Today’s Dietitian
Vol. 27 No. 3 P. 6
Q: My clients have been asking me about colostrum supplements to help improve immunity, fight infection, and promote gut health. Is there any research to back up these claims?
A: Colostrum is the earliest breastmilk produced and can begin production midpregnancy (12 to 18 weeks) and continues for the first few days after the infant’s birth. It is a thick, sticky, concentrated form of milk; typically clear, yellow, or orange; and made up of nutrients, including protein, essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and immunoglobulins. It contains high levels of antibodies to help build the immunity of the newborn. Though exclusively for newborns, one of the latest health trends is taking human or bovine colostrum. Bovine colostrum is also concentrated and provides antibodies and proteins like cytokines.1 The following article will explore the research for colostrum supplements, how these supplements are sold, and recommendations for RDs.
The Research
A 2021 published review examined the macro- and micronutrient composition of colostrum, plus the bioactives found in bovine colostrum and their potential for human health, including enhanced exercise performance and positive effects for people with certain gastrointestinal disorders (ie, ulcerative colitis), infection, and traveler’s diarrhea.2 However, the author explains that there are gaps in knowledge and the paper can be used for future research.
In addition, a 2021 published systematic review looked at 28 papers as reports of systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials, observational studies, and case series to determine what application bovine colostrum supplements have in healthy and sick people.3 Researchers found that the studies were highly heterogeneous, with regard to population, intervention, outcome, and risk of bias. Bovine colostrum supplement had some evidence in preventing upper respiratory illness in athletes, modulating immune system response, and reducing intestinal permeability in healthy and sick subjects. There was conflicting evidence in pediatric populations and little evidence available in older adults. Researchers concluded that more research is mandatory to understand all factors involved.
Other studies have been conducted on specific health conditions. A 2022 published systematic review examined the effects of bovine colostrum supplements on leaky gut syndrome in athletes.4 Nine studies were included and data analysis showed that vigorous exercise significantly increased intestinal permeability and bovine colostrum supplementation helped reverse gut permeability in athletes. However, researchers concluded that well-designed, placebo-controlled, and randomized studies are needed to evaluate long-term safety and efficacy. In addition, optimal doses also need to be determined in high-performance athletes. A 2021 published study also discussed the use of bovine colostrum supplements in athletes.5 Researchers point out that there’s limited evidence for its effects on body composition and physical performance, but there’s stronger evidence for its benefit on gut permeability and damage markers and on immune function and illness risk, specifically during periods of intensified training. Researchers concluded that further research is required to determine all mechanisms responsible for these effects.
Another 2022 study looked at bovine colostrum supplementation and the prevention of upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs).6 Based on the systematic review and meta-analysis which included 445 randomized participants in seven trials conducted over an eight- to 14-week period with a daily dose of 0.4 to 60 g per day, researchers concluded the research confirms that bovine colostrum supplementation significantly reduces the incidence of URTIs. In addition, researchers noted the study was limited due to its number of subjects and uncertain dosage.
Colostrum Supplements
Once bovine colostrum is collected, it’s processed into pill, tablet, or powder form. Many are quite costly and aren’t third-party verified for quality or proper manufacturing practices. Reported side effects include gastrointestinal issues like flatulence and nausea, and it’s contraindicated in people with a milk allergy. There’s no established dosage for specific health conditions, and research hasn’t been conducted long-term.
Recommendations for RDs
Understanding why a client would like to try colostrum supplements may enable the dietetic professional to turn to medical nutrition therapy or refer the client to another specialized health care provider for further evaluation. If a client insists on taking a colostrum supplement, the RD can explain that there’s little established research and proper dosage is unknown. Remind the client to look for third-party verification like GMP (good manufacturing practices), explain the side effects and contraindications, and recommend the client follow label instructions. Finally, recommend the client take the supplement short-term, as long-term research hasn’t been conducted.
— Toby Amidor, MS, RD, CDN, FAND, is the founder of Toby Amidor Nutrition (tobyamidornutrition.com) and a Wall Street Journal bestselling author. She’s written eleven cookbooks, including Health Shots: 50 Simple Tonics to Help Improve Immunity, Ease Anxiety, Boost Energy, and More. She’s also an award-winning media dietitian, spokesperson and nutrition expert for FoodNetwork.com, and a contributor to U.S. News and other national outlets.
References
1. Bovine colostrum: why you should skip this pricey supplement. Cleveland Clinic website. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/bovine-colostrum#:~:text=Humans%20don’t%20need%20to,rigorous%20research%20on%20the%20topic.\ Published October 7, 2024.
2. Arslan A, Kaplan M, Duman H, et al. Bovine colostrum and its potential for human health and nutrition. Front Nutr. 2021;8:651721.
3. Guberti M, Botti S, Capuzzo MT, et al. Bovine colostrum applications in sick and healthy people: a systematic review. Nutrients. 2021;13(7):2194.
4. Dziewiecka H, Buttar HS, Kasperska A, et al. A systematic review of the influence of bovine colostrum supplementation on leaky gut syndrome in athletes: diagnostic biomarkers and future directions. Nutrients. 2022;14(12):2512.
5. Davison G. The use of bovine colostrum in sport and exercise. Nutrients. 2021;13(6):1789.
6. Hałasa M, Baśkiewicz-Hałasa M, Jamioł-Milc D, Maciejewska-Markiewicz D, Skonieczna-Żydecka K. Bovine colostrum supplementation in prevention of upper respiratory tract infections — systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression of randomized controlled trials. J Funct Foods. 2022;99:105316.
