Potential Benefits of Bovine Colostrum in Pediatric Nutrition and Health

Synopsis: Bovine colostrum (BC), the first milk produced by cows after birth, is increasingly used as a dietary supplement to promote intestinal function and health in other species, including humans. The high levels of whey and casein proteins, immunoglobulins (Igs) and other bioactive milk components in BC are tailored to the needs of newborn calves. However, BC supplementation can improve health outcomes in other species, especially when immune and intestinal functions are immature early in life. We provide an overview of the composition of BC and its effects in infants and children in health and selected diseases (diarrhoea, infection, growth failure, premature birth, necrotising enterocolitis (NEC), short bowel syndrome and mucositis). Human and animal studies (mainly piglets) were reviewed to assess the scientific evidence on whether BC is a safe and effective antimicrobial and immunomodulatory dietary supplement that reduces clinical complications associated with preterm birth, infections and intestinal disorders. Infant and animal studies suggest that BC should be supplemented at the optimal age, time and level to be both safe and effective. Exclusive feeding of BC is not recommended for infants due to the nutritional imbalance with human milk. On the other hand, adverse effects, including allergies and intolerance, seem unlikely when BC is provided as a supplement within normal dietary 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 can act synergistically, making it crucial to preserve bioactivity using gentle processing and pasteurisation methods. BC has the potential to become a safe and effective dietary supplement for several paediatric subpopulations.

Per Trop Sangild
Nutrients 2021, 13(8), 2551;