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Q#1: Colostrum
An MD (but not an AIDS doc) gave me a book ("COLOSTRUM: Life's First Food" by Daniel G. Clark, MD & Kaye Wyatt) touting the virtures of colostrum (from cows). The book, and this doctor, claim that it's almost a miracle substance, bolstering the immune system and helping, if not curing, everything from soup to nuts. There's a lot of scientific journal references cited in the book. It has the feel of a marketing scam to me, but the theory behind it does seem to make sense. What do you know about this substance, both for HIV and in general? (April, 1999)
A#1: Chester Myers, PhD, MS responds:
A number of websites advertise a variety of benefits from colostrum, as well as the product itself (for sale). In HIV disease, it's been studied with some success for diarrhea from cryptosporidial infection. There've been more general positive claims for it as well. There are other (non-HIV) studies that have found benefit, for example, in treatment of certain viral-caused diarrhea cases. It has also been shown that the 'active' components, i.e., those that provide the beneficial effects, get through the stomach and small gut (following the stomach), so it is reasonable that the protective components are likely to be of benefit in infections of the gut in general. I know of no toxicity reactions, although being a dairy product, lactose could be an issue.
I'm not sure if there is information that indicates the various colostrum products on the market are all active. It is possible that harsh processing, e.g., too high temperature during drying, might compromise the active ingredients.
If there is diarrhea, or other conditions for which colostrum is being considered, it's important that medical monitoring is in place. In other words, don't attempt to "self-prescribe". Talk the options over with your healthcare team, especially with your primary care doctor and HIV specialist.
Q#2: Colostrum & Pediatric Kidney Problems
My two-year-old daughter has had kidney problems since birth. We now have to have surgery on her to stop the reflex from damaging anymore of her kidney. One kidney has a reflex severity of 5 to 6. This is why we are having surgery. My question is... I've just came across the New Life Colostrum's liquid. I was told that this product would go directly into the kidney to help repair or save it. Is this true and is it safe to use? (September, 1999)
A #2: Diana Peabody, RD responds:
Most research and knowledge we have about supplements of any kind are based on adults. We have to be careful when giving supplements to children because their bodies are not fully developed yet. The body of a two-year-old child has a long way to go in development and growth, as well as being much smaller than an adult's. It is hard to transfer knowledge and recommendations for adults to children. It does not directly transfer because of the different hormonal milieu and other factors. The kidney is a key organ for purifying the blood. It is very sensitive to chemicals, including those from natural sources and dietary sources. You are probably connected to a pediatric hospital where the surgery is going to be done. I would suggest that you talk to the pediatric dietitian, preferably one with renal background. You don't say if there are other renal complications or if the child is on a special diet. These factors would also have to be considered.
Barbara J. Scott, RD responds:
I don't know the product so would need more info. What is it? What does it contain? What are the protein/nitrogen and other solute and electrolyte contents? You should know, however, that nothing taken by mouth goes "directly to the kidneys", so just off the top of my head, I'd say it sounds hokey!! As Diana suggests above, talk to a good pediatric dietitian with renal experience and ask a lot of questions. A two-year-old with kidney disease is very tricky, so we need to be careful here.
