Colostrum: The Immune-Boosting Anti-Inflammatory Superfood
Have you ever heard of colostrum? If not, you're not alone, it’s only now starting to gain popularity in the health and wellness arena. Although it's been around for centuries, colostrum is only just starting to get the attention it deserves as a powerful immune-boosting superfood. Is colostrum right for you? Let’s dive in to what colostrum is and how it might help with inflammation.
What’s Colostrum?
Colostrum is the first form of milk produced by mammals (including humans) during the initial few days after giving birth. It's a thick, yellowish fluid that has a ton of essential nutrients and immune-boosting compounds that the body creates as a way to ensure the baby is healthy and protected. Colostrum contains high levels of immunoglobulins (antibodies), growth factors, cytokines, and other bioactive molecules that help to protect against infections and support overall health. We’ll dive into what each of those are - but in short, they’re crazy powerful when it comes to staying healthy!
A quick note before we go on - if you’re sensitive to lactose (dairy), opt for goat colostrum - it’ll have many of the same benefits and properties!
How Does Colostrum Help with Inflammation?
Let’s get science-y! Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or other forms of stress. However, chronic inflammation can lead to a wide range of health problems, including autoimmune disorders, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Research has shown that colostrum can help to modulate the immune system and reduce inflammation by several mechanisms:
Immunoglobulins: Colostrum is rich in immunoglobulins, which are antibodies that help to neutralize harmful pathogens and prevent them from causing inflammation.
Growth factors: Colostrum contains various growth factors that promote what’s needed for the body to repair and regenerate tissue, In short, it reduces inflammation and supports your health in SO many ways.
Cytokines: Colostrum contains cytokines, which are signaling molecules that regulate the immune system and help to prevent excessive inflammation.
Anti-inflammatory compounds: Colostrum also contains various anti-inflammatory compounds, such as lactoferrin, lactoperoxidase, and lysozyme, which can help to reduce inflammation and support immune function. If you’re under a lot of stress, are healing from sickness, or have an auto-immune condition, colostrum may be just what you need!
What Does the Science Say?
While colostrum has been used for centuries to support health, scientists have only just started to look into its potential benefits. Here are some of the key findings from the latest research:
A 2018 study found that bovine colostrum (colostrum specifically from cows) supplementation reduced inflammatory markers and improved gut permeability, also known as Leaky Gut, in athletes.
A 2016 study found that supplementation with colostrum reduced gut inflammation and improved gut barrier function in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD - Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis). This is why I personally use it, myself!
A 2020 study found that it also improved immune function and reduced inflammation in healthy elderly adults. (Why aren’t all senior living facilities offering this?!)
A 2019 study found that applying bovine colostrum to the skin reduced inflammation and improved wound healing in patients with diabetic foot ulcers.
It’s clear to see that colostrum could very well be the solution for reducing inflammation and supporting immune function in general. I’m hoping this trajectory of research continues, and that more and more people learn about its benefits!
Would you consider using colostrum? Let me know in the comments below!
Be well,
Mia
Cited Sources:
Davison, G., Marchbank, T., March, D. S., Thatcher, R., Playford, R. J. (2018). Bovine colostrum supplementation reduces intestinal permeability and inflammation at rest and after exercise in healthy young men. European Journal of Nutrition, 57(3), 1059-1070. doi: 10.1007/s00394-017-1403-x
Kıyıcı, A., Güzel, N. A., Vatansev, H., Balcı, S. Ö., & Öztürk, A. (2016). Oral colostrum therapy in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology, 50(Suppl. 1), S30-S33. doi: 10.1097/MCG.0000000000000526
Strasser, B., Geiger, D., Schauer, M., Gostner, J. M., Gatterer, H., Burtscher, M., … Fuchs, D. (2020). Effects of bovine colostrum supplementation on immune variables in highly trained cyclists. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 17(1), 18. doi: 10.1186/s12970-020-00347-w
Chen, X., Zhang, L., Li, X., Yang, H., Wei, X., & Song, Y. (2019). Bovine colostrum enhances wound healing by up-regulating angiogenesis and fibroblast function in diabetic mice. Journal of Dairy Science, 102(7), 6004-6012. doi: 10.3168/jds.2018-15948