One trend to improve immune system and gastrointestinal health is to buy packets of bovine colostrum powder and add the powder as a supplement to the diet. The goals of eating colostrum in adults are numerous: reducing respiratory infections, gut health, and even the endocrine system. ace. Colostrum is the substance produced through mammalian breast tissue in the first few days after birth. This material, also produced by humans, is the thick, yellow substance that a newborn can ingest before the breast tissue produces milk.
Colostrum comprises higher levels of immunoglobulins, proteins, fats, and other nutrients in addition to breast milk, aiding the early days of newborn nutrition and immune function. A newborn’s immune formula is incredibly immature and the true immune booster of colostrum can deliver antibodies directly to the mother. The concentration of these ingredients decreases particularly after about 3 days, at which point colostrum production ceases and milk production begins. This is the case with humans, cows, and other mammals. A recent article in the New York Times as well as other sources refer to these thick curtains as “liquid gold. “
But the question remains: if this “liquid gold” is for newborns, does it translate into benefits for adults?Many supplement companies claim a resounding “yes. ” One brand, ARMRA, sells bovine colostrum in powder-filled sachets. Each package contains one gram of dried colostrum and costs between 90 cents per pack if you buy them in bulk and $1. 33 per pack if you buy just one pack. Her advice is to consume one to three sachets per day. The company’s website provides detailed information about the benefits of the product, how to use it, and it’s even available in 4 flavors (unflavored, vine watermelon, blood orange, and acai berry). A note on taste: Supplement corporations and “their food consistents” never seem like market flavors like the clever old “cherry” or “grape. “
There are many studies on bovine colostrum content and its effect on children and adults, and one study reveals that a group of adult subjects who ingested bovine colostrum daily for 8 weeks had a lower incidence of influenza infections than a group of vaccinated subjects. Topics. This was a small study conducted in 2007 and has not been replicated. In addition to ARMRA, many companies manufacture and sell bovine colostrum in powder form, incorporated into beverages, and in capsule form. Some, like LiveConscious, also add immunoglobulins to the mix. The source of those extra immunoglobulins is unclear based on product labeling. If you have a mammal puppy in need, you can pick up natural liquid bovine colostrum at Raw Feeding Miami for just $15 a pint.
Unlike many supplements and additives that claim to be “superfoods,” which is a marketing term and not a nutritional one, colostrum, whether derived from cows or humans, does contain ingredients worthy of “liquid gold. “And there’s no doubt that those nutrients provide really extensive nutritional, immune, and digestive benefits to newborns. That said, as with any other supplement on the market, there are no FDA regulations, no external oversight related to the actual presence of such ingredients, and no related regulations. With this in mind, bovine colostrum intended for adults, while having documented benefits, is being incorporated into the multi-billion dollar supplement and wellness industry. At least for now.