Bovine colostrum - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

jewels · 01-08-2008, 11:40 AM

My eldest daughter's father (ex #1) has been gung ho on this bovine colostrum, for well over a year. My daughter's been telling me that she's started taking it recently and feels great, her grandmother (who's 80something) no longer has arthritic pain and my ex, who's always been a bit of a hypochondriac, hasn't complained of any ailments in a long time. I was skeptical when she first told me about the stuff and did some quick research and decided it was overhyped several months ago.

I saw her again lunchtime today and noticed a difference in her energy level and her skin tone; she seems healthier than I've seen her in years. She has a whole new outlook that's very positive and different from how she's been, and she's been with the same guy for over two years, happy with the situation.

I just googled again and was able to find a few JAMA articles, but wondered if anyone's used this stuff or has any feelings one way or another. I'm on the fence about now and not sure I'm ready to shell out a new monthly expense unless I'm sure it'll really do what it claims to do.

http://cat.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/13/2/130

This study's not quite sure:

http://www.stanford.edu/group/virus/...ug_profile.htm

I liked this one:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11312068

So I'd love any input. Any experiences? Knowledge of the stuff? What do you think? What's real, what's bull, what's it all mean?

snowy · 01-08-2008, 01:39 PM

I'm looking this up on EBSCOhost right now, and I'm surprised to find that I'm coming up with a lot of stuff in peer-reviewed journals. Kind of cool.

One abstract I've been able to dig up so far, from the European Journal of Nutrition:

Quote:

Background Anecdotal reports suggest that bovine colostrum may prevent upper respiratory tract infection (URTI). There is scant evidence to support such claims, although salivary IgA protects against URTI, and it was recently shown that bovine colostrum increases salivary IgA. Aim of the study The present investigation examined whether concentrated bovine colostrum protein (CBC) affected the incidence or duration of self-reported symptoms of URTI in adult males. Methods We examined logbooks containing self-reported symptoms of illness from previous studies which examined physiological effects of CBC. In these double-blind, placebo controlled studies, subjects had been randomly allocated to consume 60 g. day 1 of CBC (n = 93) or whey protein (WP) (n = 81) for eight weeks. Symptoms were coded using established criteria to identify those related to URTI. Since the incubation period for an URTI is up to five days, symptoms reported during the first week of supplementation (PRE-EXP) were analysed separately to preclude those arising from infection prior to study commencement. Results During PRE-EXP, there was no dif ference in the proportion of subjects taking the different supplements who reported symptoms of URTI (CBC, 11%,WP, 5%; 95% Confidence Interval (95 % CI) -14% to 2%; P = 0.16). During the subsequent seven weeks (i. e. the experimental period), a significantly lesser proportion of subjects taking CBC reported symptoms of URTI compared with those taking WP (CBC, 32 %, WP, 48 %, P = 0.03; 95 % CI -30 % to -2 %), but symptom duration did not differ (CBC, 6.8 &plusmin; 4.2 days, WP, 6.0 &plusmin; 4.4 days; P = 0.27). Conclusion This study provides preliminary evidence that CBC may enhance resistance to the development of symptoms of URTI.

To summarize, the study found that the group taking concentrated bovine colostrum suffered from fewer symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections compared to the placebo group, which took whey protein, over the course of the study. There is one problem I have with this study--the self-reporting. That means there is a definite human error factor here, but the authors of the study did do a good job of counteracting for that by making it a placebo-controlled, double-blind study.

Another study I found suggested that bovine colustrum may be helpful in relieving AIDS-related diarrhea.

I find this interesting, as human colostrum is pretty vital to establishing a newborn's immune system, and getting their digestive system rolling. Given that similar compounds exist in bovine colostrum, I am interested to see how this benefits human adults (versus babies or calves).

eribrav · 01-08-2008, 03:46 PM

Actually the authors of this did not make it any kind of study,(never mind placebo controlled, double blind) snowy.

This is what's called a data mining expedition. It's typically a way that grad students or fellows write really bad, useless scientific papers.

There was no study done to test a hypothesis here. What the authors did was take old logs from prior studies, then look at the data and find differences in the groups. You can do this with old data and if you just keep comparing different sets of responses, eventually you will find two that are statistically different from each other. It's completely different from actually having a hypothesis, designing an experiment to test the hypothesis, and analyzing the data your experiment generates.

This is pure bunk and would never be published in a quality peer-reviewed journal.

snowy · 01-08-2008, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eribrav

Actually the authors of this did not make it any kind of study,(never mind placebo controlled, double blind) snowy.

This is what's called a data mining expedition. It's typically a way that grad students or fellows write really bad, useless scientific papers.

There was no study done to test a hypothesis here. What the authors did was take old logs from prior studies, then look at the data and find differences in the groups. You can do this with old data and if you just keep comparing different sets of responses, eventually you will find two that are statistically different from each other. It's completely different from actually having a hypothesis, designing an experiment to test the hypothesis, and analyzing the data your experiment generates.

This is pure bunk and would never be published in a quality peer-reviewed journal.

Odd, because that's exactly where I got it from. I deliberately checked the box on EBSCOhost that limits the search to peer-reviewed, scholarly journals.
At any rate, if you have a beef with a peer-reviewed, scholarly journal publishing this stuff, I'd suggest you write a letter to the European Journal of Nutrition.

noodle · 01-08-2008, 07:55 PM

So, if I'm allergic to lactose....?

jewels · 01-09-2008, 01:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fredweena

So, if I'm allergic to lactose....?

I'm allergic also. I think I read that it's a possibility but less likely.

Here's an article my daughter sent me. I thought it interesting.

Quote:

Bovine Colostrum, The Forgotten Miracle

By Dr Stephen Blake, Jr., DVM
Posted with permission of the author
Journal of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association
July 1999, Volume 18, Number 2, pp 39-40

The use of bovine colostrum in medicine, dates back thousands of years. Ayurvedic doctors have used it for physical and spiritual purposes throughout the history of time. Bovine colostrum was used in the United States, and all over the world, for immune problems, prior to the discovery of sulfa drugs and antibiotics. Thousands of scientific studies and human clinical trials worldwide, have proven bovine colostrum to be safe and therapeutic.

Current research over the past two decades, has shown that colostrum is one of the most important nutritional supplements available for enhancing the immune system and helping in tissue repair. All colostrum is not created equal and should be evaluated before use. My research has shown that colostrum should be from a dairy, where there is no use of hormones, antibiotics, nuclear contamination, or pesticides. It should be prepared without freezing and excessive heat. It should be water soluble, and for best effect, in powder form.

Pasture-fed herds are preferred source of colostrum. These herds produce colostrum that contains more beneficial enzymes, which assist in the assimilation of the colostrum and is a more diversified immune source. The bovine only supplies colostrum to it's young at birth, and there is no placental transfer of antibodies. The human infant gets 60% of it's antibody protection via the placenta and 40% from the mother's milk during the first two days after birth, as do many other species. This fact allows them to survive on milk replacement.

If a calf does not receive colostrum, they will die within a week's time. The unique property of the bovine colostrum, is that it is a universal donor for all mammals. Colostrum contains all of the immune factors necessary for protecting the newborn from bacteria, allergens, toxins, viruses. Colostrum also contains a balanced proportion of growth factors that are required for growth and healing. Current research shows that colostrum triggers at least fifty different functions in the newborn.

Over the past seven months, I have been incorporating the use of bovine colostrum into my general practice. I have found that bovine colostrum, which meets the above requirements, facilitates any modality I use; Classical Homeopathy, acupuncture, Bach Flower therapy, glandular therapy, aroma therapy, massage, nutrition. All of these modalities have benefited from using colostrum, in one way or another. I have found that colostrum creme is the best topical healing agent I have ever used in 26 years of practice. The colostrum contains Egf (Epithelial Growth Factor), IgF (Insulin-like Growth factor) and TgF-A & B (Transforming Growth Factors), alpha and beta), which are necessary for healing the epithelium, muscle, nerve, gastrointestinal tract, joints, etc.

It also contains Lactoferrins, which have natural antimicrobial activity. This is in a water soluble base that contains essential oils and vitamin E. I have used it in open wounds, suture lines, abscesses, ruptured cysts, warts, dry and moist dermatitis, insect bites, burns, etc, and found it to be the most effective product I have ever used in clinical practice. I have also used it orally for gingivitis and in the ear canal with equally good results. It is tolerated well by all the animals I have used it on, and if the animal consumes it, it receives benefit from it internally as well.

A fascinating fact about colostrum, is that it contains polyproline-rich peptides, which are a regulator of the thymus gland (master immune gland) of the body. It establishes homeostasis in the thymus gland, by regulating an underactive or overactive thymus. The research on the growth factors in colostrum has shown that salivary amylase and HC1 in the stomach, potentiate their activity. I have also observed the same principle in animals, as in myself. For that reason, I advise my clients to feed it free choice, in powder form, at least 30 minutes or longer before feeding. I suggest once per day, first thing in the morning.

Palatability in the canine has been 100%, and 90%+ in the feline. Many of my clients prefer the capsules or the tablets for the convenience of dispensing, and empty the quantity they need out of each capsule. Concentration and dose is the same either way. Colostrum has a very specific effect on the gastrointestinal tract and I have found that it improves the integrity of the intestinal mucosa better than any product I have ever used.

It facilitates the balancing of the intestinal flora, stabilizes the immune status of the gut, and aids in digestion and proper motility of the bowel. Since 70% of the gamma globulins come from Pyers Patches in the intestinal tract, and 90% of all toxins, bacteria, viruses and fungi enter the body through the gut, it only makes sense that we should concentrate our efforts on this organ system.

I have used it for IBD, gastroenteritis of all kinds, hemorrhagic enteritis, colitis, non-specific diarrheas, absorption deficiencies, pancreatitis, constipation, obstipation, and food allergies. It has helped in all of these conditions and has no adverse side effects. It is not a panacea for these problems, but if very effective in aiding the healing process necessary for resolving these conditions. I have noted that homeopathic cases of mine, that I felt were properly reportized but had not responded, were now responding with the addition of the colostrum. My conclusion, is that many of our animals are deficient in enzymes, growth factors, and immunologic components, necessary for them to respond to the homeopathic remedy in an optimum way. I have found similar situations in cases utilizing other modalities, such as acupuncture, chiropractic, nutritional, Bach Flowers and aromatherapy. The point that I am trying to make, is that it will compliment any modality you are using, and with the confidence that will do no harm.

My experience thus far, has shown that a pet's need for any particular supplement they are on can be reduced or eliminated, once they have been on the colostrum. This is probably due to the increase in the efficiency in the absorption of substances from the gut, better efficiency of tissue repair from the immunogobulin and other immune factors provided by the colostrum.

I have noted that joint-related problems that originally were helped with glucosamine and then declined, improved when they were given colostrum. From my reading, I have found that IgF, is essential for the utilization of the glucosamine, and without adequate amounts, they do not respond. It has been found that in human species, growth factor production begins declining after the onset of adolescence and by the age of 80 years is absent. Without these factors, death ensues because without them you cannot repair worn out cells in each of the organ systems, resulting in organ failure. From observing animals for nearly three decades, that animals mirror humans and respond very much the same to whatever medical modality is used. In conclusion, I would like to suggest that the fact that the bovine is a universal donor for colostrum, produces more colostrum than any other domestic animal, and that it can be obtained humanly is no accident. This natural source of a package that contains all of the immune and growth factors necessary for life is no accident and should be considered in any health related problem.

References

Ebina, et al, 1983, Prevention of Rotavirus Infection by Cow Colostrum Containing Antibody Against Human Rotavirus, The Lancet, Vol 29, No 2, pp 1029-1030

Tacket, Binion, Bostwick, et al, 1992 Efficacy of Bovine Immunogobulin Concentrate in Prevention Illness, American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, Vol 47 (3), pp 276-283

Davidson, G, et al, 1989, Passive Immunization of Children with Bovine Colostrum Containing Antibodies to Human Rotavirus, The Lancet, Sept. 23,1989, pp 709-712

Khazenson, L B, 1980, Activity of Bovine Colostral IgG in the Human Digestive Tract, Microbial & Epidemial Immunobiology, No 9, 101-106

Nord, DiJohn, Tripori, and Tacket, 1990, Treatment with Bovine Hyperimmune Colostrum of Cryptosporidial Diarrhea in Aids Patients, AIDS,Vol 4(6), pp 581-584

Dr Stephen R Blake has been practicing in San Diego, California for the past 26 years, and for the past 20 years has dedicated his energy to holistic veterinary medicine. He practices classical homeopathy, acupuncture, 20 years of Bach Flower therapy, aromatherapy, massage, glandular therapy, and nutrition.

http://www.pawsandclaws.net/colostrum.html

Nimetic · 01-10-2008, 02:53 AM

It used to be popular in bodybuilding, if I understand it correctly - then it was eclipsed by other stuff.

Anyways.... it's real popular with asian tourists to AU. For myself, dunno. I think it's a "maybe". Just like taking vitamins "may" help, or skin preparations may help, so to (in my view) colostrum may help. The question is... how likely is it to do anything?

I'd have to say that I've tried it, didn't really notice an effect, and suspect that it only helps build immunity to cow infections (themselves rare in humans). But I haven't done much reading much on it.

Probably the main reason I avoid it is that the source bothers me. I don't like to be reminded that it was meant for a baby calf. (Somehow I can put that out of my mind when drinking normal milk.)

vox_rox · 01-28-2008, 08:15 PM

I dunno, I take a diferent kind of bovine colostrum and I feel great everyday.

The stuff I take is called good organic food, daily excercise, not smoking, and as much outdoor activity as I can handle.

It's just AMAZING how well it works - a silver bullet really.

Peace,

Pierre

Nimetic · 01-29-2008, 11:29 AM

That's interesting. Maybe I should look into it again.

Thing is with supplements, if I'm taking any - well I tend to be taking a few. So who'd know whether it's supplements doing anything much or just the exercise regime.

Baraka_Guru · 11-28-2008, 01:22 PM

I'm not convinced. Usually if you have a hard time finding enough confirmed information or general acceptance, it means it's too early to tell and more than likely not worth it.

Here's something from a source I tend to trust:

Quote:

I've seen no good research on the effects of bovine colostrum in humans and no data to support the many claims made for it. A few small-scale animal studies suggest that bovine colostrum has antimicrobial activity, but they were not well designed. Bottom line: we need more and better studies before we can be sure of either the safety or efficacy of bovine colostrum supplements. Save your money.

Colosttrum, Cows, Bovine - Dr. Weil

I'm actually quite open to taking a wide variety of supplements. This isn't one of them. I'd stay away, even if it were purely to save my money rather than waste it on something I'm not sure is as effective as it's supposed to be.

01-08-2008, 11:40 AM	#1 (permalink)
jewels Eponymous Location: Central Central Florida	Bovine colostrum My eldest daughter's father (ex #1) has been gung ho on this bovine colostrum, for well over a year. My daughter's been telling me that she's started taking it recently and feels great, her grandmother (who's 80something) no longer has arthritic pain and my ex, who's always been a bit of a hypochondriac, hasn't complained of any ailments in a long time. I was skeptical when she first told me about the stuff and did some quick research and decided it was overhyped several months ago. I saw her again lunchtime today and noticed a difference in her energy level and her skin tone; she seems healthier than I've seen her in years. She has a whole new outlook that's very positive and different from how she's been, and she's been with the same guy for over two years, happy with the situation. I just googled again and was able to find a few JAMA articles, but wondered if anyone's used this stuff or has any feelings one way or another. I'm on the fence about now and not sure I'm ready to shell out a new monthly expense unless I'm sure it'll really do what it claims to do. http://cat.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/13/2/130 This study's not quite sure: http://www.stanford.edu/group/virus/...ug_profile.htm I liked this one: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11312068 So I'd love any input. Any experiences? Knowledge of the stuff? What do you think? What's real, what's bull, what's it all mean? __________________ We are always more anxious to be distinguished for a talent which we do not possess, than to be praised for the fifteen which we do possess. Mark Twain

01-28-2008, 08:15 PM	#8 (permalink)
vox_rox Psycho Location: Comfy Little Bungalow	I dunno, I take a diferent kind of bovine colostrum and I feel great everyday. The stuff I take is called good organic food, daily excercise, not smoking, and as much outdoor activity as I can handle. It's just AMAZING how well it works - a silver bullet really. Peace, Pierre __________________ --- There is no such thing as strong coffee - only weak people. ---

01-08-2008, 03:46 PM	#3 (permalink)
eribrav Junkie Location: upstate NY	Actually the authors of this did not make it any kind of study,(never mind placebo controlled, double blind) snowy. This is what's called a data mining expedition. It's typically a way that grad students or fellows write really bad, useless scientific papers. There was no study done to test a hypothesis here. What the authors did was take old logs from prior studies, then look at the data and find differences in the groups. You can do this with old data and if you just keep comparing different sets of responses, eventually you will find two that are statistically different from each other. It's completely different from actually having a hypothesis, designing an experiment to test the hypothesis, and analyzing the data your experiment generates. This is pure bunk and would never be published in a quality peer-reviewed journal.

01-10-2008, 02:53 AM	#7 (permalink)
Nimetic Junkie Location: Melbourne, Australia	It used to be popular in bodybuilding, if I understand it correctly - then it was eclipsed by other stuff. Anyways.... it's real popular with asian tourists to AU. For myself, dunno. I think it's a "maybe". Just like taking vitamins "may" help, or skin preparations may help, so to (in my view) colostrum may help. The question is... how likely is it to do anything? I'd have to say that I've tried it, didn't really notice an effect, and suspect that it only helps build immunity to cow infections (themselves rare in humans). But I haven't done much reading much on it. Probably the main reason I avoid it is that the source bothers me. I don't like to be reminded that it was meant for a baby calf. (Somehow I can put that out of my mind when drinking normal milk.)

01-29-2008, 11:29 AM	#9 (permalink)
Nimetic Junkie Location: Melbourne, Australia	That's interesting. Maybe I should look into it again. Thing is with supplements, if I'm taking any - well I tend to be taking a few. So who'd know whether it's supplements doing anything much or just the exercise regime.