Evidence supporting the use of: Colostrum
For the health condition: Wasting
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Colostrum, the first form of milk produced by mammals immediately following the delivery of the newborn, is rich in nutrients, immunoglobulins, growth factors, and antimicrobial peptides. Its use to support or treat wasting—defined as significant loss of body weight and muscle mass, often due to malnutrition, chronic infection, or disease—has a basis in scientific investigation, particularly in the context of malnutrition and immune deficiency states.
A number of clinical and pre-clinical studies have examined the potential benefits of bovine colostrum supplementation in both children and adults suffering from wasting diseases, such as HIV/AIDS-related wasting and malnutrition. Colostrum’s high content of immunoglobulins and growth factors (including IGF-1) may help improve gut integrity, nutrient absorption, and immune function, which are often compromised in wasting conditions.
Some randomized controlled trials have shown that colostrum supplementation can lead to modest increases in lean body mass and weight gain, particularly in populations with compromised immunity or severe malnutrition. However, the quality and size of these studies vary, and results are not universally positive. Meta-analyses suggest that while there is potential for benefit, further large-scale, high-quality trials are needed to confirm efficacy and define optimal dosing.
In summary, there is some scientific evidence supporting the use of colostrum for wasting, especially as an adjunct to nutritional rehabilitation in vulnerable populations, but the strength of evidence is moderate (rated 3/5) due to variability in study results and methodology.
Other ingredients used for Wasting
Acetyl L-carnitinealpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
apricot
astragalus
bovine liver
branched-chain amino acids
colostrum
cordyceps
creatine monohydrate
L-leucine
Lentinula edodes mycelia
magnesium
medium chain triglycerides (MCT)
vitamin B12
Whey protein
Zinc
animal Tissue
arginine creatine
Albumin
Alpha-ketoisocaproic acid
Algal protein
Arginine alpha-ketoisocaproate
animal protein
Beef Protein
beef
Beef liver
bone marrow
BCAA
Codonopsis
creatine
deer velvet
Eurycoma Longifolia
guanidinoacetic acid
glucose
hydroxymethylbutyrate
HMB hydroxymethylbutyrate
Isoleucine
Lentinan
Lysine alpha-ketoisocaproate
leucine alpha-ketoglutarate
lactalbumin
Marine protein
Phosphocreatine
Other health conditions supported by colostrum
Acquired Immune Deficiency SyndromeAntibiotics (alternatives to)
Antibiotics (side effects of)
Athletic and Exercise Aids
Autoimmune Disorders
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Convalescence
Cuts
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Eczema
Exercise
Failure to Thrive
Gastritis
Inflammation
Leaky Gut Syndrome
Nursing
Pets (supplements for)
Post Partum Weakness
Skin (dry and/or flaky)
Skin Care (general)
Ulcers
Wasting
Wounds and Sores