Colostrum, the nutrient-rich fluid produced by the mammary glands in the initial days after birth, is a superfood for newborns because of its remarkable health benefits.
While this fact is indisputable, what to make of the latest supplement trend driven by the ‘miracle’ properties of bovine colostrum, the milk cows produce in the first few days after giving birth? This colostrum, extracted from cows, is now being sold as a supplement in powder or pill form. Manufacturers and several influencers claim bovine colostrum can enhance gut health, boost immunity and delay aging.
There is not enough data or scientific evidence to back these claims, says Dr Anantha Krishnan, consultant, infectious diseases, Prashanth Hospitals, Chennai. When we are born, we need colostrum as our immunity is not yet developed. However, taking colostrum supplements as adults is unnecessary because we have already developed our immunity,” he said.
About bovine colostrum, he says, “The composition for bovine colostrum is different from that of what humans need. Adults do not need to depend on this to build their immunity, whereas children would have already received it from their mothers through breastfeeding. Immunity can be built through a good lifestyle, eating healthy food and exercise and not through supplements.”
What is colostrum made of?
Colostrum is made of proteins, minerals, vitamins, and immunoglobins. It’s filled with white blood cells that produce antibodies that help strengthen the newborn’s immune system. Similarly, bovine colostrum is also packed with nutrients, antibodies, and growth factors supporting and protecting newborn calves.
Though colostrum is thick, it’s easier to digest than the usual breastmilk due to its low fat and sugar content. It includes nutrients like immunoglobin A (an antibody), lactoferrin (a protein that helps in the prevention of infections), leukocytes (white blood cells), epidermal growth factor, which promotes cell growth, vitamin A, magnesium, copper and zinc.
“All these nutrients are needed for the baby to build immunity and receive protection against infections. These nutrients are also present in breastmilk but are highly concentrated in colostrum,” says Dr Dhivyambigai Rajendran, obstetrician and gynecologist at Apollo Cradle & Children’s Hospital, Chennai.
Colostrum is produced less in quantity
Dr Ravneet Joshi, International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and a pediatrician practicing at Manipal Hospitals, Bangalore, points out the usual concern by many families that the milk produced by the mother is very little in the initial days and the newborn may need other foods to compensate for the supposedly low nutrition intake. It is a common misconception. Dr Joshi adds that our crucial role is helping the families understand the facts.
“The first milk or colostrum is thick and comes out in small quantities because that is all the baby needs at that stage. The milk is produced based on the newborn’s need,” she said.
“Human milk shouldn’t be compared to cow’s milk because the composition is different,” Dr Joshi adds. She further explains that human breast milk adapts according to the growing baby’s needs and is packed with nutrients, which other food cannot supplement until the baby is at least six months of age.
Dr Rajendran explains that just like breastmilk, colostrum can also be expressed and stored in human milk banks or deep freezers at home. In some cases, where babies are born premature or have difficulty latching, the colostrum is expressed and frozen to ensure that the baby receives it when ready.
As colostrum is limited, people have chosen the alternate option of bovine colostrum, says Dr Krishnan. “This high demand is depriving the calves of the essential nutrition and antibodies needed for its development,” he said.
Bovine colostrum: does it have any benefits?
A 2020 trial on a double-blind, randomized controlled trial concluded that bovine colostrum effectively treats acute diarrhea and can be considered adjuvant therapy in both viral and bacterial diarrhea to prevent diarrhea-related complications.
Another trial indicated that hyperimmune bovine colostrum, a special type of colostrum from cows that have received vaccination against certain diseases, may help prevent or shorten the duration of diarrhea in children and adults.
Dr Krishnan says there is a need for randomized controlled trials on a large population or a meta-analysis to establish its benefits. “The data derived only through these methods can be considered as evidence for doctors to prescribe or recommend these supplements, which is not the case as of now,” he added.
Takeaway
Colostrum, or first milk, is highly concentrated and nutritional produced by the mammary gland after childbirth. The thick golden milk that comes in less quantity acts as a superfood for newborns and helps to increase their immunity and protect them from infections. With cow’s milk having similar benefits, bovine colostrum has gained much attention for being the superfood and alternate supplement to increase immunity, enhance gut health and delay aging.
