Bovine Colostrum: Natural Support for Children's Health

You probably know or have heard about colostrum and its incredible benefits for the baby's health and development. Colostrum is the first form of breastmilk produced by the mammary glands in the last days of pregnancy and in the first 24h after childbirth, followed by mature breast milk production in humans. Colostrum is a yellowish, thick, viscous liquid with a nutrient composition closer to blood than breast milk. It is also called liquid gold due to its colour and nutritional value. Human colostrum consists of vital components, such as immunoglobulins, oligosaccharides, growth factors, lactoferrin, lactoperoxidase, lysozyme, osteopontin, and lactalbumin. Those are the building blocks of children's immune and digestive systems during an early stage of life and set the base for health later in life.  

Bovine Colostrum Supplements for Kids

Bovine colostrum is produced immediately after calving and quickly transforms to mature milk. Although there are distinct differences between human and animal colostrum in terms of functional compounds found, Bovine colostrum has been studied for some years in both humans and animals, and there has been some promising health effects found that were mostly attributed to the immune function (thanks to its rich nutrient content, such as immunoglobulins, antioxidants, anti-inflammation agents, lactoferrin and many others).Although there is wide misconception that colostrum can only be given during the early life nutrition stage, in fact Bovine colostrum can be formulated in several applications and added to dietary supplements, functional foods, or beverages for children to help support their digestive and immune health.

Bovine colostrum contains essential bioactive compounds that are known to have antimicrobial and immune-stimulating function in the gut against microbes and pathogens, and therefore provide an additional support to strengthen kids' immune system and gastrointestinal health through various mechanisms.

Those compounds include:

• Immunoglobulins (antibodies) are glycoproteins, produced by white blood cells, that play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy immune system by recognising and binding to particular pathogens, such as bacteria or viruses, and aiding in their destruction
• Oligosaccharides - a type of carbohydrate (also found in high amounts in matured milk) that acts as a prebiotic, feeding the gut friendly bacteria and sustaining a healthy microbiome
• Growth factors - a group of proteins that stimulate cell growth, differentiation, survival and tissue repair (by which they help to maintain a healthy gut lining)

The Clinical Evidence

Previous studies in pediatric nutrition provided scientific evidence of health benefits that were identified after supplementation with Bovine Colostrum. For instance, in one study by Saad K et al. (2016), children ages 1 to 6 who received 3 or 6 grams of bovine colostrum per day for six months had a total reduction in infection rates diarrhoea episodes, and hospitalizations. Another study by Patel K et al. (2006) showed a significant decrease in URTI episodes (Upper Respiratory Tract Infections)by 92% in children ages 1-8 years who received 3 grams of bovine colostrum per day for 12 weeks, followed by a reduction in the number of diarrhoea episodes (by 87%), and hospitalizations (by 92%). A meta-analysis published in 2019 reviewed the protective effects of bovine colostrum against childhood infectious diarrhoea and concluded that BC supplementation was linked with a significant reduction in stool frequency of infectious diarrhoea, showing a reduction in the occurrence of diarrhoea by 71%.

Previous human and animal studies examined the composition of Bovine colostrum and its potential for human health. Indeed, some studies showed that BC has a strong safety profile and identified some potential mechanisms through which bovine colostrum components can influence immune function and the upper respiratory tract in children. 

However, it is important to note that the research on the effectiveness of BC supplementation is still undergoing, larger clinical trials in infants are needed to provide more solid evidence on potential health benefits after supplementation with BC. 

Novo Vita Colostrum BOOST Kids

Colostrum Boost Kids contains a unique composition of colostrum, combined with vitamin C and vitamin D and blueberry powder. Colostrum has a naturally high content of nutrients, including protein and immunoglobulins, which are essential for maintaining normal immune function. 

The product is fat-reduced and produced at low temperatures and under mild conditions so that the nutrients are preserved and occur in the most natural form.

Find this product here: https://novovita.dk/products/colostrum-boost-kids?_pos=1&_sid=809359694&_ss=r

References:

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnut.2021.651721/full

Saad K et al. “Effects of bovine colostrum on recurrent respiratory tract infections and diarrhea in children.” Medicine. Published online September 16, 2016.

Patel K et al. “Pedimune in recurrent respiratory infection and diarrhoea—The Indian experience—The PRIDE study.” The Indian Journal of Pediatrics, vol. 73, no. 7 (July 2006): 585-591

Li J et al. “Bovine colostrum and product intervention associated with relief of childhood infectious diarrhea.” Scientific Reports. Published online February 28, 2019.