Is the colostrum supplement Ive heard of around here "bovine colostrum"?
some general info would be helpful. what is this stuff, how long you take it for? thnx and peace to the world

Bovine Colostrum
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* What it is
* Where found
* Helpful for
* Are you deficient?
* Amount to take
* Side effects & interactions
* References

What is it?

Bovine colostrum is the pre-milk liquid produced from the mammary glands of cows during the first 24 to 48 hours after giving birth.

Bovine colostrum is rich in immunoglobulins (antibodies), growth factors, various proteins, and enzymes. The question is whether these factors, which are meant for the calf, exert any effects in humans. Bovine colostrum may turn out to be an important nutritional supplement, but for now there are no conclusive data to support manufacturers’ claims. Although various components of bovine colostrum theoretically may produce some benefits, there are no studies where bovine colostrum—in the forms that are commercially available—has been given to humans and shown benefits.

It has been claimed that bovine colostrum can help fight certain infections. However, the research studies used to support that claim used colostrum derived from cows immunized in a way that caused them to produce unusually large amounts of a specific antibody in their colostrum. For example, in a double-blind study, children with diarrhea caused by a rotavirus were treated with immunoglobulins extracted from colostrum derived from cows immunized with rotavirus. Compared with the placebo, administration of the immunoglobulins significantly reduced the amount of diarrhea and the amount of oral rehydration solution required. In addition, the rotavirus was eliminated from the stool significantly more rapidly in the immunoglobulin group than in the placebo group (1.5 days vs. 2.9 days).1

In addition to a positive effect against acute rotavirus diarrhea,2 3 there is also evidence that specific forms of colostrum (derived from specially immunized cows or those with confirmed presence of specific antibodies) are effective against diarrhea caused by Cryptosporidium parvum, Helicobacter pylori, Escherichia coli, and Clostridium difficile.4 5 6 7 8 However, it is not known whether commercially available colostrum provides significant amounts of the specific immunoglobulins that are active against these organisms. Furthermore, unless the immunoglobulins are present in high enough concentrations, the preparation is not likely to be effective. There is evidence that the majority of the antimicrobial effect of both bovine colostrum and one of its chief antibiotic components (lactoferrin) are destroyed by gastric secretions and by the digestive enzyme, trypsin.9

Bovine colostrum contains bovine versions of many human growth factors, including insulin-like growth factor, transforming growth factor, epithelial growth factor, and even growth hormone, that are capable of stimulating muscle growth. The concentration of bovine insulin-like growth factor I (ILGF-I) in colostrum ranges from 200 to 2,000 mcg/L, compared with less than 10 mcg/L in normal cow’s milk.10 Thus, in theory, bovine colostrum might be able to stimulate muscle growth in humans. However, although bovine ILGF-I has been shown to be identical to human ILGF-I in some analytical studies11 and to be absorbed and transported into the circulation in calves,12 the effects of bovine ILGF-I and other bovine growth substances in humans after oral administration, has not been determined in clinical trials.

In a preliminary study of male athletes, supplementation with 125 ml of colostrum per day for eight days produced a statistically significant increase in the serum concentration of insulin-like growth factor.13 However, the magnitude of the increase was small, and the clinical significance of that change is not clear. Thus, claims that bovine colostrum can help burn fat and promote muscle growth by raising the level of ILGF-I or other molecules must be considered premature.

Bovine colostrum may be helpful in protecting against peptic ulcer formation caused by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and indomethacin. In a study in rats, pretreatment with 0.5 or 1.0 ml of a colostrum preparation reduced indomethacin-induced gastric injury by 30% and 60%, respectively.14 Whether bovine colostrum exerts this effect in humans has not been determined.

Claims that bovine colostrum elevates mood, that "colostrum is a natural and healthy means of stimulating the brain to release serotonin and dopamine and prolong their re-uptake," or that "colostrum also activates the release of other chemicals in the brain that affect alertness and concentration" are unsubstantiated.
Where is it found?

Bovine colostrum is available in capsules, tablets, powdered drink mixes, liquid preparations, food bars, and skin care products.

Bovine colostrum has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):
Rating Health Concerns
2Stars

Certain types of infectious diarrhea
3Stars Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
2Stars Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
1Star For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit.
Who is likely to be deficient?

As bovine colostrum is not an essential nutrient, no deficiency state exists.
How much is usually taken?

Most manufacturers recommend 1,000 to 4,000 mg per day of freeze-dried colostrum.
Are there any side effects or interactions?

None are known.

At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with bovine colostrum.

Is this the same colostrum that is supposed to thicken cartilege?
Im kinda mixed up now

That doctor dude who was on this board was in favor of colostrum.

HELP SOMEBODY?

i actually was taking colostrum pills while i was doing stretching, none of that stuff thats passing around on the internet, just regular excercise stretching and i grew a little less than half an inch within two-three weeks. Even now when I slouch for hours or carry a heavy backpack I dont "compress." I stopped taking them for a weeks, I have to buy more soon. I dont know if it was just a coincidental growth spurt but I hadnt grown in months, maybe even years before I took it.

how many mg dosage is recommended daily, anyone know? i'm 18 1/2.

at the health store where i bought this the guy said 5200mg a day (6 tablets), is this too much?

I think that is way too much. what i read was 2X500 mg a day, which is 1000mg.

So they seel these pills at health stores? the one next too mine didnt have them. do u guys think ishould order them over the net? Im not too sure because the internet has been abused too much by scam artists u never know what the hell ur gonna get!

most health stores have colostrum i think, my mum bought these for me cos i told her bout my bones crackin she asked the guy there and he recommended them to her. she told me the guy told her for me to take 6 tablets a day. i think it's way too much myself, but cant seem to find anywhere on the bottle with the recommended doasge. guess the best thing is to consult a medical practitioner eh.

I'm thinking about taking this to...