Colostrum
About
Colostrum belongs to a class of medications called ‘Nutritional Supplements’ used to treat nutritional deficiencies. It is primarily used to treat, improve, control and prevent various complications or long-term diseases. It is used to treat long-term illnesses like Crohn's disease, different types of arthritis, diarrhea or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation of the digestive tract and causes pain in the abdomen, diarrhea, weight loss and malnutrition. Arthritis is the swelling and stiffness of joints that worsens with age. Inflammatory bowel disease is inflammation of the digestive tract that causes ulcers in the intestine.
Colostrum contains 'Colostrum', which strengthens the immune system and helps the body to fight various disease-causing agents. Colostrum is rich in antibodies like IgA and IgG that fight with bacteria and viruses and treat different types of infections. It has a special ability to fight viruses present in the gut to treat viral infections.
Take Colostrum as suggested by your doctor. You are suggested to take Colostrum as long as your doctor has suggested it after checking your medical condition. Colostrum is considered safe for use and does not cause any side effects. However, there are fewer possible chances of side effects like vomiting and nausea (feeling sick). These side effects are usually mild and do not require any medical attention. However, if any of these side effects persist or get worse, consult a doctor immediately.
Do not take Colostrum if you are allergic to any of its contents. Do not take Colostrum, if you are intolerant to milk or any dairy product. Also, inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Let your doctor know if you are using suggested, non-suggested drugs and herbal products before starting Colostrum. Tell your doctor, if you have hypercalcemia (high levels of calcium in the blood), osteoporosis (thin and brittle bones), metastatic calcification (extra deposits of calcium in the body), kidney problems, cancer, undergone surgery, optic nerve damage and you are not well due to high levels of vitamin D.
Uses of Colostrum
Medicinal Benefits
Colostrum is a dietary supplement, a type of natural milk secreted by cows during the initial days of giving birth. Colostrum is rich in antibodies that boost the immune system that promotes the antibodies and helps in fighting up different harmful bacteria and viruses. Colostrum contains a lot of proteins, vitamins, fats, minerals and other disease-fighting antibodies that improve gut health throughout life. It has the ability to build muscles, enhance athletic performance.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Colostrum
- Nausea (feeling sick)
- Vomiting (being sick)
- Diarrhea
- Anemia
- Abnormal liver enzymes
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Before taking Colostrum, inform your doctor if you are undergoing hemodialysis due to kidney problems and have a stent in the heart. Colostrum may alter calcium levels, so, it is recommended to monitor calcium levels regularly in the blood and urine. Inform your doctor immediately if you notice fever, increase in thirst and urination, dehydration, bedwetting, constipation and stomach pain, as they may a signs of very high levels of calcium in your blood.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug interactions: No interactions were reported.
Drug-Food interactions: Avoid a high intake of dairy products such as milk, ghee, and cheese.
Drug-Disease interactions: Colostrum should be used with caution in patients with bleeding disorders, hypercalcemia (high levels of calcium in the blood), metastatic calcification (extra deposits of calcium in the body), kidney problems, high blood pressure, cancer, optic nerve damage and high levels of vitamin D.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAlcohol may increase the risk of side-effects, so do not consume alcohol.
Pregnancy
cautionColostrum is possibly safe to be taken in pregnancy, however not enough information is available about taking Colostrum by pregnant women so talk with your doctor before taking Colostrum.
Breast Feeding
cautionColostrum is possibly safe to be taken in the breastfeeding, however not enough information is available about taking Colostrum by breastfeeding women so talk with your doctor before taking Colostrum.
Driving
safe if suggestedColostrum may not affect your ability to drive, so it is advised to d any work that needs mental alertness.
Liver
cautionColostrum may affect the inflammation and another disease of the liver, so persons dealing with liver disease should consult their doctor before taking Colostrum.
Kidney
cautionColostrum should be used with caution in patients with kidney diseases. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Children
safe if suggestedColostrum contains high nutrients so it is safe to be taken by children if suggested by the doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat a well-balanced diet. Avoid greasy and processed foods. Avoid foods containing high sugars.
- Keep a check on your weight. Shed excess weight by exercising regularly.
- Do not take stress as it may show an effect on your eating habits.
- Quit smoking and limit alcohol intake.
- Undergo health check-ups regularly as advised by your doctor.
Special Advise
- Regular monitoring of calcium levels is advised by your doctor in some cases.
- Colostrum is high in fat and lactose so it should be avoided by lactose-intolerant people as these people may find difficulty in digesting it.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Nutritional deficiencies: A nutritional deficiency occurs when the body does not absorb or get enough nutrients from food. Many nutrients are essential for a healthy life. Sometimes your body is unable to absorb many nutrients even if you are consuming them. Nutrient deficiency can lead to many health problems like a weakened immune system, skin problems, heart problems, kidney diseases, respiratory illnesses or neurological diseases.
FAQs
Colostrum contains a high amount of antibodies that help to reduce inflammation and pain associated with arthritis (pain and stiffness in joints). It also regulates the immune response of the body so, in this way, it is used as a supplement with other medicines to treat the conditions effectively.
Colostrum helps to restore the good bacterias of the gut and also contains growth factors that support the growth of gut-friendly bacteria. It has some prebiotic effects that improve gut-friendly bacteria. However, if you have diarrhea please talk with your doctor before taking Colostrum.
Colostrum is a type of milk that needs to be avoided by a peson who has a thyroid. Colostrum contains calcium that may affect your ability to absorb thyroid hormone.
While using Colostrum, do not take any other dietary or herbal supplements containing vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, other vitamins or other OTC supplements without discussing with your doctor. Besides this, avoid using foods fortified with vitamin D and high amounts of dairy products.
Colostrum can be safely used in patients with diabetes unless you have other problems such as kidney diseases or bone-related problems. Taking Colostrum before meals may help to reduce the blood sugar after a meal. This medicine also lowers cholesterol levels however, it is recommended to inform your doctor before taking Colostrum to avoid any risks.
