II. Definitions
- Colostrum
- Thin, yellow, serous fluid secreted by mammary glands in pregnancy and immediate Postpartum Period
- Lactation begins within the first few days after delivery, and until then, Breast Feeding infants are receiving colostrum
- Colostrum contains concentrated immune components (e.g. Antibody, WBCs) as well as nutrition (fat, Protein, Carbohydrates)
- Hyperimmune Bovine Colostrum
- Source cows are innoculated repeatedly in pregnancy with various pathogens, to which they develop an Antibody response
- In the first few days after calving, secreted colostrum is collected from these cows
- Hyperimmune colostrum contains high concentrations of antibodies as well as other colostrum nutritional factors
- Hyperimmune colostrum is used as a supplement in Immunocompromised patients
- Available as a dried powder, tablet or capsule
- Marketed as "Miracle Milk" or "Liquid Gold"
III. Indications
-
Acute Diarrhea
- Hyperimmune Bovine Colostrum has been evaluated only in small studies for <3 weeks (see below)
IV. Contraindications
- Bovine milk allergy
V. Adverse Effects
- Expensive ($1000/month in 2025)
- Infectious disease transmission
- Theoretical risk
VI. Safety
- Avoid in pregnancy and Lactation (inadequate safety data)
VII. Efficacy
- Hyperimmune Bovine Colostrum has been primarily evaluated in small, older studies
VIII. References
- (2025) presc lett 32(1): 6