Holy cow!
Colostrum supplements, made from the milk a cow produces shortly after giving birth, are said to boost immunity, aid muscle recovery, support gut health and improve athletic performance.
One TikTok user claims the so-called “liquid gold” tamed his flatulence, while another reported that 30 days of the powdered drink mix led to better digestion and fewer cramps. A third said the supplements eased her uncomfortable belly fullness, which “really changed my life.”
“The rise of influencers talking about colostrum supplements seems to have contributed to the boom (in consumption) in the last year or so,” Caroline Thomason, a Virginia-based dietitian and diabetes educator, told CNN last week.
Newborns need their mother’s colostrum because it’s full of nutrients, vitamins and antibodies, but experts say there isn’t enough scientific evidence to show that colostrum supplements are beneficial for adults.
Human studies have been limited in scope and population size.
“Some research suggests that colostrum supplementation may help reduce abdominal pain in people with ulcerative colitis, and a small study found that it reduced recurrent diarrhea in children compared to a placebo,” registered dietitian Amy Bragagnini said recently. to Good Housekeeping, “but I would like to see much larger evidence and more robust research before recommending it to my patients.”
Other studies suggest that supplements show promise in treating upper respiratory tract infections and leaky gut syndrome in athletes.
“Further studies and more robust data are needed before a clear recommendation for use can be made,” said health nutritionist Lindsey Wohlford of the MD Anderson Cancer Center.
CNN reports that supplements can cost $15 to $200 per bottle, and it’s best to get colostrum from grass-fed, pasture-raised cows because their milk has more protein and beneficial nutrients.
Dr. Pieter Cohen, an internist at the Cambridge Health Alliance and associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, points out that consumers have no way of knowing how much colostrum is in a supplement and whether it’s high quality.
“The [Food and Drug Administration] is responsible for regulating dietary supplements, but as a food subcategory — not drugs,” Cohen explained to Good Housekeeping. “There can be a small amount of cow’s colostrum in a product that contains a lot of other things, like whey protein powder, and that’s perfectly legal.”
Those considering taking colostrum should consult a doctor. Supplements, which come as pills, powders, liquids and even enemas, are generally not recommended for people with milk allergies, children, and pregnant or breastfeeding women.
“While colostrum may offer some health benefits, it is not a magic bullet, and more research is needed to fully understand its effects and long-term safety,” Dr. Lisa Young, a registered dietitian and professor of nutrition at New York University. , told CNN.
#liquid #gold
Image Source : nypost.com