Colostrum supplement, IGF-1, and diarrhea in mechanically-ventilated patients: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study

Abstract

Background

Diarrhea is relatively common in critically-ill mechanically-ventilated patients. This study investigated the effect of bovine colostrum supplement in the prevention of diarrhea.

Methods

Mechanically-ventilated patients expected to require enteral nutrition for at least five days were randomly assigned to the intervention or placebo groups. The intervention group received enteral diet providing 30 g of bovine colostrum daily, and the control group received a similar diet except for whey protein as a placebo. The duration of the intervention was ten days. Serum levels of IGF-1 were measured at baseline and the end of the intervention. Patients were followed up for the occurrence of diarrhea.

Results

Out of 136 participants, 45 patients in the colostrum group and 45 patients in the control group were included in the final analysis of the outcomes. Plasma IGF-1 concentration increased significantly in the colostrum group after the intervention (P = 0.02). In the between-group comparison, the increase in IGF-1 was significantly higher in the colostrum group compared with the placebo group (P = 0.04). Furthermore, the incidence of diarrhea was significantly lower in the colostrum group compared to the control group.

Conclusion

Bovine colostrum supplementation increased serum levels of IGF-1 and may reduce the incidence of diarrhea in critically-ill mechanically-ventilated patients.