Got tummy troubles? Feel like you’re always coming down with something? Or are you looking to improve athletic performance? There are those who swear by the healing power of colostrum supplements. Do they move the needle? Or should we take a hard pass on this recent trend?
If the word “colostrum” rings a bell, but you can’t quite place it, here’s a hint: Perhaps you or a loved one produced it at some point. It’s also referred to as “liquid gold” and for good reason.
Colostrum is the first milk a mother produces after birth.
Colostrum production actually starts as early as 12 weeks into gestation. It’s thick and sticky and oftentimes yellow (hence the liquid gold monicker) but it can vary in color. Colostrum production continues for a few days after birth, offering a concentrated source of protein and white blood cells that strengthen a newborn’s immune system.
Colostrum’s nutritional composition varies somewhat from one woman to another. It’s tailor-made for each newborn and easy for immature tummies to digest.
Colostrum is particularly important to preterm babies, so much so that hospital NICUs accept colostrum and breast milk donations for babies whose mothers have not been able to provide it.
So why are adults taking a closer look at colostrum supplements for themselves?
I’ve seen claims on social media and some brow-raising commercials featuring body builders, that bovine (yes, cow) colostrum has been beneficial to their gut health, athletic performance, and immune system.
And while on the surface colostrum may seem like the fountain of youth given all it does for newborn babies, there’s plenty of nuance here.
First, a quick PSA about breastfeeding:
Whether you feed your baby from breast or bottle, for a week or for two years, these choices do not make you a better or worse parent. Providing your child with love and food in whatever way works for you is truly the golden ticket.
Back to bovine colostrum. How does it get from cow to market shelf?
Apparently, the baby calves are getting plenty. (I was worried too.) In some genetic blip, mommy cows continue to produce colostrum for longer than their babies need it. This excess colostrum then gets pasteurized, sterilized, and dried for human consumption as a powder or a pill.
One company, Armra, had an appealing website that I clicked through. A single jar costs $110 for 120 servings. While I’m no math wizard, that’s about $1/serving. For best results Armra suggests mixing the powder into your beverages three to four times daily.
Does it work?
There are some studies on bovine colostrum supplementation that show decreased episodes of diarrhea in babies and toddlers with certain chronic illness or malnutrition. There are also studies that show no difference between children who have been supplemented and those in the control group.
In clinical trials involving highly trained adult athletes taking colostrum, some noticed small improvements in performance. We should take into consideration, however, that these studies were funded by the supplement companies themselves, who stand to gain financially based on the outcomes.
At best, this is very rudimentary evidence of efficacy. And studies performed on toddlers with chronic illness or on high-performance athletes cannot be extrapolated to the general population. Just because human colostrum is beneficial to all babies (and especially pre-term babies in the NICU), does not mean it will provide an extra boost or relief to adults.
Should I try it and see what happens?
No, and aside from the hole it will leave in your pocket, here’s why:
- There are no legitimate guidelines for how much bovine colostrum is needed to make an impact. There is no % daily value we need, and so it’s like indiscriminately taking whatever the supplement companies suggest.
- There is no governmental regulation over supplements. Each manufacturer oversees the safety of their own supplements, so there’s no objective way to know what you’re getting.
- Every colostrum supplement will have a different make-up depending on the cow it is sourced from. There’s no way to tell from pill to pill or brand to brand what is in it (beyond the promise of grass fed versus not grass fed). Also, after the processing and treatment of the milk, it won’t have the same qualities as fresh colostrum.
- Most people who have gastrointestinal discomfort begin intervention with a break from lactose or dairy to ease these issues. Colostrum comes from a cow and does contain dairy, so it could derail some basic dietary management.
- Keep in mind, while companies tend to demonize food processing for all our health woes, somehow supplements remain holier than thou. But make no mistake, this is another example of food processing.
So, where to start if you are looking for a change in your heath, or diet, or want to feel better?
This can be an overwhelming task, and there is no easy one-size-fits all fix. Many people turn to supplements because it feels easier, but it’s not often they solve the problem. Money spent on supplements may be better spent on a comprehensive plan.
It’s valuable to have a health professional who can review your medical history, and help you start on your own unique journey. For those working on dietary modifications, that may mean connecting with a Registered Dietitian. To build muscle or start a new exercise routine, a Certified Personal Trainer could be helpful. Your physician may even refer you to a medical specialist (a gastroenterologist for example).
If you have been considering colostrum supplements as a way to ease digestive complaints, check out this article with local board certified gastroenterologist Dr. Kaci Christian, MD, who specializes in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease, for helpful guidelines on some of the most common gastrointestinal complaints. It’s at least a nice starter kit for general interventions to consider first.
Key Takeaways
Colostrum supplements are not the answer to feeling better or boosting your immune system. To maintain a healthy gut, eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and yogurt with live cultures is a great way to start.
Consult your health professional team if you do not feel well for a prolonged period of time, and don’t start any new supplements without consulting them first.
As always, we love hearing from readers! What are your questions or comments regarding bovine colostrum supplements?
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