Can Colostrum Supplements Give Me Sore Breasts?

Colostrum is the first milk that is produced from a mother's mammary glands after giving birth. Bovine colostrum is taken as a supplement because of its ability to increase health and boost the immune and gastrointestinal systems. With supplementation, there may be mild side effects ranging from abdominal pain to diarrhea. Because of the hormones associated with colostrum, there may be an assumption that bovine colostrum can cause breast pain. However there has been little evidence to suggest that supplementation would cause breast pain and soreness.

Colostrum and Supplementation

Colostrum is the breast milk produced within the first 48 hours after giving birth. It is a natural source of nutrients and antibodies for the baby. This milk differs from regular breast milk because it contains higher concentrations of carbohydrates, proteins, growth factors, anti-microbial compounds and antibodies. Because of its numerous health benefits and close relationship to human colostrum, bovine colostrum is often used as a supplement. Colostrum is commonly used to treat gastrointestinal problems and to assist the immune system by producing antibodies. Supplementation may even help prevent the rotavirus in infants. Bovine colostrum may also treat infections, allergies, sinus problems, autoimmune disorders, heart disease, cancer, diabetes and assist in wound healing.

Side Effects of Colostrum

One of the benefits of taking colostrum is that side effects, if they occur at all, are usually mild. Common symptoms are gastrointestinal discomfort such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, bloating, rash, headache or low-grade fever. These side effects may be a reaction of toxins being eliminated from the body. Other symptoms may include anxiety, insomnia, breathing difficulties, hives or rash, nausea, vomiting and flatulence. Side effects usually may be more likely to occur in those with milk allergies.

Breast Pain and Soreness

Breast pain occurs when there is discomfort or sensitivity in the breast with application of pressure or touch. The most common cause is usually hormonal and happens during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy or in menopause when there is a fluctuation of estrogen and progesterone. Other causes may include stress, high caffeine consumption, weight gain, breast injury, medications such as contraceptive pills, breast cysts, fibroadenomas or may be musculoskeletal in nature. Diet and supplements may even contribute to breast pain.

Limited Evidence

Because colostrum originates in the breast and contains hormones such as estrogens, there may be the assumption that it contributes to breast pain. However, the direct evidence that links breast pain and colostrum supplementation is limited. There are many diverse causes of breast pain, but colostrum supplementation is most likely not one of them. Consult your health care provider if you are experiencing breast pain and soreness.