What is Bovine colostrum?  

The cow secretes a milky fluid after delivering its baby. Bovine colostrum is prepared from this fluid. It promotes gut health, combats germs, and improves immunity. It is safe for everyone. It contains large amounts of antibodies and is highly nutritious. Antibodies present in it are proteins that are essential to fight harmful bacteria and infections.

More about Colostrum

Mammals release a milky fluid after giving birth and before producing breast milk. This vital nutrient source boosts growth and helps infants stay protected from diseases. You may consume it as a supplement during other stages of life. Usually, supplements are prepared from cows’ colostrum. Hence, it is called bovine colostrum.

What is it?

It is the same as human colostrum. It contains digestive enzymes, growth hormones, disease-fighting proteins, carbohydrates, fats, essential minerals and vitamins. You can find it in supplement form. It helps improve gut health and boosts immunity. Colostrum is pasteurized to manufacture supplements. Then, it is dried into powders or pills. It resembles buttermilk, has a subtle taste, and is light yellow.

Highly nutritious

It contains more nutrients when compared with regular milk. It is equally nutritious and healthy. It is rich in magnesium, carbs, fat, protein, and Vitamins A, B, C, and E. Its health benefits are related to certain protein compounds. It is for this reason health experts the world over prescribe it to their patients.

What protein compounds are derived from Bovine Colostrum?

Antibodies

Such proteins are also called immunoglobulins. Your immune system uses it to combat harmful viruses and bacteria. Bovine colostrum is an excellent source of antibodies IgM (1,2), IgG, and IgA.

Growth factors

These are growth-stimulating hormones. Bovine colostrum contains two protein-based hormones, insulin-type growth factors IGF-1, IGF-2 (1), or 1 and 2.

Lactoferrin

This protein prompts an immune response to harmful infections caused by viruses and bacteria. It is rich in disease-fighting nutrients and boosts growth. It also helps treat infections and develops immunity.

Boosts immunity levels

It helps combat diarrhea-causing infections. It boosts gut health and strengthens your immune system. Its immune-boosting effects are due to antibodies IgG and IgA in high concentration. Antibodies are proteins that help fight bacteria and viruses. Elite athletes can boost their immunity by taking colostrum supplements. The experienced nutritionist in Gurgaon suggests how to benefit from this supplement.

Prevents and cures Diarrhea

It has compounds like protein lactoferrin and different types of antibodies. They help prevent diarrhea resulting from viral and bacterial infections. Studies were conducted on adults experiencing HIV-related diarrhea. On taking bovine colostrum of 100 gms a day along with anti-diarrhea medications, they experienced a significant reduction in stool frequency.

Curing diseases

They are considered hyperimmune. They can treat different types of infections effectively in humans. It includes those caused by Shigella dysenteriae and E. coli (Escherichia coli) bacteria. Studies reveal that hyperimmune colostrum helps prevent traveler’s diarrhea. E. coli bacteria causes this infection. Hyperimmune bovine colostrum of 1200mg contains antibodies to combat E. coli bacteria. 

Benefits gut health

Taking this supplement helps strengthen your gut. Thus, it fights infections developing in your digestive tract. It stimulates intestinal cell growth, prevents intestinal permeability, and strengthens gut walls. Such beneficial effects are derived from growth factors.

Are there potential downsides to taking Bovine colostrum?

Studies conducted on this supplement prove it is safe for consumption. However, it comes with some downsides that you should be aware of. The truth is bovine colostrum powders and supplements are costly. A typical dosage every day is 1.5 gms (half a teaspoon). Determine from your nutritionist the amount to have in a day to derive benefits from its intake.

Other essential information

You should consume it if allergic to milk. Products are also prepared with additives and include common allergens such as soy. They may contain synthetic hormones, pesticides, or antibiotics based on the raising culture of cows. You may choose lab-tested supplements without these compounds. However, if you are a breastfeeding or pregnant woman, take the advice of a qualified nutritionist to be on the safe side.

Food safety issues

This supplement might have several food safety issues. Studies revealed that out of 55 samples, 8 contained Salmonella in traces, a harmful bacteria. Pasteurizing it thoroughly ensures harmful bacteria are destroyed. Buy colostrum supplements only from a reliable source. Discuss with your nutritionist specific questions associated with processing and sourcing. 

Nutrition-filled supplements

It is prepared in the lab to benefit mankind. It is an excellent source of disease-combating compounds. It fights diarrhea-causing infections and improves immunity and gut health. If you suffer from a specific condition, gut inflammation, or infection, this supplement may prove to be useful.

Seek expert guidance

Whatever supplements or pills you plan to take, including bovine colostrum, make sure to discuss them with a qualified nutritionist. They can give proper guidance, ensure you derive the benefits, and avoid risks.