Dr Manal Mohammed, Senior Lecturer in Medical Microbiology at the University of Westminster, has provided expert commentary on bovine colostrum - the latest wellness trend taking over social media. The article follows a piece Dr Mohammed previously wrote for The Conversation.
Bovine colostrum is produced by cows shortly after giving birth and is being marketed online as a superfood with the promise of boosting immune function, improving gut health and enhancing skin, hair and nails. As influencers and supplement companies promote this nutrient-rich substance in powdered and capsule form, more people are rushing to buy it - often spending a hefty sum.
While Dr Mohammed acknowledges the benefits to the substance, in the article she cautions those who want to follow the trend. She suggests that while it does contain beneficial compounds such as immunoglobulins and growth factors, its effects on adult human health remain scientifically uncertain, and with a lack of regulation, it can be a risky way to get healthy.
Dr Mohammed said: "There is not enough rigorous scientific evidence on colostrum benefits for adults. [...] However, there is, though, some evidence to suggest that bovine colostrum may help humans to fight infection, improve gut health, relieve stomach and digestive issues, reduce inflammation and lower risk of catching the flu and upper respiratory infections.”
She added: “It is possible that bovine colostrum might offer some health benefits to humans, but the lack of product regulation and research makes buying supplements an expensive gamble.”
She also explores this trend from an agricultural perspective, emphasising that the welfare of the newborn calf must come first over farmers’ profit. She said: “Many calves would die without colostrum so farmers have to make sure that the calves get their fill first and then sell the remainder.”
While Dr Mohammed sees the benefits of following the trend, she highlights that there are much better ways to stay fit and healthy. She added: “Having a healthy lifestyle with a good diet and regular exercise would undoubtedly be a much safer bet for people’s health - and their bank balance.”
Dr Manal Mohammed is a veterinary surgeon by training, Course Leader of Medical Sciences BSc Honours in the School of Life Sciences and teaches Microbiology, Medical Microbiology and Microbial Genomics across a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate modules.
Read the full articles in The Land and The Conversation.
Find out more about studying on Biological and Biomedical Sciences courses at the University of Westminster.
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