2023-12-22 17:10:25
In the midst of the scramble that the world has witnessed, in search of the best drugs and supplements to strengthen immunity and enhance health, in the face of the attack of the Corona pandemic, “bovine colostrum” has gained fame in helping to raise the level of human immune health, due to its remarkable richness in antibodies, vitamins and other minerals.
It has spread widely, whether in its natural state as liquid cow’s milk, or in the form of powder and pills as nutritional supplements, which are promoted among adults to improve immunity, soothe digestive disorders, reduce inflammation and facilitate muscle recovery in professional athletes, according to the “Fortune” website.
This is within a global market for immune health supplements, which in 2020 amounted to more than $55 billion, and is expected to grow by 11% on an annual basis until 2028, according to the report issued by Grand View Research.
Compounds in bovine colostrum may help prevent diarrhea associated with bacterial and viral infections (PCLS).
Supplements are just a supplement
A 2022 Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) survey on dietary supplements revealed that 75% of Americans use dietary supplements, most of them on a regular basis.
But it is important to remember that following a healthy diet is the primary way to provide the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants we need, and nutritional supplements are “just a complementary tool, to give the body the necessary support when we lack certain nutrients,” says Dr. Kara Bernstein, a nutritionist. She is a certified American expert in diabetes care, stressing that “dietary supplements will never give you what real food does. They can simply help you, but they will not be a substitute for food.”
She explained, “It would be great if we were limited to eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, to obtain the food supplies we need.”
Although this does not deny that there are times when nutritional supplements may become necessary, due to not obtaining optimal nutrition, or due to aging conditions. In this case, we must consult a doctor before starting to take any supplements, to ensure that they will not interact with medications we are taking, or expose us to other health problems.
Bovine colostrum is not a miracle supplement
Bovine colostrum supplements have become popular in recent years because they may boost immunity, fight infections, and improve gut health, according to Healthline.
Colostrum, or “colostrum,” is the first milk produced by mothers of humans, cows, and other mammals immediately after the birth of a new child and for a few days. It is thicker and yellower than usual milk, and is characterized by its rich content of nutrients, antibodies, and antioxidants to build the immune system, according to the Cleveland Clinic. “.
Colostrum is the first milk produced by mothers of humans, cows, and other mammals immediately after the birth of a new baby and for a few days (Pixels)
But Dr. Jesse Bracamonte, a family medicine specialist in Arizona, says that although human colostrum provides additional protection for the early immunity of human children on their way from the hospital to life, studies on the benefits of bovine colostrum remain limited, and although there are some good reasons to include it in our diet, According to recent research, it has shown some success in treating acute diarrhea and preventing seasonal respiratory infections.
In addition, it has benefits such as proteins, fats, minerals, antioxidants and vitamins that help the body, but it is prohibited for those who are allergic to dairy products or lactose.
As for Keri Ganz, an author and certified nutritionist in New York, she explains that more research is needed to confirm the therapeutic capabilities of colostrum, but the good news is that researchers have found no harm from consuming it.
3 potential benefits of taking colostrum and its supplements
Research suggests that bovine colostrum may strengthen the immune system, promote gut health, and fight infections that cause diarrhea.
Gut health: Studies show that bovine colostrum may strengthen the intestines and reduce inflammation of the digestive system, by stimulating the growth of intestinal cells and strengthening the intestinal wall to prevent particles from leaking into the rest of the body. Polish researchers who conducted a study in 2017 found that zonulin levels (a protein that negatively affects the vitality and integrity of the intestinal barrier of the small intestine) decreased in athletes who took bovine colostrum supplements for 3 weeks.
In an interview published in the journal “Integrative Medicine: Physicians’ Journal” in 2020, Dr. Michael Roizen, chief health officer at Cleveland Clinic, stated that one of the promising properties of colostrum is its ability to stabilize and strengthen the intestinal barrier, to act as a buffer wall to protect the body from Disease and infection through the intestines, and maintaining the integrity of the intestinal microbiome.
No supplement can outweigh the importance of eating whole foods, good sleep, and regular exercise (Shutterstock)
Prevent and treat diarrhea: “According to research, compounds found in bovine colostrum, especially the antibody group and the protein lactoferrin, may help prevent diarrhea associated with bacterial and viral infections.”
Digestive problems specialist, Lauren Houser, says, “She advises her patients to incorporate cow colostrum into their nutrition regularly, to address intestinal health, as it has many potential benefits and minimal negative aspects.”
Explaining that “a person with severe diarrhea or who is dealing with the beginnings of an autoimmune disease, such as celiac disease, for example, can benefit from the effects of colostrum on the intestines.”
Strengthening the immune system: A study published in 2009 indicated that bovine colostrum and its supplements may strengthen the immune system and help the body resist diseases, due to its “high concentration of antibodies that fight viruses and bacteria.”
Bracamonte also suggests consuming colostrum during the cold and flu season, to ward off the risk of upper respiratory infections, according to a study conducted in 2023, which showed that consuming it can reduce the number of days of illness and the severity of its symptoms, and warns that it is not necessary to consume it daily and continuously, but to prevent infection. Respiratory system and immune enhancement, it can be taken for a longer period, after talking to the doctor to determine it.
Bovine colostrum is characterized by its rich content of nutrients, antibodies and antioxidants to build the immune system (Pixels).
Side effects
Kerry Ganz warns that there is a small chance of side effects to consider, as bovine colostrum supplements can in rare cases cause nausea and diarrhea.
She stresses the fact that no supplement can outweigh the importance of eating whole foods, good sleep, and regular exercise.
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