Therapeutic Action of Colostrum - How Much To Take & What To Expect
The uses and therapeutic effects of bovine or cow colostrum are relatively new to a lot of us. It has the same source that your regular cow’s milk has, but the biggest difference is that this is the fluid that only looks like milk despite being secreted by cows. It is healthy not only for the newborn calf but also for humans. Bovine colostrum is secreted during the late pregnancy stage and the first few days after the offspring is born. It happens before the appearance of true milk in cows and all mammals and has become a very popular nutritional supplement for numerous reasons. Here, we are going to discuss the therapeutic action of bovine colostrum and what to expect from this supplementation.
Understanding Bovine Colostrum And Its Effects: How Long Will I Have To Wait?
Experts are of various opinions, but the common belief is that bovine cow colostrum should be taken as just any other dietary or health supplement. You will have to wait for at least a few weeks or months to notice any improvements in your overall health once you start supplementing with colostrum. There are a wide range of factors, such as your metabolism, general health, and age, that are going to impact its effects. Most people are recommended to consume bovine colostrum at least twice a day.
Most children and adults usually notice a difference in their overall health within 4 to 6 weeks. This health supplement is also useful for pets, such as cats and dogs. If you are a pet owner, you should be able to notice a difference in their health sooner than later.
Important note: Bovine colostrum works best when combined with an overall healthy diet and lifestyle. Also, if you are a heavy drinker or smoker, the potential positive impact of this health supplement may get cancelled out. The absorption of cow’s colostrum may get disrupted, and you may not be able to experience positive health changes. It is important to integrate bovine colostrum or any other health supplement into your diet only after consulting with your nutritionist or physician.
Consuming Your First Bovine Cow Colostrum Dose
Usually, you will find that these health supplements are available in capsule or powder form. The serving size of these capsules, in particular, is easily managed because you don't have to measure them on your own. So it eliminates the need to differentiate between 1 tablespoon and 1.5 tablespoons of it. This also prevents you from overdosing or underdosing with this dietary supplement.
It is also very easy to find bovine colostrum supplements for infants and toddlers in the market today. These are specially formulated for newborns. You can feed them to your children up to the age of 36 months. It is advised to mix nearly half a teaspoon of the powder with 4 ounces of purified water. You can also go for the formula or filtered juice for better taste. When it comes to managing the health of your children, you can also combine it with vegetable puree and flavored yogurt of their choice.
Considering Cow’s Colostrum Supplement For Your Pets
Cow colostrum supplements for pets may have some therapeutic effects too. It is recommended to feed them at least half a teaspoon twice per day if the weight of your pet is 10 pounds. If your pet weighs between 10 to 40 pounds, you can go for a whole teaspoon. Remember to follow the recommendations made by your veterinarian for adequate supplement administration. The biggest advantage is that pets usually enjoy the taste of bovine colostrum because of its milky consistency and familiar odor.
When To Take This Supplement For Maximum Effect
Your physician or nutritionist usually recommends taking cow’s colostrum twice a day. One dose should be taken when you wake up, preferably early in the morning. You may also consume your first dose 30 minutes before your breakfast. The second can be taken before bedtime, which should be at least 2 hours after the last meal of your day.
For infants and babies, two doses are considered enough. Your bottle-fed babies can be fed this supplement with plain water or mixed with formula. Just half a teaspoon will be enough. You can add the colostrum powder to the meals of your pets at feeding time. The first dose can be during lunch and the second at dinner.
Cow Colostrum And Immunity-Boosting Factors
This supplement may have immune-boosting effects and is known for its high concentration of antibodies such as iGa and iGg. A study conducted in 2009 indicates that it may help you fight bacterial and viral infections better.
Link To Diarrhoea
When consumed with conventional antidiarrheal medications, it may become easier for the patient to manage the symptoms of diarrhea as per indications made in an independent study done in 2011.
Bovine Colostrum And Gut Health
Bovine colostrum supplements also have the potential to strengthen your gut. It may help you fight infections and is potentially helpful in keeping the digestive tract healthy, as per suggestions made by some studies in 2010 and 2017.
Downsides Of Consuming Cow Milk Colostrum
While there are no prominent or serious side effects of consuming this supplement, it might not be ideal for everybody. You should avoid taking this supplement if:
- You are vegan and follow a strict vegan diet that does not make room for any dairy food items
- There are allergies particularly related to dairy products, that you have been struggling with
- You have become lactose intolerant over time due to perhaps medication or your lifestyle and diet
- Your estrogen levels are already high and thus consuming cow colostrum might not be the best idea
Final Thoughts
The potential benefits of this supplement are intriguing. It is also suitable for people of practically all ages. However, it is only a health supplement and should be treated as such. It is not a substitute for your daily nutrition. Despite being extremely popular, it is advised to consult with your nutritionist or dietician before you invest in it for the long haul. Remember to visit Wellness Extract again for more insightful health-related trivia.
Disclaimer: These statements have not been assessed or evaluated, or approved by the FDA. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional.
