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Colostrum is the pre-milk fluid produced from the mother's
mammary glands during the first 24 to 48 hours after giving birth.
Bovine colostrum, most common form of colostrum supplement, comes
from cows. Colostrum is a rich source of antibodies
(immunoglobulins), growth factors, various proteins, enzymes and
nutrients for the suckling neonate and may provide passive immunity
to the newborn against various infectious microorganisms,
particularly those that affect the gastrointestinal tract. It may
also have other health benefits. The question is whether these same
benefits, which are meant for the calf, offer any benefit to humans.
Bovine colostrum may in fact turn out to be an important nutritional
supplement, but for now there are clinical studies that offer
evidence to support many manufacturers’
claims.
Reported Benefits of
Colostrum
Colostrum may be helpful in treating acute
rotavirus diarrhea. However, there is also evidence that specific
forms of colostrum may be effective against diarrhea caused by
Cryptosporidium parvum, Helicobacter pylori, Escherichia coli, and
Clostridium difficile.
Bovine colostrum contains bovine
versions of many human growth factors, including insulin-like growth
factor, transforming growth factor, epithelial growth factor, and
even growth hormone. It has been suggested that these elements of
bovine colostrum are are capable of stimulating muscle growth.
Lastly, some professional believe that bovine colostrum may
be protect against peptic ulcer formation caused by drugs such as
aspirin, ibuprofen, and indomethacin.
Note: None of the above
"possible" benefits of bovine colostrum have been substantiated in
clinical studies.
Suggested
Dosage
Most manufacturers recommend 1,000 to 4,000
mg per day of freeze-dried colostrum.
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