremely high levels in colostrum.

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Antibodies -

Bovine colostrum is rich in antibodies IgA, IgG, and IgM. Our immune system uses these proteins to fight viruses and bacteria.

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Strengthening the immune system -

Perhaps this is why many people take colostrum supplements in the first place: the belief that they can strengthen the immune system. 

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Strengthening the immune system -

By helping the body to fight the agents of disease, i.e. bacteria and viruses, colostrum is sometimes taken as a preventative health measure.

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Research -

There's some evidence to back up this theory. In one study of 35 long-distance runners, it was found that taking colostrum supplements over a 12-week period increased the amount of IgA antibodies in their saliva by 79%.

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Research -

This increase in IgA, it was suggested by the researchers, demonstrates the body's enhanced ability to fight upper respiratory tract infections. 

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Research -

In a separate study where the sample was 29 male cyclists, it was shown that consuming 10 grams of bovine colostrum per day for five weeks reduced the risk of upper respiratory infection, compared to a placebo.

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Gut epithelium -

The lining of the gut, aka the gut epithelium, has one of the highest rates of cell turnover in the body, making it extremely effective at healing.

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Gut epithelium -

However, toxins and pathogens are able to break through the barrier of the gut, which can lead to the onset of gut health issues.

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Gut health -

If the gut has suffered an attack from pathogens and toxins, the growth factors in colostrum could be helpful in restoring the epithelium.

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Diarrhea treatment and prevention -

Some types of bovine colostrum are considered hyperimmune to viruses and bacteria, and have been shown to treat diarrhea caused by E.coli infection.

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Diarrhea treatment and prevention -

In a study of 30 adults, those who took a daily 1,200mg dose of colostrum were 90% less likely to suffer from traveler's diarrhea—commonly caused by the E.coli strand of bacteria—when compared with a placebo.

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Precautions: pesticides -

When choosing colostrum supplements, bear in mind that the way cattle are farmed has an impact on the end product. If pesticides, antibodies, or synthetic hormones are used, they can be passed on. Make sure to choose a supplement that states it doesn't contain these compounds.

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Unsuitable for lactose intolerance and dairy allergy -

If you have lactose intolerance or are allergic to dairy products, then bovine collagen isn't suitable for you and you shouldn't take colostrum supplements.

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Unsuitable for vegans -

As bovine colostrum is an animal product, it is not suitable for consumption by those who are following a strict vegan diet.

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Estrogen component -

Those at risk of ovarian, breast, or prostate cancer should speak to their doctor before taking a colostrum supplement, as bovine colostrum contains the hormone estrogen (which can have a negative impact).

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Pregnancy -

There is not enough research to know whether colostrum is safe for pregnant women, or those who are breastfeeding, therefore they should avoid consuming it.

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Expense -

Lastly, depending on the brand, bovine colostrum can be quite an expensive supplement to take, especially in powder form. Ask yourself if you really need and can afford to take it.

Sources: (Good Housekeeping) (Health) (Healthline) (Web MD)

See also: Is zinc the mineral you're missing?

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