A medical expert is advising consumers of colostrum supplements to carefully examine the ingredients and advertised benefits. Dr. Rachel Woods, a Physiology lecturer at Lincoln Medical School, warns that individuals may have unrealistic expectations regarding the advantages of these supplements.
Colostrum, also known as foremilk, is the initial breast milk produced during pregnancy and post-childbirth. It is often called ‘liquid gold’ due to its dense, yellowish appearance and nutrient-packed content.
This early milk is vital nourishment for newborns being breastfed, being low in fat and sugar for easy digestion. It plays a crucial role in developing a baby’s immune and digestive systems and maintaining stable blood sugar levels.
In recent times, various companies have commercialized colostrum as a supplement, including the Lemme range by Kourtney Kardashian Barker. Nonetheless, Dr. Woods advises caution, suggesting that these products may not live up to their marketing claims.
Dr. Woods emphasizes the difference in nutritional needs between babies and adults, noting that what is crucial for a baby may not be beneficial for an adult body.
While colostrum offers undeniable benefits in infancy, adult versions are often processed, flavored, and consumed in smaller quantities. Therefore, it is essential to scrutinize the contents and marketing claims of these products.
Dr. Woods notes that colostrum supplements are often promoted using persuasive language but emphasizes that scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness in adults is limited and often based on small studies with specific groups.
She explains that consuming colostrum will not necessarily enhance the immune system of a healthy adult, as it primarily benefits newborns with underdeveloped immune systems due to their young age.
Dr. Woods also questions claims that bovine colostrum could reduce intestinal permeability, pointing out that research on this is limited to specific contexts and not generalizable to healthy adults in everyday life.
She further highlights that trendy phrases like ‘full-body wellness’ and ‘glowing system’ lack precise meanings, and terms like ‘clinically studied’ do not equate to ‘clinically proven.’
In conclusion, Dr. Woods stresses that while colostrum is exceptional for newborns, there is insufficient strong evidence from large trials to support the improvement of skin, digestion, or immunity in healthy adults through colostrum supplements.