The Udderly Disturbing Cow Colostrum Supplement Trend

Cow colostrum supplements are becoming increasingly popular among athletes and gym fans who want to bulk up. Learn what it is and what drives the trend for its high marketability.

What Is Cow Colostrum?

Cow colostrum or bovine colostrum is the milk a dam produces during the first few days after it gives birth. It’s highly nutritious and loaded with proteins and peptides that boost immunity. It also contains substances promoting growth. 

Colostrum is important in supporting the development of newborn animals as it strengthens their immune system. Research suggests humans can drink it and reap the same health benefits. How true is this? Is it safe, or will it leave side effects?

What Constitutes Cow Colostrum?

Health scientists classify cow colostrum as a nutraceutical, which means a substance that provides medical benefits and helps treat diseases. Others perceive it as a superfood. What makes it so nutritious? Here is its nutritional profile. 

Proteins and Peptides

The total milk protein concentration from a mother cow newly given birth is 15%, which falls to 3% in mature milk. There are two types of protein — casein or insoluble protein and whey or soluble protein. The body absorbs whey faster, which accelerates the muscle recovery process.

Whey proteins include several growth factors and are more concentrated in bovine milk. About 40% of the total protein content in cow colostrum is whey. 

Carbohydrates

Bovine colostrum contains various carbohydrates, like lactose, glycolipids, glycoproteins and oligosaccharides. Lactose, which comprises 2.5% of the carb in bovine milk, supports liver function. Oligosaccharides act as prebiotics, which is essential for normal gut function. 

Fats and Lipids

Cow colostrum contains 7% fat, including polyunsaturated fatty acids, short-chain fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid. These lipids are considered healthy and support the body’s overall function.

Vitamins and Minerals

The dam’s milk is packed with vitamins A, D, E and B, which are all essential for metabolism and bone development. There aren’t many foods containing vitamin D, as sun exposure is the primary source of activating internal production. If you often miss your 5-15 minutes daily sun soak, cow colostrum might help supplement your daily vitamin D needs. 

Besides these essential vitamins, it also has the following minerals:

• Zinc
• Calcium
• Phosphorus 
• Potassium 
• Magnesium 
• Sodium 

In general, bovine milk has higher concentrations of vitamins and minerals than mature milk. Because of its impressive nutritional value, some people consider it a superfood. 

The Appeal to Men 

Bovine colostrum is comparable to a health elixir. Because of its amazing benefits, some companies have begun processing it for human consumption. Below are its touted upsides that convince others it’s worth trying. 

It Promotes Passive Immunity

Immunity can be active and passive. Active immunity occurs when your immune system creates antibodies to fight infections. It’s the opposite in passive immunity, where your body receives antibodies from other sources — in this case, bovine milk.

Bovine colostrum contains high levels of bioactive compounds that can boost your disease-fighting system, supplying you with antibodies to help fight pathogens before they cause further harm.

It Improves Gut Health

Taking bovine colostrum can increase intestinal lymphocyte levels, which are the natural killers of diseases. Your body is well-armed to protect itself in case of infections. 

It Enhances Muscles

Colostrum is a staple supplement for athletes who often engage in strenuous endurance and resistance training. Studies have found that taking colostrum promotes hypertrophy, which increases muscle mass. Furthermore, it can increase muscle strength and reduce body fat. 

It also has insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), a hormone that manages the effects of growth hormone. It helps stabilize the chemical processes in your body so you can perform high-intensity exercise for a more extended period.

Bovine colostrum improves human health in many ways. 

Preserving High-Quality Colostrum for Human Consumption

Companies use various methods to preserve the nutrients of cow colostrum in a pill. Contamination is the main challenge since the cow’s udder is laden with pathogens that can contaminate colostrum during milking, affecting the quality of the final product. 

One solution to this problem is leveraging thermal treatment methods. Pasteurization and sterilization are commonly used to harvest high colostrum. Innovations like nanotechnology and liposomal technology are then used to prepare bovine colostrum fit for human consumption. 

Forms of Bovine Milk in Dietary Supplements

You’ll find bovine colostrum supplements in various forms, such as power, liquid, cream, pills and tablets. Dried colostrum is processed to make tablets and powders. Colostrum-based drinks are also available in nutritional shops.

The effects of supplements may vary based on their forms and the disease.

For example, colostrum tablets or capsules have pain-killing effects in people experiencing gastrointestinal injury. In those with HIV, taking liquid colostrum can promote tissue repair and antimicrobial actions. A topical cream can prevent ultraviolet B-induced photodamage. 

Side Effects of Taking Colostrum Supplements

Are there risks associated with ingesting colostrum supplements? This is probably the million-dollar question for any new nutritional trend. 

Researchers have done intensive research on cow colostrum and its derivatives. So far, evidence from numerous clinical studies shows that bovine supplements are well-tolerated, nontoxic and safe for human consumption. Existing data suggest supplementation with colostrum is safe unless your diet doesn’t allow animal and dairy products. 

However, ensure you consult your care provider before taking any. Supplements aren’t FDA-regulated, so there could be risks. The agency doesn’t approve dietary pills for their effectiveness or safety. It’s the manufacturer’s responsibility to ensure their products are safe. Therefore, it’s your job to check the manufacturer and reliability of the pill before adding it to your consumption.

Alternatives for Cow Colostrum

Supplements are enticingly convenient, but you need to spend money on them. They can be quite expensive. 

Whole foods are an excellent alternative to supplements. They provide your body with multiple healthful compounds as opposed to supplements that offer individual nutrients. Eggs, tofu, legumes and whole grains can supply enough protein to grow your muscles. Studies show that eating eggs after training can increase muscle growth and testosterone levels and lower fat levels. 

Regarding carbohydrates, opt for fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Examples include apples, bananas, broccoli, green beans, oatmeal and whole wheat bread. These options contain “good carbs” your body needs to support an active lifestyle. 

Taking Cow Colostrum Supplement May Benefit Your Health

Supplementing with colostrum pills may help you achieve your health goals. While scientists say it’s generally safe and nontoxic, do your own research before taking it. Like a workout, this supplement may be effective for others but not for you. Remember to consult your doctor and ask if you need this supplement. Otherwise, it’s best to stick to eating whole foods if you don’t have any nutritional deficiency.