Table of Contents
Table of Contents
As a board-certified physician in Internal Medicine and Obesity Medicine with over 13 years of experience, I’ve seen how deeply gut health impacts every system in the body, from immunity to metabolism and even mood. In my work with patients and health coaching clients, I often recommend bovine colostrum (colostrum) as part of a gut-healing strategy. It’s one of the few supplements that supports both the gut lining and the immune system in a powerful, natural way.
Colostrum is the nutrient-rich fluid produced by mammals in the first days after giving birth. It is packed with immunoglobulins (IgG), growth factors, antimicrobial peptides, and other bioactive compounds that support a newborn’s development and immune protection.
Colostrum is packed with antibodies like IgG, which passively transfer the mother’s immunity to the newborn, offering protection in the earliest days of life. Colostrum has exceptionally high concentrations of antibodies from the mother, particularly IgG. This antibody can stick around in the baby’s body for several weeks. The mother’s body produces antibodies throughout her life in response to infections or immunizations she has had in the past. It provides the baby with the benefits of the mother’s hard-won, experienced immunity, also referred to as passive immunity.1
Colostrum contains other helpful compounds, including growth factors, antimicrobial peptides, lactoferrin, oligosaccharides, and other bioactive molecules. These components are meant to support the growth and development of newborn calves. However, they have also been investigated for potential health benefits in humans.
In adults, colostrum may support gut repair, balance immune response, and assist tissue recovery. Benefits of colostrum include:
The gut lining acts as a protective barrier between your internal system and the outside world. When inflamed, due to harmful bacteria, stress, or toxins, it can become “leaky,” allowing unwanted substances into the bloodstream. This may trigger fatigue, immune issues, and chronic inflammation.
Colostrum helps restore gut lining integrity by nourishing beneficial gut bacteria and promoting the growth of healthy intestinal cells. Its natural peptides, prebiotics, and growth factors work together to reduce inflammation, strengthen cell junctions, and support a healthy gut barrier.1,2
Colostrum is rich in immune-regulating compounds, such as IgG, lactoferrin, and cytokines, that can support immune health in both adults and children. For example, some studies have shown that supplementation with bovine colostrum can decrease the incidence of infections.3,4 Furthermore, athletes are more susceptible to upper respiratory diseases due to the stress of training, and colostrum can help support their immune system.5
Athletes and fitness enthusiasts are increasingly turning to colostrum for its muscle-repairing and anti-inflammatory effects. Colostrum contains many growth factors and nutrients that help to support bone density and muscle health. Colostrum contains significantly higher amounts of protein than milk, primarily in the form of casein and whey protein, with high concentrations of essential amino acids. While colostrum is rich in protein and amino acids, its real strength lies in the growth factors that support tissue recovery, not just muscle-building like a protein shake. Colostrum is also rich in several bone-protective minerals, including calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and zinc.1
Additionally, colostrum contains growth factors that stimulate the growth of muscle, bone, and blood vessels. Some studies indicate that supplementation with colostrum can enhance performance in individuals who engage in resistance training or endurance activities.1,6
Some studies indicate that colostrum can support skin health by promoting the proliferation of cells involved in skin repair. It can also help regulate inflammation in the skin, which underlies several different skin problems.7
Colostrum contains various hormones and growth factors that can support a healthy metabolism and body composition. For example, colostrum contains leptin, a hormone that can affect appetite and glucose metabolism.1 Some studies suggest that colostrum can support healthy blood sugar and cholesterol levels by influencing the microbiome, reducing inflammation, and modulating hormone interactions.1 Colostrum may also help support a healthy body composition of fat and muscle in athletes, which can be especially beneficial for women.1,6
The most important indicator of a high-quality colostrum supplement is the amount of IgG content. In general, a high-quality supplement will contain greater than 50g/L of IgG. Another way to check is to look at the percentage of IgG. A good standard is 30% IgG or more.
Another critical factor is the time of collection from the cow after birth. Colostrum collected on day one has the most beneficial components, but they decrease rapidly on days two to three. Colostrum should only be considered high-quality if it is collected before day three. This is because the growth factors that encourage a healthy gut and functioning immune system start to decline after day three.1
Colostrum may contain allergens because it is derived from dairy. Individuals with milk allergies or severe lactose intolerance should seek low-lactose or casein-free formulas, if possible.
When shopping for colostrum, look for:
Avoid supplements that don’t disclose collection times, sourcing, or IgG percentages, as this can impact effectiveness.
Colostrum is processed in different ways, so it is essential to note which constituents have been removed. For example, it can be either complete colostrum, which contains the fat component, or defatted (skimmed) powder. Some have the casein removed, and others have the addition of enrichment factors such as immunoglobulins and growth factors. It can be challenging to select from the numerous supplements available, as some of these components are crucial for optimal action, and others aren’t helpful. Differences in storage, processing, and pasteurization can alter the bioactivity (or potency) of the supplement by up to six times, so it’s important to search for a high-quality supplement.1
Colostrum also has many benefits for the pediatric population. It is generally considered safe for healthy children, but it can cause allergic reactions in susceptible individuals. Potential benefits include support of the immune system against upper respiratory tract infections, diarrhea, and the maintenance of bowel health. Recommended doses are up to 1 gram per day, commonly as a powder, for 4-6 weeks.3,8
Colostrum is widely available in many different forms. It is collected and frozen on farms, then shipped frozen to processing facilities, where it undergoes pasteurization and is carefully modified to retain immune and growth-support compounds while minimizing allergens. You can find colostrum supplements available as:
Colostrum is typically taken once or twice daily, and the right dosage depends on your specific health goals. It’s available in capsules, powders, chewables, and even drink blends, making it easy to fit into your routine.
General dosing guidelines:
Most clinical studies show the best results with daily use over 4–8 weeks. Effects like reduced bloating, improved digestion, or fewer upper respiratory infections often take time, as the body gradually responds to the growth factors and immune components in colostrum.3
Yes, you can take colostrum on an empty stomach, ideally 30–60 minutes before meals. This helps maximize absorption of its bioactive compounds.
While colostrum is generally well tolerated, those with dairy allergies or severe lactose intolerance should look for low-lactose or casein-free formulas. And like with any new supplement, it’s always best to check with a healthcare provider, especially if you’re managing chronic conditions or taking medication.
If you are interested in improving your gut health, immunity, and exercise performance, colostrum is emerging as a gentle yet powerful ally for daily use. With its ability to repair the gut lining, support immune resilience, enhance performance, and promote skin and metabolic health, it’s no surprise that wellness insiders and biohackers are adding colostrum to their daily supplement routine.
References:
DISCLAIMER:This Wellness Hub does not intend to provide diagnosis...
This Wellness Hub does not intend to provide diagnosis, treatment, or medical advice. Read more. The content provided on this Wellness Hub is for informational purposes only. Please consult with a physician or other healthcare professional regarding any medical or health-related diagnosis or treatment options. Information on this Wellness Hub should not be considered as a substitute for advice from a healthcare professional. The claims made about specific products throughout this Wellness Hub are not approved to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.
