Bovine colostrum is a fluid produced by the mammary glands of cows.
Humans and other mammals also produce colostrum after childbirth.
That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
Getty Images /Canetti
Getty Images /Canetti
What Is Colostrum?
Colostrum is the nutrient-rich milk produced and excreted by a mother’s mammary glands after a baby is born.
All mammals produce colostrum, a viscous (syrup-like) fluid that is typically yellow in color.
Both human and bovine colostrum contain variousmicronutrientsand macronutrients in addition to hormones, growth factors, and immune factors.
Compared to bovine colostrum, the concentrations of many of the nutrients and substances in human colostrum are different.
Additionally,proteinsfound in human colostrum have different roles than those in bovine colostrum.
Animal colostrum is also sometimes used as an alternative medicine.
Bovine colostrum contains all three macronutrients (carbohydrates, fat, protein), plus essential vitamins and minerals.
It is also a source of immunoglobulins and antimicrobial substances.
These three bioactive substances are thought to be essential to a newborn’s immunity.
These antimicrobial properties may also support the immune system of adults who use bovine colostrum supplements.
No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
Research on bovine colostrum has increased over the years.
The antimicrobial substances in bovine colostrum are thought to be responsible for its potential immunity benefits.
Athletes who partake in intense or prolonged exercise often experience decreases in immunity.
In another small study, preschool-aged children took either a placebo or bovine colostrum for 45 days.
Researchers noted an increase in immunity in the children who used bovine colostrum.
One study concluded that adding bovine colostrum to human milk increased the antibacterial properties of the milk.
A meta-analysis of bovine colostrum reviewed studies performed on children with infectious diarrhea.
Results from the five studies analyzed pointed to bovine colostrum as an effective treatment for infectious diarrhea caused byrotavirusandE.
Another review of bovine colostrum focused on upper respiratory tract infections.
According to researchers from the review, bovine colostrum has also been shown to reduce postexercise gut inflammation.
Bovine colostrum supplementation has been linked to reduced inflammation in many of these disorders.
Overall, bovine colostrum shows promise as a potential treatment for digestive health, but more research is needed.
The majority of studies on bovine colostrum use have reported few to no side effects.
Aside from the risk of side effects, some people may need to avoid bovine colostrum altogether.
Bovine colostrum contains lactose.
While some supplements have removed lactose, many bovine colostrum supplements are not suitable for people withlactose intolerance.
People with amilk allergyshould also avoid using bovine colostrum.
Since bovine colostrum comes directly from cows, these supplements will not fit into avegan diet.
It is unknown what (if any) dose of bovine colostrum is safe for people who arebreastfeedingor pregnant.
Talk with a healthcare provider before trying bovine colostrum to confirm it’s a safe option for you.
Dosage
At this time, there are no general recommendations for bovine colostrum dosage.
Some research also supports smaller doses of 500 mg per day.
As you could see, bovine colostrum may be used in a wide range of safe and effective doses.
More research is needed to determine general dosage guidelines for this supplement.
It’s recommended that you follow the dosage directions provided on the supplement label or packaging.
If you’re unsure how much bovine colostrum to take, talk with a qualifiedhealthcare provider.
Sources & What to Look For
you could use bovine colostrum in food or supplement form.
Although, it is most commonly used as a supplement for health purposes.
Food Sources of Bovine Colostrum
Fresh, liquid bovine colostrum can be consumed.
However, it may be difficult to find fresh bovine colostrum in stores or on websites.
Additionally, raw bovine colostrum that has not been pasteurizedmay contain potentially harmful pathogens.
Research on finding safe ways to incorporate bovine colostrum into foods is ongoing.
Bovine Colostrum Supplements
Bovine colostrum supplements are typically easier to come by than foods.
you’re free to find these supplements for sale online or in specialty supplement or nutrition stores.
Certain grocery and retail stores also sell bovine colostrum supplements.
Colostrum from cows is often dried and turned into a powder which can then be used to make supplements.
Liquid supplements are also available.
It’s important to double-check that the supplement you choose fits safely into your diet.
Many bovine colostrum supplements contain lactose, although some brands are lactose-free or lactose-reduced.
Bovine colostrum supplements are also not vegan.
Typically, though, bovine colostrum supplements aregluten-free.
The FDA doesn’t approve a supplement’s effectiveness or quality at any time.
However, the FDA can remove unsafe supplements from the market.
These and other qualified agencies check supplements for contaminants and ensure that nutrition labels are accurate.
Remember, though, that independent testing doesn’t mean that a supplement is safe for everyone.
Other mammals, including humans, also make colostrum as it is a vital part of newborn nutrition.
Bovine colostrum may offer health and nutrition benefits when used as a supplement.
Talk with a healthcare provider to learn more about bovine colostrum and see if it’s right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally, bovine colostrum is thought to be safe for most people to take.
However, it’s unknown if bovine colostrum is safe to use long term.
Additionally, there are no set dosage guidelines for bovine colostrum, and dosing varies widely.
More long-term safety studies are needed on bovine colostrum.
People with adairy allergyshould not take bovine colostrum.
Those who are lactose intolerant should also avoid bovine colostrum unless supplements are labeled as lactose-free.
It is also recommended that people who are pregnant or breastfeeding avoid using bovine colostrum.
Check with a healthcare provider before using bovine colostrum if you have any medical condition or use prescription medications.
There is no solid evidence that colostrum is bad for your liver.
In fact, some research points to colostrum as a potential liver protector.
Bovine colostrum is a source of various hormones, includingestrogen.
In most adults, estrogen from bovine colostrum is not thought to be absorbed in the gut.
This means that the estrogen content of bovine colostrum is mostly insignificant.
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