Bovine colostrum, the nutrient-rich milky fluid produced by cows after giving birth, is one of the latest wellness crazes to cause a buzz on social media.
Sometimes called “miracle milk,” bovine colostrum’s benefits are important for newborn calves. But recently, a number of adult humans are turning to bovine colostrum supplements in pill and powder form.
Proponents and manufacturers of bovine colostrum supplements claim it can enhance gut health, boost the immune system, prevent skin aging and improve exercise performance, among other things.
What is bovine colostrum, and does it have health benefits for humans? We spoke to experts about bovine colostrum nutrition, benefits and side effects.
What is bovine colostrum?
Colostrum is the milk produced by humans and other mammals in the first few days after giving birth, Dr. Nate Wood, an instructor of medicine at the Yale School of Medicine and chef, tells TODAY.com. When it’s from a cow, it’s called bovine colostrum.
The thick liquid is formed in the mammary glands during pregnancy and secreted from the breasts after delivery. However, colostrum is different from breastmilk. “Colostrum contains more antibodies, immune cells and growth factors,” says Wood.
Antibodies and immune cells are produced by the immune system and help protect against infections, and growth factors are special hormones that stimulate growth, he explains.
The high concentrations of antibodies and immune cells in colostrum are important because newborns have an immature immune system that predisposes them to infections, Wood adds.
Bovine colostrum nutrition
Human colostrum contains important macronutrients (protein, fat, and carbohydrates), micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) and antioxidants, which help nourish newborns in their first days, according to the Cleveland Clinic. These include vitamin A, calcium, magnesium, copper, zinc, and carotenoids.
The fluid’s deep orange or golden color, along with its benefits for newborns, is why it’s often…
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