PanTheryx-backed study finds bovine colostrum effective in tackling GI disorders

20 Apr 2021 --- Bovine colostrum (BC) may be an effective treatment for common intestinal health issues, according to a recent study backed by US-based biotechnology company PanTheryx. 

Researchers in London, UK, tested in vitro the effects of BC combined with eggs on intestinal tissue, finding that BC can protect the intestines against a “battery of bacteria” relevant to common infections.

In particular, BC was found to strengthen the body against small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and infectious diarrhea – both commonly occurring health problems. The combination of BC with egg has been shown to increase these benefits. 

Dr. Raymond Playford, a clinical gastroenterologist, lead investigator and vice president of R&D at PanTheryx, tells NutritionInsight the findings have furthered the company’s ability to make a consistent BC product.

“These results provide strong support for future studies focused on populations who are suffering from abdominal discomfort and other gastrointestinal (GI) problems, where SIBO and increased gut permeability contribute to their problems.”

The study, now published in Nutrients, is the latest in a series of five studies looking at the benefits of BC on gastrointestinal damage, immunity, pediatrics and sports medicine. 

The research was conducted at the University of London, Queen Mary University and the Centre for Immunobiology, Blizard Institute, UK. 

Click to EnlargePanTheryx’s ColostrumOne can be targeted at intestinal health issues.Bovine colostrum as a “superfood”
BC and chicken eggs contain immunoglobulins and other components that possess antimicrobial, immunoregulatory and growth factor activities. 

“BC is a comprehensive superfood compared to the likes of single-ingredient nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin B6 or vitamin E,” says PanTheryx’s global marketing director Stacy Dill. 

However, it was not previously known if BC can reduce injury caused by the presence of bacteria associated with SIBO.  

SIBO is defined as the presence of excess bacteria within the small intestine. Symptoms associated with SIBO include bloating, flatulence, diarrhea and abdominal discomfort. 

“In some ways, it is surprising that BC was so effective in overcoming increased permeability issues when tested against the large number of different bacteria that are associated with SIBO as they inflict damage to the gut lining cells in many different ways,” remarks Dr. Playford. 

New supplements 
Playford says the nutrition industry should focus on formulating more dietary supplements to bring BC to the wider market, adding that manufacturers “should consider nutrients and compounds that strengthen the gut wall lining for several different gut issues, including leaky gut resulting from SIBO.” Click to EnlargePanTheryx says it is the world’s largest colostrum-based nutrition and biotechnology company.

Leaky gut causes bacteria and toxins to enter the bloodstream, threatening the body’s immune system. 

The current study adds to the body of research showing the digestive health benefits of cow colostrum for human health, maintains Dr. Playford.

“PanTheryx is continuing to innovate its BC product – ColostrumOne – so it delivers a consistent level of immunoglobulins, immune modulators and growth (repair) factors in every use case,” says Dr. Playford.  

“This is especially important as not all colostrum products on the market are equally bioactive.”

Future studies 
Dr. Playford says the findings warrant further research in clinical trials. 

More research will be published on BC in the Nutrients journal in the coming months, assessing its effectiveness in treating pediatric disorders and sports injuries. 

As the colostrum scene gathers pace, NutritionInsight spoke to Douglas Wyatt, founder of US-based Sovereign Laboratories and regarded as the “Modern Father of Colostrum,” on the restorative health properties of bovine colostrum. 

By Louis Gore-Langton

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