Colostrum Supplement Benefits for Allergy Relief and Immune Support

Spring is on its way, and many of us look forward to the season of rebirth. However, others fear the runny nose, sneezing, and watery eyes due to high pollen counts and other allergens that fill the air when spring arrives.

Several medications and OTCs on the market are designed to treat allergy symptoms, but many have unpleasant side effects. Recent studies show colostrum, the first milk produced by mammals after giving birth, may have health benefits such as supporting the immune system and fighting allergies. But are these colostrum benefits genuinely effective?

What are Colostrum Supplement Benefits, and How Do They Help Allergies?

Allergies are not an autoimmune disease, but they are tied to immunity. Allergens interact with the immune systems of people with allergies, causing them to overreact. They attack the allergen, causing sneezing, watery eyes, runny nose, and other allergy symptoms.

Colostrum, and specifically bovine colostrum, may help treat allergies. 

Immunoglobulins are antibodies present in colostrum that help protect newborns from infections. Colostrum, the first milk produced by a mother after giving birth, is rich in nutrients, growth factors, and antibodies. Immunoglobulins are also found in bovine colostrum, where these large proteins bind to pathogens, aiding in immune defense.

Colostrum contains antibodies that bind to allergens and prevent them from triggering an immune response. Colostrum also contains proline-rich peptides that may regulate the immune system and growth factors that promote the development of healthy immune cells.   

Hyperimmune bovine is recommended because it is produced by cows vaccinated for specific diseases. These cows produce antibodies 100 times the level of regular cow milk.

Studies That Back Colostrum Benefits

Several studies back colostrum supplement benefits in fighting allergies and improving immunity. They include:

• A 2023 study looks at the properties of maternal lactation in the first few days of an infant’s life. It reveals that the nutrients in colostrum can help balance the immature defense system and identifies colostrum as an immune nutri-therapy.
• A 2007 study reveals that proline-rich polypeptides in bovine colostrum can assist with cytokine modulation, making it an ideal alternative remedy for allergy symptoms. It may also help manage other health conditions.
• A 2014 study explores the effects of milk and colostrum on allergy and infection. It reveals that children on farms have fewer allergies than children in city environments due to an increased consumption of raw farm milk that protects immunocompromised people from infections.
• A 2021 review explored colostrum applications in sick and healthy people. It established colostrum as beneficial to intestinal and respiratory recovery and found it has immune-enhancing and modulating effects.

What is the Best Colostrum Supplement?

Various products are on the market, but which is the best colostrum supplement? This section will explore some top picks.

• Allergy Research Group Laktoferrin with Colostrum: Lactoferrin is a protein in a mother’s milk that strengthens a baby’s immune system. This product contains vitamins A, E, and B12, enzymes for digestive support, and supports iron metabolism.
• NOW Foods Colostrum: This best colostrum supplement contains bovine colostrum with lactoferrin and other nutrients that support immunity, muscle tissue, and gastrointestinal function.  
• Codeage Colostrum Powder: This bovine colostrum powder contains various nutrients, including lactoferrin. It is highly bioavailable and can be easily mixed into beverages.
• Codeage Immuno Colostrum: Created with colostrum produced from grass-fed cows, this supplement supports immune function, gut health, and muscle recovery.
• Quantum Nutrition Labs Colostrum Grass-Fed: This product is formulated with amino acids, lactoferrin, and amino acids that provide stamina and immune support.