Aim: This study was performed to evaluate the effect of bovine colostrum in reducing symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) in children

Protocol: Normal healthy children between the age of 3 and 9 years of age (n=195) were randomized into two groups, a control group which consumed a skim milk chewable tablet (500 mg) and a group which consumed a colostrum chewable tablet (500mg of colostrum). The participants completed clinic visits at baseline and at 4 weeks and 8 weeks of supplementation, and guardians recorded throughout the trial any episodes and severity of URTI symptoms.

Results: During the 8-week trial period the mean number of URTI episodes was significantly lower in the colostrum group as compared to the control group. For the 3-6 year-old subgroup the total number of days with severe URTI were significantly lower in the colostrum group as compared to the control group.

Conclusion: This study provides evidence suggesting bovine colostrum may be effective in reducing upper respiratory infection episodes and total sick days due to URTIs. These effects were especially pronounced in participants aged between 3-6 years.

Reference: Uchida K et al. Japanese Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2010, 31(4): 585-591