A new in vitro study supported by PanTheryx, a colostrum-based nutrition and biotechnology company, identified a potential new benefit of this dairy nutraceutical. The study, “Effects of Bovine Colostrum with or without Egg on In Vitro Bacterial-Induced Intestinal Damage with Relevance for SIBO and Infectious Diarrhea,” published in the journal Nutrients, found that bovine colostrum was able to strengthen the cells found in gut wall lining. These cells become weakened if bacteria associated with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) are present. Bovine colostrum was shown in vitro to enhance cellular proteins that bind the surface cells together, helping to maintain a strong barrier function, which researchers concluded could be a natural approach for increased intestinal permeability, known commonly as leaky gut.
 
“It is normal to have some bacteria in the small intestine, however, if it becomes excessive, people can suffer from a wide range of problems that include bloating, flatulence, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort,” Dr. Raymond Playford, PhD, FRCP, clinical gastroenterologist, lead investigator, and vice president, R&D, PanTheryx. “I’m energized by the findings of this current study as it shows the powerful effect that cow colostrum has on maintaining the integrity of the gut, maintaining the normal barrier function of the gut lining, and – on the molecular level – supporting the body’s natural ability to aggregate gut surface cells together, maintaining the gut and bloodstream barrier.”
 
During the study, researchers highlighted the effects of either bovine colostrum or bovine colostrum in combination with egg on bacterial growth and the associated changes across confluent human intestinal Caco-2 monolayers. Typically, the presence of SIBO-related bacteria cause materials which wouldn’t normally cross the gut lining to do so. Bovine colostrum overcame this issue in lab settings by strengthening gut cells and maintaining their natural cell-contact proteins, preventing excessive leakage of luminal contents through the layer of the gut lining that acts as a natural barrier. The researchers measured how many bacteria crossed the gut barrier layer, and followed the integrity of the barrier layer by measuring transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) Using bovine colostrum on its own was just as significant as it was in combination with egg.
 
The study used pasteurized bovine colostrum powder collected during the first 24 hours post calving and a commercial chicken whole egg powder. The colostrum contained 48g protein and 15g of immunoglobulin per 100g powder. The egg powder comprised 51g protein, and approximately 1g of IgY per 100g powder.
 
“While the bovine colostrum did not directly kill the bacteria in this study, it did strengthen the natural gut barrier against the stresses of bacteria,” Playford said. “I am hopeful more studies will be conducted to further explore the health benefits of bovine colostrum for SIBO and leaky gut.”