Colostrum: benefits, dosage, contraindications
Family or group:
Superfood
Active ingredients:
Trypsin
Lactoferrin
Indications
Scoring methodology
EFSA approval.
Diarrhea ✪✪✪✪✪
Bovine hyperimmune 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, one study demonstrated that hyperimmune colostrum could significantly reduce stool frequency and accelerate the elimination of rotavirus compared with a placebo. In another study conducted in young children, treatment with hyperimmune colostrum led to a rapid cessation of rotavirus diarrhea in half of the treated children, compared with none in the group receiving ordinary colostrum. Hyperimmune colostrum has also been tested against Shigella flexneri infections, where it proved effective in preventing infection in all treated volunteers, while those receiving a placebo showed a significant infection rate. Taking bovine colostrum could also reduce the duration of infectious diarrhea related to Escherichia coli. Two small clinical studies conducted in children aged 1 month to 18 years show that bovine colostrum reduces the duration of diarrhea caused by E. coli compared with a placebo.
Posologie
Oral administration
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 investigated for its potential to reduce the incidence of upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs), particularly in athletes or those who train intensively. The presence of secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA), which acts as a major barrier against pathogen entry via the oral route, has been identified as a potential factor in enhancing resistance to infections. Clinical studies have shown that colostrum supplementation can significantly increase salivary IgA levels, theoretically strengthening the host's resistance to infection. A randomized controlled trial found that a significantly smaller proportion of subjects consuming colostrum reported URTI symptoms compared with a control group. Additionally, an open-label study of 605 children in India observed an impressive 91% reduction in recurrent URTI episodes following 12 weeks of colostrum supplementation. Furthermore, a study comparing colostrum with influenza vaccination suggested that colostrum might be three times more effective than vaccination alone at preventing influenza. This efficacy could be due to the rapid activation of monocyte phagocytic activity and the mobilization of natural killer cells, highlighting colostrum's potential impact on modulating the immune response to respiratory infections.
Posologie
Oral
10 - 60 g
Bovine colostrum supplementation and upper respiratory symptoms during exercise training: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized 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 demonstrated protective effects against intestinal permeability exacerbated by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as indomethacin. A randomized study investigated the use of colostrum as prophylaxis against NSAID-induced gastrointestinal damage, showing that it prevented the increase in intestinal permeability caused by indomethacin when administered concurrently. This protection appears to be related to a protective effect on epithelial cells. Furthermore, clinical research indicates that colostrum reduces intestinal permeability in athletes and in critically ill patients. A specific study in infants found 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 may influence its biological activity, thereby improving its effectiveness 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 has been studied for its effects on sports performance, although results are variable and potential benefits appear modest. Several small clinical trials indicate that consuming colostrum at doses of 10 to 60 grams per day for periods of up to 8 weeks may improve power and performance in cyclical activities and sprints following an initial exertion, but not during regular training periods. Studies suggest that colostrum may enhance physical performance and preserve muscle mass due to its content of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), which has an anabolic effect. A crossover study showed that ingestion of colostrum increased serum IGF-1 concentrations, although without a significant effect on other immunological markers. Other research has shown that colostrum may 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
Oral administration
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 severely ill patients through a protective effect on epithelial cells. Preliminary studies also suggest that bovine colostrum reduces gastrointestinal injury and promotes intestinal growth. Defatted colostrum, for example, has shown beneficial effects in preventing intestinal lesions induced by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) by stimulating cell migration and proliferation, which enhances natural repair mechanisms during acute mucosal injury. It appears to be more effective when consumed away from meals, probably due to reduced activity from gastric acids and digestive enzymes. Studies also indicate that colostrum may 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 nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced intestinal damage in rats
Immunomodulatory
Bovine colostrum is recognized for its significant immunomodulatory role, attributable to the presence of various growth factors, cytokines, and immunoglobulins. These components act synergistically to strengthen natural defenses by notably stimulating the activity of natural killer (NK) cells and phagocytosis, which are essential for the innate immune response. Furthermore, colostrum contains oligosaccharides that prevent the adhesion of pathogenic bacteria to cells of the upper respiratory tract, thereby reducing the risk of infections.nnHyperimmune colostrum, obtained by immunizing cows against specific pathogens, is particularly rich in targeted antibodies, thereby enhancing its ability to combat certain infections. This type of colostrum has shown beneficial effects in clinical trials, particularly for 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 the activity of immune cells.nn
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
Bovine hyperimmune colostrum has demonstrated its effectiveness 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 adhesin-expressing pathogens with their target tissues, primarily through phosphatidylethanolamine. Studies have shown that applying 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
Bioenergizer
Taking bovine colostrum could increase maximal anaerobic power and improve physical performance, although the mechanism of action is not yet clearly understood. It stimulates protein synthesis in skeletal muscles, which has generated interest in its use for enhancing athletic performance. Bovine colostrum also aids muscle development in humans. It contains insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) that could raise serum IGF-I and insulin in athletes, improve blood buffering capacity, reduce inflammation and oxidative stress during exercise, 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
Safe dosage
Adults aged 12 years and older: 10 g - 60 g
Bovine colostrum is most often used at doses of 10 to 60 grams per day for 8 weeks. According to clinical studies - Rotavirus diarrhea: 100 mL three times daily 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 damage: 125 mL three times daily of defatted, spray-dried colostrum. - To improve performance during high-intensity training: 10 g/day.
Children up to 12 years old: 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 dosing regimens by age include 3 grams per day for 4 weeks in children under 2 years and 3 grams twice daily for 4 weeks in children aged 2 years and older.
Contraindications
Allergies: contraindicated
Bovine colostrum may cause allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, in people with an allergy to cow's milk.
