Colostrum: benefits, dosage, contraindications
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Super Food
Active ingredients:
Trypsin
Lactoferrin
Indications
Rating methodology
EFSA approval.
Diarrhea ✪✪✪✪✪
Hyperimmune bovine colostrum has been studied for its potential to treat and prevent various types of infectious diarrhea, notably those caused by pathogens such as rotavirus, Shigella flexneri, Escherichia coli, and Clostridioides difficile. Specific clinical studies have highlighted its efficacy against rotavirus diarrhea in children. For example, a study demonstrated that hyperimmune colostrum significantly reduced stool frequency and accelerated rotavirus clearance compared to a placebo. In another study conducted among young children, treatment with hyperimmune colostrum led to a swift cessation of rotavirus diarrhea in half of the treated children compared to none in the group receiving ordinary colostrum. Hyperimmune colostrum has also been tested against infections by Shigella flexneri, where it proved effective in preventing infection in all treated volunteers, while those receiving a placebo showed a significant infection rate. The intake of bovine colostrum might also reduce the duration of infectious diarrhea related to Escherichia coli. Two small clinical studies conducted on children aged 1 month to 18 years show that bovine colostrum reduces the duration of E. coli-caused diarrhea compared to a placebo.
Posologie
Oral
10 - 60 g
Efficacy of bovine milk immunoglobulin concentrate in preventing illness after Shigella flexneri challenge
Effects of bovine colostrum on recurrent respiratory tract infections and diarrhea in children
Bovine Colostrum in the Treatment of Acute Diarrhea in Children: A Double-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial
Respiratory infections ✪✪✪✪✪
Bovine colostrum has been explored for its potential to reduce the incidence of upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs), particularly in athletes or those who train intensely. The presence of secretory immunoglobulin A (IgA), acting as a major barrier against the entry of pathogens via the oral route, has been identified as a potential factor for enhancing resistance to infections. Clinical studies have shown that colostrum supplementation can significantly increase salivary IgA levels, theoretically strengthening host resistance to infections. A randomized controlled trial revealed that a significantly lower proportion of subjects consuming colostrum reported URTI symptoms compared to a control group. Moreover, an open study with 605 children in India found an impressive 91% reduction in recurrent URTI episodes following 12 weeks of colostrum supplementation. Furthermore, a study comparing colostrum to flu vaccination suggested that colostrum might be three times more effective than the vaccination alone in preventing influenza. This efficacy might be due to the rapid activation of phagocytic activity in monocytes and the mobilization of natural killer cells, highlighting the potential impact of colostrum on modulating immune response against respiratory infections.
Posologie
Orally
10 - 60 g
Bovine colostrum supplementation and upper respiratory symptoms during exercise training: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Prevention of influenza episodes with colostrum compared with vaccination in healthy and high-risk cardiovascular subjects: the epidemiologic study in San Valentino
Effects of bovine colostrum supplementation on upper respiratory illness in active males
Bovine colostrum and immune function after exercise
Effect of bovine colostrum supplementation on respiratory tract mucosal defenses in swimmers
Intestinal permeability ✪✪✪✪✪
Bovine colostrum has shown protective effects against intestinal permeability exacerbated by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as indomethacin. A randomized study explored the use of colostrum in prophylaxis against NSAID-induced gastrointestinal damage, showing it prevented the increase in intestinal permeability caused by indomethacin when administered concurrently. This protection appears to be linked to a protective effect on epithelial cells. Furthermore, clinical research indicates colostrum reduces intestinal permeability in athletes and critically ill patients. A specific study on infants revealed that colostrum, combined with whole egg powder, reduced intestinal permeability in children suffering from severe enteric dysfunction. It is also suggested that the timing of colostrum collection can influence its biological activity, thereby enhancing its efficacy in maintaining intestinal integrity.
Posologie
Orally
10 - 60 g
The effect of bovine colostrum/egg supplementation compared with corn/soy flour in young Malawian children: a randomized, controlled clinical trial
Effects of early enteral bovine colostrum supplementation on intestinal permeability in critically ill patients: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
Clinical applications of bovine colostrum therapy: a systematic review
Sports performance ✪✪✪✪✪
Bovine colostrum is studied for its effects on sports performance, although results are variable and potential benefits appear modest. Several small-scale clinical studies indicate that consuming colostrum, at doses of 10 to 60 grams per day over periods of up to 8 weeks, may improve power and performance in cyclical and sprint activities following initial effort, but not during regular training periods. Studies suggest colostrum could enhance physical performance and preserve muscle mass due to its content of insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), which has an anabolic effect. A crossover study showed that colostrum ingestion increased serum IGF-1 concentrations, although without significant effect on other immunological markers. Other research has demonstrated that colostrum could improve blood buffering capacity, reduce inflammation and oxidative stress during exercise, and even maintain testosterone levels and modulate autonomic activity during competition periods. These effects could support improved recovery and better maintenance of performance in endurance athletes.
Posologie
Orally
10 - 60 g
Protein metabolism and strength performance after bovine colostrum supplementation
The effect of bovine colostrum supplementation on exercise performance in elite field hockey players
Bovine colostrum supplementation during endurance running training improves recovery, but not performance
Effect of bovine colostrum supplementation on the composition of resistance trained and untrained limbs in healthy young men
Long-Term Bovine Colostrum Supplementation in Football Players
A pilot study: bovine colostrum supplementation and hormonal and autonomic responses to competitive cycling
Properties
Gastroprotective
Bovine colostrum is rich in growth factors, cytokines, hormones, and other biologically active components beneficial for the growth and repair of the gastrointestinal system. It has been observed to reduce intestinal permeability in exercising individuals and critically ill patients due to a protective effect on epithelial cells. Preliminary studies also suggest that bovine colostrum decreases gastrointestinal lesions and promotes intestinal growth. For example, de-fatted colostrum has shown beneficial effects in preventing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-induced intestinal damage by stimulating cell migration and proliferation, thereby enhancing natural repair mechanisms during acute mucosal injuries. It appears to be more effective when consumed away from meals, likely due to reduced activity by gastric acids and digestive enzymes. Studies also indicate that colostrum can prevent or treat infectious diseases affecting the gastrointestinal tract by providing passive immunity and improving the integrity of intestinal villi.
Usages associés
The effect of bovine colostrum/egg supplementation compared with corn/soy flour in young Malawian children: a randomized, controlled clinical trial
Effects of early enteral bovine colostrum supplementation on intestinal permeability in critically ill patients: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
Protective effects of bovine colostrum on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug induced intestinal damage in rats
Immuno-modulator
Bovine colostrum is recognized for its significant immunomodulatory role, attributable to the presence of various growth factors, cytokines, and immunoglobulins. These components synergistically strengthen natural defenses by notably stimulating the activity of natural killer (NK) cells and phagocytosis, which are essential for innate immune response. Additionally, colostrum contains oligosaccharides that prevent the adhesion of pathogenic bacteria to upper respiratory tract cells, thereby reducing the risk of infections. Hyperimmune colostrum, obtained by immunizing cows against specific pathogens, is particularly rich in targeted antibodies, enhancing its ability to combat certain infections. This type of colostrum has shown beneficial effects in clinical trials, especially in combating enteric and respiratory infections. Research also suggests that colostrum may play a role in modulating the immune response, influencing both the production of inflammatory cytokines and immune cell activity.
Usages associés
Clinical applications of bovine colostrum therapy: a systematic review
Immunological Outcomes of Bovine Colostrum Supplementation in Trained and Physically Active People: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Hyper-Immune Bovine Milk as an Immunological and Nutritional Supplement for COVID-19
Safety and Efficacy of a Multivitamin, Multimineral, Bovine Colostrum-Containing Supplement: An Open-label Pilot Intervention Trial in Healthy Adult Women and Men
Antimicrobial
Hyperimmune bovine colostrum has demonstrated efficacy in preventing various human infectious diseases caused by organisms such as rotavirus, Shigella flexneri, Escherichia coli, Clostridium difficile, and Helicobacter pylori. It works by inhibiting the growth of these pathogens, destroying their cell walls, and causing their agglutination. Colostrum can also modulate the interaction between H. pylori and other pathogens expressing adhesins with their target tissues, primarily through phosphatidylethanolamine. Studies have shown that the introduction of colostrum to mucous membranes rapidly reduces bacterial and viral loads, stimulates the phagocytic activity of monocytes, and activates new natural killer cells in the systemic circulation.
Usages associés
A novel extract from bovine colostrum whey supports anti-bacterial and anti-viral innate immune functions in vitro and in vivo: I. Enhanced immune activity in vitro translates to improved microbial clearance in animal infection models
Bioenergetic
The intake of bovine colostrum might increase maximum anaerobic power and improve physical performance, although the mechanism of action is not yet clearly understood. It stimulates protein synthesis in skeletal muscles, which prompts interest in its use for enhancing sports performance. Bovine colostrum also aids muscle development in humans. It contains insulin-like growth factors (IGF) which could increase serum IGF-I and insulin in athletes, enhance blood buffering capacity, reduce inflammation and oxidative stress during exercise, all while maintaining testosterone levels.
Usages associés
Effects of Long-Term Supplementation of Bovine Colostrum on Iron Homeostasis, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammation in Female Athletes: A Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial
Effect of bovine colostrum on anaerobic exercise performance and plasma insulin-like growth factor I
Safety dosage
Adult from 12 year(s): 10 g - 60 g
Bovine colostrum is most often used at doses of 10 to 60 grams per day over 8 weeks. According to clinical studies - Rotavirus-induced diarrhea: 100 ml three times a day for 3 days of colostrum from cows immunized with the four human rotavirus serotypes. - Prevention of respiratory infections: 60 g/day. - Increase in serum IGF-1 levels: 20 g/day. - Prevention of gastrointestinal lesions: 125 ml three times a day of defatted and spray-dried colostrum. - To improve performance during high-intensity training: 10 g/day.
Child up to 12 year(s): 3 g - 6 g
Bovine colostrum has most often been used at weight-based doses ranging from 40 mg/kg up to 3 months or 500 mg/kg up to 1 week. Common dosage regimens based on age include 3 grams per day for 4 weeks in children under 2 years and 3 grams twice a day for 4 weeks in children aged 2 years and older.
Contraindications
Allergies: prohibited
Bovine colostrum can cause allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, in individuals with a cow's milk allergy.
