Colostrum Health Benefits: Immunity to Gut Health and Beyond

Originally posted June 2018 / Updated October 2023

What Is Colostrum?

Colostrum is the thick fluid produced by the breasts of humans and other mammals in the days before milk production sets in. It is the first nourishment of mammals. Colostrum provides the newborn mammal with high antibodies to fight off infections and critical nutrients such as protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. 

Bovine colostrum is a dietary supplement from cows available in powder, capsule, or tablet form. 

Over the past three decades, there has been a virtual explosion of research into the health benefits provided by bovine colostrum. Here are just some of the key actions of bovine colostrum supported by scientific research:¹

• Support of immune function
• Antimicrobial properties
• Promotion of healthy gut flora and intestinal lining
• Antioxidant effects

Colostrum Health Benefits

Immune Support

One of the key components of colostrum is lactoferrin, an iron-binding protein with antimicrobial and immune-supporting properties.2 Bovine colostrum supplements can vary in lactoferrin concentration from 0.5 to 20%. Bovine colostrum products standardized to supply 20% lactoferrin are generally regarded as the highest quality products for immune support. Lactoferrin is also available as a dietary supplement from filtered milk. 

Lactoferrin exerts antimicrobial action against a long list of microorganisms. However, more important than killing organisms is the recent discovery that lactoferrin prevents the attachment of microbes to human cells. This action is a non-specific defense against infection. For example, lactoferrin inhibits viruses and other microbes from entering into cells by blocking their ability to bind to cellular receptors on the surface of host cells. Lactoferrin also has shown an ability to suppress virus replication after a cell has become infected.² 

There have been 16 controlled clinical studies where bovine lactoferrin was evaluated in upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs). Nine of these studies were grouped together in a meta-analysis to magnify the statistical significance of the effect of lactoferrin in RTIs.³ These nine studies represented the highest quality clinical studies available. The meta-analysis revealed significantly reduced odds of developing respiratory infections using bovine lactoferrin compared to the control group. Overall, the relative risk ratio was a 43% reduction in the risk of developing a cold.

Bovine colostrum has also helped prevent URTIs. In one double-blind study in healthy preschool children, bovine colostrum (first 15 days 500 mg twice daily and then 500 mg daily for 30 days) reduced URTI symptoms by 37% over the 21-week trial.⁴ The supplementation period was six weeks, but the effects persisted for 15 weeks. Colostrum supplementation in preschool children was judged as well tolerated and safe. Bovine colostrum supplementation has also been confirmed to protect from URTIs in adults.⁵ 

In addition to lactoferrin, bovine colostrum provides additional bioactive compounds to support the immune system, such as naturally occurring antibodies such as immunoglobulins G1 & G2 (IgG1, IgG2) as well as proline-rich peptides (PRP). Bovine colostrum also contains bovine versions of many human growth factors, including insulin-like growth factor, transforming growth factor, epithelial growth factor, and even growth hormone, capable of promoting muscle growth. 

Bovine colostrum must be low-heat processed to preserve the biological activity of lactoferrin as well as the immunoglobulins and other proteins.

Gut Health

Bovine colostrum is a powerful growth promoter of health-promoting bacteria (probiotics) like Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus species. By preventing the growth of harmful bacteria while promoting the growth of beneficial bifidobacteria, bovine colostrum assists in the development of a proper intestinal flora (microbiome). 

Bovine colostrum can also help improve gut barrier function or the "leaky gut." In one double-blind, placebo-controlled study, supplementation with 500 mg of colostrum bovine or placebo (whey) for 20 days showed that bovine colostrum reduced gut permeability and improved gut barrier status.⁶

Sports Nutrition

Although some studies have shown bovine colostrum may help improve physical performance or body composition, the dosages used were quite high (e.g., 20 grams per day). The balance of available evidence examining a range of doses over both short- and long-term periods does not support an effect in promoting improved physical performance. 

Nonetheless, in the United States, the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) does not allow collegiate athletes to consume colostrum, and the World Anti-Doping Agency advises against it in those competing at the elite level.⁷ 

Strong evidence exists for bovine colostrum preventing the increase in gut permeability and oxidative damage associated with intense physical training.^8,9 For example, bovine colostrum supplementation in highly trained females reduced the harmful effects of free radicals and oxidative stress from intense exercise. This antioxidant effect reduced the inflammatory response to intense exercise and improved iron metabolism. A study in older subjects also confirmed the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions of bovine colostrum.¹⁰ 

How to Use Colostrum Supplements in Your Diet

Many health experts prefer bovine colostrum as the source of lactoferrin versus the highly purified product because it contains additional bioactive components, including IgGs and proline-rich peptides. When using bovine colostrum, check the lactoferrin content and dose accordingly. For example, for a bovine colostrum with a lactoferrin content of 20%, the dosage would correspond to 500 to 1,000 mg of bovine colostrum one to three times daily. 

One of the most convenient ways to include bovine colostrum into your diet is using a powdered for such as California Gold Nutrition Colostrum. 

Here are some popular ways to add it to meals and snacks:

• Mix it into a liquid of your choice, such as milk, hot chocolate, or coffee. When using milk, you can pour it over granola or cereal.
• Mix it into creamy salad dressings, mayonnaise, or nut butter.
• Add to smoothies.
• Place one to two scoops in waffle or pancake mix.