Back

Autoimmune diseases, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body, are a significant global health concern and their prevalence continues to escalate. Current treatment options have varying degrees of success, which has prompted interest in natural solutions such as dietary supplements. This article delves into some common autoimmune diseases, their causes, and the potential of bovine colostrum, coupled with other natural ingredients, in their management.

The Immune System: Friend or Foe?

Having a well-tuned, optimally-functioning immune system is key to good health. The immune system is designed to protect the body against harmful pathogens, so in essence, it’s the reason that with a few exceptions (i.e., severely immunocompromised individuals), no one dies of the common cold or a bout of gastroenteritis. The immune system’s specialized cells attack and neutralize bacteria and viruses before they have a chance to infect your cells and make you sick. If you do become ill, the infection is lessened and the symptoms are relatively mild.

However, the immune system can get a little off-kilter and begin attacking healthy cells, rather than the just the infected cells. Over time, this inappropriate attack leads to autoimmune diseases (ADs). ADs, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), multiple sclerosis (MS), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and type 1 diabetes (T1D), share a common hallmark of immune dysregulation. This results in chronic inflammation and damage to various tissues, causing a wide range of symptoms.1 Cellular, tissue, and organ damage is caused by autoantibodies (‘antibodies against self”). These are produced and proceed to attack otherwise healthy tissue. There are 80 recognized ADs, but perhaps more than 100 in existence today.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic inflammatory disorder, primarily affects the joints but can also involve other organs. While its exact cause is unknown, genetic and environmental factors, including smoking and obesity, are known triggers.2

Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS), a central nervous system disease, is characterized by the immune system damaging the protective covering of nerve fibers, leading to communication problems between the brain and the body. The cause of MS is not fully understood, but it likely involves a combination of genetic and environmental factors.3

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE, or lupus), another chronic inflammatory disease, can affect several different body systems. The exact cause of SLE is unknown, but it’s thought to result from an interplay of genetics, hormones, and environmental triggers.4

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes (T1D, or juvenile onset diabetes) is an autoimmune disease where the immune system destroys insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Without insulin, the body is unable to regulate blood sugar levels within the body. T1D is thought to result from a combination of genetic susceptibility and environmental factors.5

Role of Bovine Colostrum in the Management of Autoimmune Diseases

Given the complex nature of these diseases, interest is growing in natural solutions like dietary supplements for their management. One promising supplement is powdered bovine colostrum, which is made from the pre-milk produced by female cows after they’ve given birth to their calves. Bovine colostrum is rich in immunoglobulins, growth factors, and other bioactive molecules that can help modulate the immune system, heal leaky gut, and promote tissue repair. 6,7

Bovine colostrum may play a role in managing autoimmune diseases by enhancing immune regulation. The immunoglobulins in bovine colostrum can potentially bind to and neutralize autoantibodies, thus reducing the autoimmune reaction. By healing leaky gut, the generation of autoantibodies may theoretically be minimized or avoided entirely. Moreover, certain growth factors in bovine colostrum can promote the repair of tissues that have previously been damaged by chronic inflammation. In turn, this could potentially improve symptoms in ADs like RA and MS.8,9

Furthermore, the lactoferrin in bovine colostrum shows anti-inflammatory properties and can modulate immune responses, which may be beneficial as a means to restore immune homeostasis in some ADs.10,11

Synergy of Bovine Colostrum & Natural Supplements in the Management of Autoimmune Diseases

In addition to bovine colostrum, other natural substances have shown potential in managing ADs. Omega-3 fatty acids, for example, have anti-inflammatory properties and can modulate immune responses, which may help reduce chronic inflammation and potentially improve patients’ symptoms.12

Vitamin D, a nutrient known for its role in bone health, also plays a crucial role in immune regulation. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to several ADs, and supplementation may improve disease outcomes by enhancing immune regulation and reducing chronic inflammation.13

A large clinical trial that studied over 25,000 participants found that taking vitamin D (2000IU/day) for five years, with or without omega 3 fatty acids (1000mg/day), reduced the rate of autoimmune diseases by 22%. Taking an omega 3 fatty acid supplement with or without vitamin D reduced the autoimmune disease rate by 15%, although not statistically significant. Both treatment groups showed larger effects than the placebo groups.14 Both vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids are often lacking or insufficient in the American diet.

Lastly, probiotics – live microorganisms that confer health benefits when consumed – are also recognized for their potential in managing ADs. Probiotics can modulate gut microbiota and enhance immune regulation, which could be particularly beneficial in ADs where gut dysbiosis and immune dysregulation are common features. Data suggests that several Lactobacillus spp., Bifidobacterium spp., and other coliform bacteria are the most promising probiotic species because they play a role in the prevention of autoimmune and degenerative diseases.15

Bovine colostrum can potentially complement or enhance the immunomodulatory effects of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and probiotics, thus offering a comprehensive approach to manage ADs. Since bovine colostrum has been clinically proven to heal and prevent leaky gut, other ingested nutrients have an increased chance of usability within the body.16 As such, these supplements may offer synergistic benefits.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the current scientific literature supports the potential role of dietary supplementation with bovine colostrum and other natural substances, such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and probiotics, in the management of various autoimmune conditions. These components are thought to modulate the immune system, reduce inflammation, and promote tissue repair – mechanisms that help in ameliorating the symptoms associated with autoimmune diseases.

It is essential to note, however, that while current findings provide a promising avenue for additional strategies to manage autoimmune diseases, they do not suggest a replacement for conventional treatments or regular visits to a specialist or primary care provider. Some ADs, such as type 1 diabetes, require life-saving medication (i.e., insulin).

Further research is required to fully elucidate the underlying mechanisms, efficacy, and safety of such dietary interventions. Only through this continued investigation will we be able to harness the full potential of these natural solutions in the fight against autoimmune diseases. And of course, adequate nutrition by way of a healthy, nutrient-dense diet should always be a part of the AD management plan.

Medical Disclaimer:

It is important to note that while research into natural solutions for autoimmune diseases is promising, dietary supplements should not replace medical treatment. They may, instead, be used in conjunction and under the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider. Additional research is needed to fully understand their potential in managing ADs and to establish their optimal dosing and usage.

References

  1. Anaya, J.M., Shoenfeld, Y., Rojas-Villarraga, A., Levy, R.A., & Cervera, R. (Eds.). (2013). Autoimmunity: From Bench to Bedside. El Rosario University Press.
  2. Coutant, F., & Miossec, P. (2020). Evolving concepts of the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis with focus on the early and late stages. Current opinion in rheumatology, 32(1), 57–63.
  3. Ghasemi, N., Razavi, S., & Nikzad, E. (2017). Multiple Sclerosis: Pathogenesis, Symptoms, Diagnoses and Cell-Based Therapy. Cell Journal, 19(1), 1–10.
  4. Tsokos, G.C. (2011). Systemic lupus erythematosus. New England Journal of Medicine, 365(22), 2110-2121.
  5. Atkinson, M.A., Eisenbarth, G S., & Michels, A W. (2014). Type 1 diabetes. Lancet (London, England), 383(9911), 69–82.
  6. Playford, R.J., Macdonald, C.E., & Johnson, W.S. (2000). Colostrum and milk-derived peptide growth factors for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 72(1), 5–14.
  7. Playford, R.J., & Weiser, M J. (2021). Bovine Colostrum: Its Constituents and Uses. Nutrients, 13(1), 265.
  8. Aarts, J., Boleij, A., Pieters, B.C. H., Feitsma, A.L., van Neerven, R.J.J., Ten Klooster, J.P., M’Rabet, L., Arntz, O.J., Koenders, M.I., & van de Loo, F.A.J. (2021). Flood Control: How Milk-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Can Help to Improve the Intestinal Barrier Function and Break the Gut-Joint Axis in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Frontiers in immunology, 12, 703277.
  9. Inui, T., Katsuura, G., Kubo, K., Kuchiike, D., Chenery, L., Uto, Y., Nishikata, T., & Mette, M. (2016). Case Report: GcMAF Treatment in a Patient with Multiple Sclerosis. Anticancer research, 36(7), 3771–3774.
  10. Siqueiros-Cendón, T., Arévalo-Gallegos, S., Iglesias-Figueroa, B.F., García-Montoya, I.A., Salazar-Martínez, J., & Rascón-Cruz, Q. (2014). Immunomodulatory effects of lactoferrin. Acta pharmacologica Sinica, 35(5), 557–566.
  11. Superti F. (2020). Lactoferrin from Bovine Milk: A Protective Companion for Life. Nutrients, 12(9), 2562.
  12. Calder P. C. (2017). Omega-3 fatty acids and inflammatory processes: from molecules to man. Biochemical Society transactions, 45(5), 1105–1115.
  13. Illescas-Montes, R., Melguizo-Rodríguez, L., Ruiz, C., & Costela-Ruiz, V.J. (2019). Vitamin D and autoimmune diseases. Life sciences, 233, 116744.
  14. Hahn, J., Cook, N. R., Alexander, E. K., Friedman, S., Walter, J., Bubes, V., Kotler, G., Lee, I. M., Manson, J. E., & Costenbader, K. H. (2022). Vitamin D and marine omega 3 fatty acid supplementation and incident autoimmune disease: VITAL randomized controlled trial. BMJ (Clinical research ed.), 376, e066452.
  15. Azad, M.A.K., Sarker, M., Li, T., & Yin, J. (2018). Probiotic Species in the Modulation of Gut Microbiota: An Overview. BioMed research international, 2018, 9478630.
  16. Playford, R. J., Floyd, D. N., Macdonald, C. E., Calnan, D. P., Adenekan, R. O., Johnson, W., Goodlad, R. A., & Marchbank, T. (1999). Bovine colostrum is a health food supplement which prevents NSAID induced gut damage. Gut, 44(5), 653–658.