Colostrum, Moo-ving into The Superfood Spotlight
Besides providing immune support, colostrum has remarkable muscular-skeletal repair and growth capabilities. Studies have shown that colostrum is the only natural source of two major growth factors namely, transforming growth factors alpha and beta, and insulin-like growth factors 1 and 2.
Colostrum is a milky fluid that’s released by mammals that have recently given birth before breast milk production begins. It’s an important source of nutrients that promotes growth and fights disease in infants, but it can also be consumed during other phases of life — typically in supplement form.
Even though all mammals produce colostrum, supplements are usually made from the colostrum of cows. This supplement is known as bovine colostrum. Bovine colostrum is similar to human colostrum — rich in vitamins, minerals, fats, carbohydrates, disease-fighting proteins, growth hormones, and digestive enzymes. Bovine colostrum supplements have become popular in recent years, as they may promote immunity, fight infection, and improve gut health.
For these supplements colostrum from cows is pasteurized and dried into pills or into powders that can be mixed with liquids.
Below are the benefits of Colostrum, based on scientific research.
Boost Immunity
Bovine colostrum may strengthen your immune system and help your body fight disease-causing agents. The immune-boosting effects of colostrum are mostly due to its high concentration of the antibodies IgA and IgG. Antibodies are proteins that fight viruses and bacteria.
Research shows that colostrum supplements may be particularly effective in boosting immunity in elite athletes.
One 12-week study in 35 adult distance runners found that taking a daily bovine colostrum supplement increased the amount of saliva IgA antibodies by 79%, compared to baseline levels. The researchers suggested that higher saliva levels of IgA may strengthen immunity and enhance the body’s ability to fight upper respiratory tract infections.
Another study in 29 male cyclists observed that taking 10 grams of bovine colostrum a day for 5 weeks prevented a postexercise decrease in immune cells and reduced the risk of upper respiratory infection symptoms compared to a placebo.
Other studies have similarly linked bovine colostrum supplements with enhanced immune response, but more extensive research is needed.
Want to find out more?, click of these links to view the scientific & research studies
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18952725
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16676703
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17095643
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11549415
Prevent and Treat Diarrhoea
The compounds in bovine colostrum — especially the variety of antibodies and the protein lactoferrin — may help prevent diarrhoea associated with bacterial and viral infections.
A study in 87 adults experiencing diarrhea associated with HIV found that taking 100 grams of bovine colostrum a day along with traditional anti-diarrhoeal medications significantly decreased stool frequency by 21% more than traditional medications alone. What’s more, cows can be given immunizations against specific strains of bacteria to produce colostrum high in antibodies that can fight specific infections.
These types of bovine colostrum are considered hyperimmune and could be an effective way to treat certain infections in humans, such as those caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Shigella dysenteriae bacteria.
For example, studies show that hyperimmune colostrum may prevent a type of diarrhea known as traveler’s diarrhoea, which is typically caused by E. coli bacteria.
One study in 30 healthy adults found that those who took a daily dose of 1,200 mg of hyperimmune bovine colostrum containing antibodies that fight E. coli bacteria were 90% less likely to develop traveller’’s diarrhoea than those taking a placebo.
Want to find out more?, click of these links to view the scientific & research studies
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3825630/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21847071
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22161540
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4447838/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11853331
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23435084
Benefit Gut Health
Colostrum is the very first form of milk produced during the initial days after childbirth. While it is essential for nourishing newborn calves, bovine colostrum has also been shown to benefit human health, particularly when it comes to gastrointestinal wellness. Unlike regular milk, it contains high concentrations of:
Growth factors (like IGF-1 and TGF-β)
Immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, IgM)
Lactoferrin
Proline-rich polypeptides (PRPs)
Antimicrobial enzymes
These nutrients work synergistically to support the mucosal lining of the gut, maintain microbial balance, and promote overall digestive function, healing and strengthening your Gut health in several ways:
Repairs and Protects the Intestinal Lining
The gut lining is critical for absorbing nutrients and preventing harmful substances from entering the bloodstream. When this barrier is compromised — a condition often called leaky gut — it can lead to inflammation, food sensitivities, and autoimmune responses.
Bovine colostrum is rich in growth factors, such as insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), that promote the repair and regeneration of intestinal cells. These factors help restore the integrity of the gut lining and protect it from further damage.
Fights Harmful Bacteria and Infections
Bovine colostrum contains immunoglobulins and lactoferrin, which bind to and neutralize pathogens such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Helicobacter pylori. These bioactive compounds help reduce the burden of harmful bacteria in the gut while supporting the body’s natural immune defense mechanisms.
Balances the Gut Microbiome
A healthy gut microbiome is essential for digestion, immune function, and mood regulation. Bovine colostrum may support the growth of beneficial bacteria while inhibiting harmful microbes, contributing to a balanced and resilient gut ecosystem.
Reduces Inflammation
Chronic gut inflammation can result from infections, poor diet, or autoimmune conditions like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. The anti-inflammatory cytokines and PRPs in colostrum help modulate immune responses in the gut, potentially easing symptoms in those with inflammatory bowel disorders.
Supports Nutrient Absorption
By strengthening the gut lining and reducing inflammation, bovine colostrum may help improve the absorption of essential nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, and amino acids — many of which can be compromised when the gut is not functioning optimally.
Want to find out more?, click of these links to view the scientific & research studies
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21526980
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21148400
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11352778
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25082351
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10871554
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12390100
Safety and Side Effects
Based on limited human research, bovine colostrum generally appears safe for most people — When taken by mouth: Bovine colostrum is likely safe when used appropriately. It's usually well-tolerated.
People who are allergic to milk should not consume bovine colostrum. Products may also be made with additives that can include other common allergens like soy, look for 100% pure Colostrum.
Depending on how the cows are raised, bovine colostrum may also contain antibiotics, pesticides, or synthetic hormones. However, you can purchase colostrum supplements that have been tested to ensure that the final product does not have these compounds, a great starting point would be sourcing Organic third party tested colostrum.
Also, studies haven’t concluded whether these supplements are safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Dosage
Bovine colostrum has most often been used by adults in doses of 5 -30 grams by mouth daily. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what type of product and dose might be best for a specific condition.
