In the never-ending quest for optimum health, new and sometimes conflicting information is thrown at us daily. Companies offer supplements, superfoods, and shortcuts that promise to reduce wrinkles, stimulate hair growth, increase energy, balance gut health, and improve quality and longevity of life. With so many products on the market, it can be overwhelming to determine which ones are a passing social media fad and which ones are worth the wellness hype.
The latest buzzy product making the influencer rounds is bovine colostrum, and it promises a wealth of health benefits, including a big boost to your body’s immune system. But what exactly is cow colostrum, and should you add it to your daily regimen?
Liquid Gold
Most people are familiar with colostrum as the thick, yellow substance produced in the mammary glands. Known as “liquid gold,” the nutrient-dense fluid is loaded with protein, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and antibodies to strengthen a new baby’s immune system before the mother’s milk comes in. While it offers multiple benefits to the health of a newborn, can adults reap the benefits by ingesting bovine colostrum, or is it just the latest trend taking the internet by storm?
As with any health product, it’s important to consider both the benefits and potential risks, but emerging research on bovine colostrum is promising. Many experts agree that bovine colostrum is generally safe for adults when used as directed. However, there are also voices in the medical community who believe that the benefits may not outweigh the high price tag and potential risks. Before jumping on the bovine bandwagon, consider the following pros and cons.
The Case for Colostrum
Once a supplement starts trending, the market becomes flooded with products. And while there are many bovine colostrum options out there, the OG is considered by many to be ARMRA. Developed by double board-certified pediatric neurologist Dr. Sarah Rahal, it combines bovine colostrum with more than 400 bioactive nutrients to “rebuild health from the inside out.”
While that’s a bold claim, it may not be that far-fetched. Colostrum is rich in macronutrients (think protein, carbs, and healthy fat) and chock full of essential vitamins and minerals like iron, calcium, magnesium, and zinc. However, the MVPs of colostrum are the trifecta of lactoferrin, growth factors, and antibodies. These protein compounds are the heavy hitters for strengthening the body’s immune system and gut health.
Juli Keene, a certified clinical nutritionist in Los Angeles, told USA Today that cow colostrum is a “highly concentrated boost of protein,” adding, “What scientists are seeing from the studies is that it’s especially aligned with the immune system.”
The Colostrum Cautions
With so many potential benefits, colostrum sounds like the cure-all we’ve been waiting for, right? Maybe, but research is still in the early stages, and some experts, like Wellness Dietitian Lindsey Wohlford, caution against embracing the trend just because your favorite social media influencer recommends it.
“Further studies are needed, and more robust data collected before a clear recommendation can be made on usage,” she says in an interview with M.D. Anderson Center.
One of Wohlford’s biggest concerns is that colostrum, like all supplements, isn’t regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. “This means standard formulations and regulations for production do not exist,” she explains.
Lack of regulation isn’t the only red flag. There are other things to consider. For example, do you have a dairy allergy? If so, this is not the right supplement for you. You also want to make sure that the colostrum you choose is ethically sourced and taken from cows that have not been given any additional antibiotics or hormones or exposed to pesticides. The colostrum should be properly pasteurized to avoid any risk of salmonella or other harmful bacteria. Finally, consider the cost. At roughly $50-$150 for approximately one month’s supply, depending on the brand, this is not an inexpensive addition to your medicine cabinet.
The Verdict
As a fitness instructor and highly active 53-year-old, I started adding colostrum powder to my diet approximately two months ago. I have seen an increase in my energy, as well as in my athletic endurance and recovery time. I have also seen a decrease in my discomfort from the seasonal allergies that plague me annually. I chose ARMRA, and, for me, it’s a sound investment, but one brand does not fit all. Do your own research and find the one that works best for you and your lifestyle.
When used correctly and sourced from a reputable manufacturer, most experts agree that bovine colostrum poses no significant risks and may improve many health conditions, specifically for those suffering from chronic inflammation. As always, consult your doctor before adding any supplements to your diet, and remember that they are designed to enhance, not take the place of, a healthy, active lifestyle.
