Many of us learn about new health trends through social media, and one popular trend on sites like TikTok is taking colostrum supplements. Influencers are raving about how it’s great for gut health, as well as a host of other benefits.
Before we discuss whether colostrum is an effective supplement, let’s take a closer look at what colostrum is. Colostrum is a milky substance It is released for the first time after birth in mammals. It contains high doses of proteins, antioxidants, and antibiotics designed to nourish the immune system of newborns. Because of the nutrients packed into milk, companies have started producing bovine colostrum. As the name suggests, this comes from the first milk of cows, not humans. These supplements can be taken in pill, liquid, chewable tablet, and powder form.
In our guide, we’ll reveal how colostrum benefits the body, who can benefit from it, and whether there is any medical research correlating with influencers who claim that colostrum helps with various aspects of health.
What is colostrum?
“Colostrum is the first milk that many mammals produce shortly after birth.” Dr. Keshia Gaither “The latest super cool fad is taking cow’s colostrum. This supplement is pasteurized and dried into tablets or powder that can be added to liquids.”
According to her, colostrum is different from “regular milk” in the following ways:
1. Rich in immune-boosting proteins (antibodies, lactoferrin)
2. Contains growth factors that support the development and repair of the digestive tract, promoting gut health.
3. It contains high concentrations of nutrients such as vitamins A, BC, E, calcium, zinc, and magnesium.
4. It has anti-inflammatory properties and reduces inflammation in the body.
“People with intestinal issues such as ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease, autoimmune gastrointestinal disorders, or who have a weakened immune system may want to consider consuming colostrum,” she says.
“Plus, there are some differences between colostrum and breast milk,” she says. “The Cleveland Clinic says that colostrum Twice the Proteincontains four times the zinc and is rich in immunoglobulins, which help keep your baby healthy and resistant to diseases.”
Potential Benefits of Colostrum
Some of the benefits promoted by brands such as ARMRA, WonderCow and Symbiotics include:
Immune System Support
Because of the positive immune effects in newborns, one might think that colostrum supplements might also be beneficial in adults. However, the results are mixed. A 2020 study of athletes who took 10-25g of the supplement daily showed No improvement in serum immunoglobulins or neutrophils was observed. Neutrophils are white blood cells whose role is to capture and destroy invading bacterial cells.
On the other hand, colostrum contains proteins and peptides, Regulates the immune systemTherefore, until more studies show its effectiveness, results will remain mixed.
Digestive Health Benefits
The good news is that several studies have shown that colostrum has the ability to improve gut health. When adults take colostrum supplements, their bodies produce more intestinal cells. Antimicrobial and immunoglobulin growth is increased. Helps prevent symptoms such as diarrhea.
Growth Factors and Tissue Repair
Another benefit of colostrum supplements is the ability for musculoskeletal repair and growth. Studies have shown that people who consume colostrum Improves TGF-A and B, insulin growth factors IGF1 and 2These growth factors help speed up cartilage, muscle and wound repair.
Reduces inflammation
Colostrum may also help reduce inflammation in the body because it contains lactoferrin, which studies have shown may help: Reduces inflammation.
Potential risks and side effects of colostrum
Taking supplements can have some adverse effects. The most common side effects of colostrum include:
Allergic reactions
For colostrum Milk and lactoseIf you are allergic to either, avoid taking the supplement and consult a medical professional about alternatives. If you are unsure about your allergies, see a medical professional for an allergy test.
Digestive problems
Colostrum supplements include A little lactoseIf you are lactose intolerant, you should avoid taking this supplement. Some people may experience mild gas and nausea. These symptoms should subside after a few days of use. However, if these side effects persist, discontinue use and consult a doctor.
Contamination issues
You probably don’t know how a farmer raises their cows. Some farms use synthetic hormones or antibiotics, while others may be ingesting pesticides due to their environment. These pesticides could end up in your supplement. “There’s always a chance of contamination, so use caution and get from a reputable source,” adds Dr. Gaither.
Who should consider using colostrum?
The main purpose of colostrum is to nourish your baby and provide nutrients such as proteins and antioxidants to aid in growth, but there are other benefits to milk’s nutritional value.
For athletes, colostrum supplements may help with muscle recovery and development, as colostrum contains growth factors that speed muscle development. the study Taking these supplements has been shown to potentially increase muscle mass and reduce total fat mass, however, there is limited research on the subject, so it is ideal to consult with your doctor before adding this to your training diet.
Another group that can benefit from colostrum are those looking to improve their gut health. According to the studies that have been done, improved gut health seems to be one of the most promising outcomes for those who take colostrum supplements. Increased production of antibacterial agents and immunoglobulins can help eliminate the symptoms of irritable bowel disease.
Finally, an aging society may benefit from colostrum supplements. One of the biggest benefits of colostrum is protein. As we get older, Muscle loss is likelyThe added source of protein can help slow muscle loss, and regular consumption of colostrum can help: Lowers blood pressureImproves healthy cholesterol levels and aids in weight management. One study found that participants experienced these improvements. Regular administration for 12 weeks.
How to Choose the Right Colostrum Supplement
Colostrum supplements are not FDA approved, so purchasing them is a risky business. The first step is to schedule an appointment with your doctor or nurse. Talk to them about adding supplements to your diet, the goals you want to achieve, and whether supplementing is a good idea. You may have an underlying health condition, such as lactose intolerance, that could cause side effects.
If your doctor gives you the go-ahead, check out some supplement companies and find out where they source their ingredients. Cows can be influenced by the environment They contain ingredients, such as pesticides and antibiotics, that may affect the safety of the supplement.
You should also pay close attention to the dosage. All supplements come with instructions for use. A typical intake is 10-60 grams per day.Studies have shown that you can expect to see some improvement within three months, but you may experience side effects such as gas and nausea, which may subside after a few days of use.
When you’re ready to buy, colostrum supplements come in a variety of forms, including capsules, powders, liquids, liquid extracts, and chewable tablets. These supplements can be purchased at Vitamin Shoppe, drug stores, or online retailers such as Amazon.
