Do I Really Need a Colostrum Supplement? Insights From a Naturopathic Doctor
Colostrum, sometimes referred to as “liquid gold”, is the milky yellow substance that female mammals produce in the initial days after giving birth. Although bovine (cow) colostrum has been used by humans for its therapeutic properties for centuries, it has recently had a surge in popularity due to various health-promoting claims online by social media influencers. So is colostrum really worth the hype? Or is it just milk with a world-class marketing campaign?
What is Colostrum?
Colostrum is a nutrient-rich fluid that plays a key role in providing newborns with essential nutrients and antibodies, kick-starting their immune system. It is a powerhouse of proteins, vitamins, minerals, growth factors, fatty acids, digestive enzymes, immunoglobulins, and cytokines, making it a valuable substance for both infants and adults [1]. Colostrum supplements have been around for decades, and are produced by pasteurizing and drying bovine colostrum into pills or powder.
Health Benefits of Colostrum
Companies and influencers promoting colostrum have made numerous claims about the healing powers of colostrum, promising radiant skin, weight loss, improved mood, boosted immunity, better sleep and increased energy. In reality, the science behind many of these claims is weak or nonexistent. However, colostrum has been shown to have the following benefits to human health:
Digestive support for leaky gut / inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) / infectious diarrhea. The growth factors and immunoglobulins found in colostrum have been shown to repair damaged gut lining and promote the growth of new intestinal cells, while the anti-inflammatory properties have shown promise against IBD. Colostrum also appears to be protective against bacteria such as E. coli that cause infectious diarrhea [2].
Improved immune functioning and autoimmune modulation. The high concentration of IgA and IgG antibodies as well as antioxidants make colostrum a formidable force for our body’s defense mechanisms. Colostrum has also shown promise in modulating an overactive immune system and controlling inflammation, making it a potential tool for individuals with autoimmune conditions [3].
Enhanced recovery for athletic performance. Colostrum has been shown to improve athletic recovery due to its high concentration of growth factors and reduction of post-exercise inflammation and muscle damage [4].
Navigating Risks & Side Effects of Colostrum: What You Need to Know
Colostrum supplements do contain trace amounts of lactose, and therefore may not be suitable for individuals with lactose-intolerance or an allergy to dairy [5]. Although side effects are extremely rare, you should stop taking colostrum if you notice any gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea, gas, bloating, or abdominal pain.
Finding the Right Colostrum Supplement
When it comes to choosing supplements, don’t fall for gimmicky marketing claims and overpriced products. It is crucial to emphasize quality above all else. A good colostrum supplement should have the following:
Serving size of at least 1 gram of colostrum (2 grams daily is a commonly studied dose)
Standardized to contain at least 40% IgG
Produced from pasture-raised / grass fed cows, free from hormones, antibiotics, and GMOs
Third-party tested for purity & potency from agencies such as GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice)
See Dr. Lana’s Approved Colostrum Supplements Here
Do I Really Need A Colostrum Supplement?
The truth is there is no magic pill and no one supplement alone is going to fix all of your health problems. However, colostrum supplements can certainly be part of the equation of a healthy lifestyle, along with a nutrient-dense diet, regular exercise, and stress-management practices. Colostrum can be taken alongside other gut-health supplements such as probiotics and L-Glutamine for maximum digestive support. To create a personally tailored supplement routine, click here to work with the Dr. Lana Wellness team.
References:
Guberti, M., Botti, S., Capuzzo, M. T., Nardozi, S., Fusco, A., Cera, A., Dugo, L., Piredda, M., & De Marinis, M. G. (2021). Bovine Colostrum Applications in Sick and Healthy People: A Systematic Review. Nutrients, 13(7), 2194. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13072194
Chandwe, K., & Kelly, P. (2021). Colostrum Therapy for Human Gastrointestinal Health and Disease. Nutrients, 13(6), 1956. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13061956
Ghosh, S., & Iacucci, M. (2021). Diverse Immune Effects of Bovine Colostrum and Benefits in Human Health and Disease. Nutrients, 13(11), 3798. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13113798
Kotsis Y, Mikellidi A, Aresti C, et al. A low-dose, 6-week bovine colostrum supplementation maintains performance and attenuates inflammatory indices following a Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Test in soccer players. Eur J Nutr. 2018;57(3):1181-1195. doi:10.1007/s00394-017-1401-7.
Bagwe, S., Tharappel, L. J., Kaur, G., & Buttar, H. S. (2015). Bovine colostrum: an emerging nutraceutical. Journal of complementary & integrative medicine, 12(3), 175–185. https://doi.org/10.1515/jcim-2014-0039