Evidence supporting the use of: Colostrum
For the health condition: Wasting

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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.

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