Colostrum

Over half of all children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have gastrointestinal (GI) co-morbidities including chronic constipation, diarrhea, and irritable bowel syndrome. The severity of these symptoms has been correlated with the degree of GI microbial dysbiosis. The study objective was to assess tolerability of a probiotic (Bifidobacterium infantis) in combination with a bovine colostrum product (BCP) as a source of prebiotic oligosaccharides and to evaluate GI, microbiome and immune factors in children with ASD and GI co-morbidities. This pilot study is a randomized, double blind, controlled trial of combination treatment (BCP + B. infantis) vs. BCP alone in a cross-over study in children ages 2-11 with ASD and GI co-morbidities (n = 8). This 12-week study included 5 weeks of probiotic-prebiotic supplementation, followed by a two-week washout period, and 5 weeks of prebiotic only supplementation. The primary outcome of tolerability was assessed using validated questionnaires of GI function and atypical behaviors, along with side effects. Results suggest that the combination treatment is well-tolerated in this cohort. The most common side effect was mild gassiness. Some participants on both treatments saw a reduction in the frequency of certain GI symptoms, as well as reduced occurrence of particular aberrant behaviors. Improvement may be explained by a reduction in IL-13 and TNF-α production in some participants. Although limited conclusions can be drawn from this small pilot study, the results support the need for further research into the efficacy of these treatments.

Colostrum is the milk produced during the first few days after birth and contains high levels of immunoglobulins, antimicrobial peptides, and growth factors. Colostrum is important for supporting the growth, development, and immunologic defence of neonates. Colostrum is naturally packaged in a combination that helps prevent its destruction and maintain bioactivity until it reaches more distal gut regions and enables synergistic responses between protective and reparative agents present within it. Bovine colostrum been used for hundreds of years as a traditional or complementary therapy for a wide variety of ailments and in veterinary practice. Partly due to concerns about the side effects of standard Western medicines, there is interest in the use of natural-based products of which colostrum is a prime example. Numerous preclinical and clinical studies have demonstrated therapeutic benefits of bovine colostrum for a wide range of indications, including maintenance of wellbeing, treatment of medical conditions and for animal husbandry. Articles within this Special Issue of Nutrients cover the effects and use bovine colostrum and in this introductory article, we describe the main constituents, quality control and an overview of the use of bovine colostrum in health and disease.

Bovine colostrum (BC), the first milk produced from cows after parturition, is increasingly used as a nutritional supplement to promote gut function and health in other species, including humans. The high levels of whey and casein proteins, immunoglobulins (Igs), and other milk bioactives in BC are adapted to meet the needs of newborn calves. However, BC supplementation may improve health outcomes across other species, especially when immune and gut functions are immature in early life. We provide a review of BC composition and its effects in infants and children in health and selected diseases (diarrhea, infection, growth-failure, preterm birth, necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), short-bowel syndrome, and mucositis). Human trials and animal studies (mainly in piglets) are reviewed to assess the scientific evidence of whether BC is a safe and effective antimicrobial and immunomodulatory nutritional supplement that reduces clinical complications related to preterm birth, infections, and gut disorders. Studies in infants and animals suggest that BC should be supplemented at an optimal age, time, and level to be both safe and effective. Exclusive BC feeding is not recommended for infants because of nutritional imbalances relative to human milk. On the other hand, adverse effects, including allergies and intolerance, appear unlikely when BC is provided as a supplement within normal nutrition guidelines for infants and children. Larger clinical trials in infant populations are needed to provide more evidence of health benefits when patients are supplemented with BC in addition to human milk or formula. Igs and other bioactive factors in BC may work in synergy, making it critical to preserve bioactivity with gentle processing and pasteurization methods. BC has the potential to become a safe and effective nutritional supplement for several pediatric subpopulations.

Rationale: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement, muscle control, and balance. Effective therapeutic options for this condition are limited. Natural therapies, including lifestyle changes, probiotics, and muscle relaxants, have received attention for symptomatic relief. Colostrum, particularly its extracellular vesicles (C-EVs), has emerged as a promising nutraceutical with the potential to improve therapeutic outcomes in divergent diseases. Methods: We purified and characterized (C-EVs) as a putative cell-based therapy. Theranostic (biodistribution, diagnostic, and therapeutic) efficacy studies were performed in C-EV-treated mice intoxicated with methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). The C-EV tissue distribution, anti-inflammatory and neurorestorative activities were examined. These include transcriptomic, immune, and neuroprotective profiles linked to disease outcomes. Results: C-EV-treated MPTP mice showed reduced microglial activation and restored neuronal responses. RNA sequencing and transcriptomic analyses have demonstrated reduced immune cell recruitment and activation in the disease-affected brain subregions. The activation of canonical inflammasomes, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and chemokine expression was controlled. C-EV treatment reduced the levels of disease-associated immune-regulatory transcription factors. Simultaneously, Treg-associated adaptive immune responses increased. Multiple C-EV-miR-isolated immune regulatory cargos are linked to neuroinflammation and nigral preservation. C-EVs loaded with miR-20a-5p, miR-23b-3p, let-7a-5p, miR-22-3p, and miR-30a-3p mimics attenuated pro-inflammatory cytokines in activated microglia. Conclusions: C-EVs elicit neuroprotective responses in MPTP-intoxicated mice. These responses control microglial activation and facilitate neuroprotective responses.