Fibromyalgia syndrome is characterized by chronic muscle, joint and nerve pain of unexplained origin. Symptoms often extend to fatigue, depression, anxiety and insomnia. Colostrum is a nutrient-dense milk produced by mammals that contains antibodies and other components that influence the immune system. There is evidence that colostrum supplementation may resolve fibromyalgia symptoms, but do not self-treat your condition without medical supervision because of possible side effects or allergic reactions.
Causes of Fibromyalgia
It is not understood how or why this syndrome starts, but scientists speculate that neurological disorders, physical injury, emotional trauma or even viral infection may trigger symptoms. Fibromyalgia occurs much more often in women and is frequently seen in people with Lyme disease, underactive thyroid, depression, anxiety, irritable bowel syndrome and temporomandibular joint disorders, or TMJ.
Conventional Treatment
There is no cure for fibromyalgia, but stress reduction techniques, cognitive therapy, acupuncture, massage and physical therapy may help. Pharmaceutical drugs used to manage symptoms include pain relievers, muscle relaxants, antidepressants and anti-seizure medications.
Composition of Colostrum
Also known as “first milk,” colostrum contains proteins, enzymes, growth factors and antibodies. Of particular interest to researchers are immunoglobulins and components collectively referred to as proline-rich polypeptides, or PRP.
Biological Effects of Colostrum
PRP consists of signaling peptides, specialized proteins that, according to a 2008 study published in “Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology,” appear to ramp up T-cell activity to enhance immune response to invading pathogens, including those that affect the central nervous system. The authors of this study also report that colostrum may delay the progression of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Colostrum and Fibromyalgia
A study published in the “International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics” in 2009 indicates that colostrum decreases symptoms associated with chronic pain syndrome, including fibromyalgia. Although this was a pilot study involving a small patient sampling, all four participants experienced significant pain relief with long-term colostrum supplementation. The scientists think that the immunoglobulin compounds in colostrum reduce inflammation by triggering programmed cell death in mononuclear cells, immune system blood cells that include lymphocytes and macrophages. These findings suggest that colostrum is not contraindicated in fibromyalgia and may someday be used as a complementary treatment for this condition and other immune-related disorders.
Safety Considerations
A review published in the “International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics” in May 2008 reports that there are few side effects associated with human consumption of bovine colostrum beyond an intolerance or allergy to lactose or other compounds in cow’s milk. However, the immunomodulating effects of colostrum may interact with or increase the effects of pharmaceutical treatments, such as antibiotic therapy. In any case, consult your physician before using this substance to treat your fibromyalgia.
References
- National Center for Biotechnology Information: Fibromyalgia
- MayoClinic.com: Fibromyalgia
- Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology: A Proline-Rich Polypeptide from Ovine Colostrum: Colostrinin with Immunomodulatory Activity
- International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics: Oral Immunoglobulin Induces Mononuclear Cell Apoptosis in Patients Suffering from Idiopathic Chronic Pain Syndrome: Results from a Pilot Study
- International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics: Bovine Colostrum as a Biologic in Clinical Medicine: A Review--Part II: Clinical Studies
