Is Colostrum the Key to Better Health?

Science-Backed Benefits

Can colostrum help with gut health, hormonal balance, immunity, infections, and more? While influencers across social media rave about the benefits such as slowing aging and improving hair growth, many of these claims are unfounded. In this post we’ll look at what the science has to say about the beneficial properties of colostrum and if it truly lives up to the hype.

What is colostrum?

Derived from the first milk produced after a cow gives birth and for several days afterward, bovine colostrum is rich in vital nutrients, fats, proteins, hormones, and compounds that help the newborn calf survive and grow. One of the main functions of colostrum is to support the developing immune system of the animal. Women also produce this milk after childbirth. It is typically a yellowish color and contains growth factors, enzymes, nucleotides, and immunoglobulin G (IgG) that impart immunity to the newborn baby.

However, there are important distinctions between bovine and human colostrum. HC has higher concentrations of bioactive compounds, such as EGF, IGF, lactoferrin growth hormone, and IgA. Whereas cow colostrum has around 20% higher levels of IgG.¹

Interestingly, research has demonstrated that bovine colostrum has 100 to 1000-fold more potential than that of HC. Because of this, human babies can thrive on infant formulas based on BC since it provides the infant with growth factors and passive immunity required for the gastrointestinal tract as well as physical development.”^1,2

Bovine colostrum contains a range of important vitamins and minerals, including: vitamins A, E, D, K, and B-complex, along with calcium, magnesium, copper, phosphorus, iron, manganese, and zinc.¹

Health Benefits

Respiratory Infections. Research has established that supplementation with bovine colostrum can help prevent infections of the upper respiratory tract in both adults and children, as well as in athletes who are prone to immunosuppression from overtraining.^3,4 Seeking a plant-based alternative? Our Bronchial Blend is an outstanding option.

Viral Influenza. A 2021 study published in the journal Food and Agricultural Immunology found that bovine colostrum contains major immune system modulation proteins, including immunoglobulins, lactoferrin, and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). This is important as several studies have shown supplementation with bovine colostrum is effective against respiratory infections and allergies — including influenza.

Moreover, the team notes “Studies have revealed that lactoferrin is effective in combating [severe acute respiratory syndrome]. Hyperimmune colostrum may constitute an alternative way to produce specific antibodies against [severe acute respiratory syndrome].”³ For an additional level of support, see our Eastern Blend in the apothecary.

Microbial Infections. Bovine colostrum is also able to lessen the growth of several bacteria — including Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Proteus vulgaris, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, and H. pylori. In fact, studies have established that BC “…aids in improvement of eradication rate of H. pylori infection”, which is associated with chronic gastritis, peptic and duodenal ulcers, and gastric adenocarcinoma.⁶

Gastrointestinal Disorders. Positive benefits of bovine colostrum on intestinal health have been demonstrated due to antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, along with the stimulation of beneficial microbes like Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp.^7,8 Research suggests BC may be helpful for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis as it supplies growth and immune factors that improve the mucosal immune system.⁷

Safety

Those allergic to milk or who are lactose intolerant should not use bovine colostrum. Seek out products that are grass-fed with good animal husbandry practices as some supplements may contain antibiotics, pesticides, or synthetic hormones. Since safety is unknown, pregnant or breastfeeding women should not use bovine colostrum.

Plant-Based Herbal Support for Gut Health

If you are unable to use bovine colostrum due to a milk allergy or would prefer a plant-based alternative for intestinal health, I believe there is no better formulation than our Balanced Gut Blend. It contains concentrated extracts of reishi, turkey tail, and lion’s mane medicinal mushrooms to reduce inflammation, modulate immunity, and address leaky gut and candida overgrowth. This potent blend also includes plantain, slippery elm, and marshmallow root to soothe mucous membranes and form a protective layer to support gut regeneration and calm inflammation.

QUICKLY HELPED MY GUT ISSUES

“This has definitely helped my gut issues in a fairly quick time. Will definitely continue this in my daily regimen.” Janet T.

Are you ready to improve digestion, calm inflammation, and strengthen your body’s defenses? This herbal blend is the answer — stop by my apothecary to learn more!

Nicole Apelian

Nicole’s Apothecary Products in this Post

References

1. Poonia A, Shiva. Bioactive compounds, nutritional profile and health benefits of colostrum: a review. Food Prod Process and Nutr. 2022;4(1):26. doi:10.1186/s43014-022-00104-1
2. Bagwe-Parab, S., Yadav, P., Kaur, G., Tuli, H. S., & Buttar, H. S. (2020). Therapeutic applications of human and bovine colostrum in the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases and distinctive cancer types: The current evidence. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 11, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2020.01100.
3. Batista da Silva Galdino, A., do Nascimento Rangel, A. H., Buttar, H. S., Sales Lima Nascimento, M., Cristina Gavioli, E., Oliveira, R. D. P., et al. (2021). Bovine colostrum: Benefits for the human respiratory system and potential contributions for clinical management of COVID-19. Food and Agricultural Immunology, 1, 143–162.
4. Davison, G. (2013). Bovine colostrum and immune function after exercise. In M. Lamprecht (Ed.), Acute Topics in Sport Nutrition. Med Sport Sci (pp. 62–69). Karger: Karger.
5. Gomes, R. D., Anaya, K., Galdino, A. B., Oliveira, J. P., Gama, M. A., Medeiros, C. A., & Rangel, A. H. (2021). Bovine colostrum: A source of bioactive compounds for prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. NFS Journal, 25, 1–11.
6. Kao, C. Y., Sheu, B. S., & Wu, J. J. (2016). Helicobacter pylori infection: An overview of bacterial virulence factors and pathogenesis. Biomedical Journal, 39(1), 14–23. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bj.2015.06.002
7. Chae, A., Aitchison, A., Day, A. S., & Keenan, J. I. (2017). Bovine colostrum demonstrates anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activity in in vitro models of intestinal inflammation and infection. Journal of Functional Foods, 28, 293–298.
8. Menchetti, L., Agradi, S., Gazzonis, A. L., Curone, G., Faustini, M., Draghi, S., & Brecchia, G. (2021). Lactation Characteristics in Alpine and Nera di Verzasca Goats in Northern Italy: A Statistical Bayesian Approach. Applied Sciences, 11(16), 7235.