Potential Benefits of Bovine Colostrum in Pediatric Nutrition and Health

Abstract

Bovine colostrum (BC), the first milk produced from cows after parturition, is increasingly used as a nutritional supplement to promote gut function and health in other species, including humans. The high levels of whey and casein proteins, immunoglobulins (Igs), and other milk bioactives in BC are adapted to meet the needs of newborn calves. However, BC supplementation may improve health outcomes across other species, especially when immune and gut functions are immature in early life. We provide a review of BC composition and its effects in infants and children in health and selected diseases (diarrhea, infection, growth-failure, preterm birth, necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), short-bowel syndrome, and mucositis). Human trials and animal studies (mainly in piglets) are reviewed to assess the scientific evidence of whether BC is a safe and effective antimicrobial and immunomodulatory nutritional supplement that reduces clinical complications related to preterm birth, infections, and gut disorders. Studies in infants and animals suggest that BC should be supplemented at an optimal age, time, and level to be both safe and effective. Exclusive BC feeding is not recommended for infants because of nutritional imbalances relative to human milk. On the other hand, adverse effects, including allergies and intolerance, appear unlikely when BC is provided as a supplement within normal nutrition guidelines for infants and children. Larger clinical trials in infant populations are needed to provide more evidence of health benefits when patients are supplemented with BC in addition to human milk or formula. Igs and other bioactive factors in BC may work in synergy, making it critical to preserve bioactivity with gentle processing and pasteurization methods. BC has the potential to become a safe and effective nutritional supplement for several pediatric subpopulations.

Bovine colostrum derived-exosomes prevent dextran sulfate sodium-induced intestinal colitis via suppression of inflammation and oxidative stress

“…Milk is a natural substance that has been consumed by mankind for a long time, and it is also known to contain many immune substances, which have been shown to contribute to the development and growth of the newborn's intestines. [25][26][27] Recently, many research studies have reported that exosomes extracted from various types of milk are actually effective in alleviating the symptoms of IBD. [28][29][30] Milk has different ingredients depending on the time of breastfeeding, and among them, colostrum is known to contain a lot of essential nutrients, growth factors, and immune modulators.…”

The Use of Bovine Colostrum in Medical Practice and Human Health: Current Evidence and Areas Requiring Further Examination

“…This Special Issue of Nutrients , “The Use of Bovine Colostrum in Medical Practice and Human Health” contains five review articles covering various aspects of the potential use of BC, including its main constituents and uses [ 1 ], use in gastrointestinal health and disease [ 2 ], sports nutrition [ 3 ], pediatrics [ 4 ], and immune support [ 5 ]. It also includes a systematic review of its clinical use [ 6 ] and an original research article examining its effects on enteric bacteria [ 7 ].…”

“…Sangild and co-workers reviewed the evidence of use of BC in pediatric nutrition and health [ 4 ] and included a description of the value of the premature pig model as a surrogate for the human condition. There are several theoretical reasons why BC might have value for conditions affecting the newborn, including the fact that the gut lumen is probably more permeable to passage of intact proteins than the adult human gut.…”

“…There are several theoretical reasons why BC might have value for conditions affecting the newborn, including the fact that the gut lumen is probably more permeable to passage of intact proteins than the adult human gut. Although positive results of BC for the prevention of NEC in the pig model have been shown, review of the limited clinical data examining the value of BC for human NEC appears less optimistic [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]. Additional studies are currently ongoing, and results are awaited with interest.…”

“…Additional studies are currently ongoing, and results are awaited with interest. BC supplementation is also included in some “growing-up” or “follow-up” milk formulas, and Sangild discusses the value of such an application in high-income and/or low-income countries [ 4 ].…”