Travellers' diarrhoea prevented by cows milk extract
2 August 2011
An Australian-developed product is effective in protecting against some forms of travellers' diarrhoea, a study shows.
The product is a powdered extract of cow colostrum (milk obtained at the first milking after calving) from dairy cows immunised against bacteria that can cause travellers' diarrhoea.
Ninety healthy volunteers taking the colostrum extract were 90 per cent protected against diarrhoea caused by ETEC bacteria (enterotoxigenic, or toxin-producing, Escherichia coli) compared with those taking placebo ('dummy' pills), researchers showed (Scand J Gastroenterol 2011; 46: 862-8).
The colostrum extract - known as hyperimmune bovine colostrum (Travelan) - has been available over the counter in Australia since 2005 and is taken 3 times a day for 7 days before meals.
The colostrum is obtained from dairy cows immunised against 14 ETEC bacteria strains.
The researchers said the anti-ETEC activity was most likely due to the extract interfering with the binding of ETEC cells to the bowel lining.
"These results demonstrate an important step forward in ensuring the health of travellers who may be exposed to ETEC in less-developed countries," said study author Professor Roy Robins-Browne, head of microbiology and immunology at the University of Melbourne, who also has a stake in Travelan.
Professor Lyn Gilbert, director of the Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology – Public Health, Sydney, said the product appeared safe and effective.
"The only limitation of the product is that ETEC is only one, although probably the more common, cause of traveller's diarrhoea, so clearly the colostrum powder will not prevent all cases," she said.
Last Reviewed: 02 August 2011
- 1. Otto W, Najnigier B, Stelmasiak T, Robins-Browne RM. Randomized control trials using a tablet formulation of hyperimmune bovine colostrum to prevent diarrhea caused by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli in volunteers. Scand J Gastroenterol 2011; 46: 862-8. http://informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10.3109/00365521.2011.574726 (accessed Aug 2011).
