What Is Bovine Colostrum and Why Should I Take It?
The first milk a cow produces after giving birth to a calf is called bovine colostrum. Farmers give calves bovine colostrum to provide key nutrients to boost their growth. This milk also offers numerous benefits when consumed by humans. Learn more about bovine colostrum supplements and their benefits to humans below:
Bovine Colostrum Components
Bovine colostrum is a nutrient-rich supplement full of antibodies, cytokines, proteins, and growth factors, which are beneficial for maintaining good health. The supplement contains two types of protein: whey and casein. Whey contains lactoglobulin amino acids, which have antimicrobial properties. Casein is rich in peptides, which have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. They can also help boost your immunity and gut health.
The supplement contains high levels of vitamins A, B, D, and E. It is also rich in minerals like calcium, magnesium, zinc, and iron. Bovine colostrum also contains oligosaccharides which act as a prebiotic, promoting good bacteria growth in your gut.
Uses of Bovine Colostrum for Humans
Because of its benefits to humans, the supplement is pasteurized and dried into pills and powders. Below are some ways people use these supplements:
Sports Performance and Muscle Recovery
The supplement may reduce exercise-induced inflammation and muscle damage. Due to its high protein content, colostrum aids in muscle development. The growth factors in this natural supplement also promote muscle repair and regeneration, reducing the time your muscles need for recovery after intense exercises. You may notice you suffer less from soreness after intense workouts when you start taking colostrum supplements.
Better Gastrointestinal Health
The growth factors in these supplements may stimulate the growth of intestinal cells, strengthening your gut walls. Strengthening your gut walls reduces your risk of leaky gut syndrome and other digestive disorders. The natural supplement also reduces inflammation in the gut, easing colitis symptoms.
Some people use the supplement to treat AIDS-related gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea caused by infections. Bioactive compounds in bovine supplements like lactoferrin help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria, inhibiting the growth of harmful microorganisms.
Immune Boost
You can mix bovine colostrum supplements with liquids to boost your immunity and promote overall health. The antibodies in the supplements support the body’s natural defense against pathogens. These disease-fighting agents help prevent infections and reduce the severity and duration of illnesses. The supplement can help fight upper respiratory tract infections.
Who Should Not Use Colostrum Supplements?
Despite its numerous benefits, the supplement is not the best option for everyone. People with the following conditions should not use the supplements:
Dairy Allergies and Lactose Intolerance
Colostrum supplement is cow’s milk, so if you are allergic to dairy, you may experience allergy symptoms when you take colostrum supplements. The supplement has higher lactase levels than regular cow’s milk. If you are lactose intolerant, you might have a severe reaction to the supplements.
Vegans
Steer clear of colostrum supplements if you follow a strict vegan diet because the supplements are made from cow’s milk, which is non-vegan. You also want to avoid products with colostrum as one of their ingredients.
Hormone-sensitive Cancer
The supplement contains estrogen, which may negatively impact people with hormone-sensitive cancers like breast, ovarian, and prostate cancer. Consult your doctor before taking colostrum supplements if you are in treatment for any of these cancers.
Boost Your Health With Colostrum Today
Bovine colostrum is a potent natural supplement with nutrients that can boost your health and strengthen your body. This supplement provides your body with more necessary nutrients than you can find in most foods, making it an excellent addition to your wellness prescriptions. The supplement may have side effects, so if you have underlying health conditions, consult your physician before consuming this product.
