Colostrum, bovine

Claims, Benefits: Treats cancer, diabetes, arthritis, and other diseases, as well as builds muscle, burns fat, boosts athletic performance, improves mood, and slows aging.

Bottom Line: There's no evidence that bovine colostrum supplements will help humans in any way. And there's no way to know what's really in the supplements.

Full article, Wellness Letter, April 2001:

Q: Are there benefits in taking bovine colostrum supplements? B.N., VIA THE INTERNET

A: Colostrum is secreted by all lactating mammals shortly after giving birth, before milk is produced. It contains many substances that are vital for the growth, immune system, and overall health of newborns. Its chemistry is specific to each species—thus bovine (cow) colostrum is different from human. So what's good for newborn calves is not good for newborn humans, let alone adults.

Many companies are aggressively market-ing supplements of bovine colostrum, claiming that the capsules, powders, and liquids can treat cancer, diabetes, arthritis, and other diseases, as well as build muscle, burn fat, boost athletic performance, improve mood, and slow aging. Some brands contain vitamins, herbs, and other compounds. There are even bovine colostrum supplements for pets.

There has been little or no research into bovine colostrum supplements for adults. Some preliminary animal studies have found that it may help treat intestinal damage caused by colitis or infection. But that doesn't mean it will help humans in any way.

There's no way to know what's really in these supplements. They may contain little or no colostrum. But they may have lots of fat and lactose (milk sugar), or be contaminated by bacteria or pesticides. Adverse effects, including bloating, have been reported.

Nobody needs colostrum supplements. Steer clear of anything that's promoted as a cure-all.

UC Berkeley Wellness Letter, April 2001