Tuesday, March 12, 2013 Can Colostrum Boost Immunity? Colostrum
is the milky fluid secreted by all lactating mammals, including
humans, in the first few days after giving birth, before breast
milk is produced. This “first milk” contains hormones and
factors that, among other things, promote cell development and
growth, prime a newborn’s immune and digestive system, and help
protect against infection. Like milk, it also contains protein,
fat, milk sugar, vitamins, and minerals. Sound healthful, at
least for babies, but could colostrum help adults who take it in
supplement form (tablets, capsules and powders)? That’s how
bovine (cow) colostrum is being marketed today, often in
formulas that also contain other “immune-boosting” ingredients.
Colostrum supplements are promoted to treat everything from
arthritis and autoimmune diseases to ulcers, colitis, and
various infections, as well as to slow aging, build muscle and
improve mood and athletic performance. It’s a big leap, however,
to think that bovine colostrum