Aim: To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of bovine colostrum in preventing recurrent episodes of upper respiratory tract infections and diarrhea in children

Protocol: 605 children 1-8 years of age having recurrent episodes of upper respiratory tract infections or diarrhea received bovine colostrum (3g per day) for 12 weeks. The total number of episodes of recurrent infections, hospitalization rate, overall well-being and adverse events were assessed at every 4 weeks and compared to baseline.

Results: Compared to baseline, there was: 1) a reduction in number of URTI episodes by 73% by week 4, 83% by week 8, and 92% by week 12, 2) a reduction in number of diarrhea episodes by 70% by week 4, 83% by week 8, and 87% by week 12, and 3) a reduction in number of hospitalizations by 76% by week 4, 89% by week 8, and 92% by week 12.

Conclusion: This study suggests that bovine colostrum may be effective in children with recurrent URTI and diarrhea to lessen the impact of both as it relates to number of infections, episodes, and the need for hospitalization.

Reference: Patel K et al. Indian Journal of Pediatrics 2006, 73(7): 585-591