Bovine Colostrum Benefits for Immune, Gut and Skin Health (and Beyond)

Often termed “nature’s first food,” bovine colostrum is a nutrient-dense fluid produced by cows in the initial days following childbirth. Rich in antibodies, growth factors and essential nutrients, it plays a pivotal role in enhancing the immune system and promoting gut health in newborn calves, and it turns out there are bovine colostrum benefits for humans as well.

As such, it has garnered attention as a dietary supplement, attributed to the promising potential of bovine colostrum benefits for humans.

What is bovine colostrum?

Bovine colostrum is the first form of milk secreted by cows immediately after giving birth, distinct from regular milk due to its thicker consistency and yellowish hue. It is abundant in bioactive compounds, including immunoglobulins, lactoferrin, cytokines and growth factors, which collectively support the development and immunological defense of neonates.

Humans also make colostrum, namely in breast milk immediately after giving birth, and it also provides essential nutrients that support immune and gut health in newborns. In fact, bovine colostrum and human colostrum are almost identical.

The main difference is that bovine colostrum is higher in several beneficial compounds, which is why it’s become a popular supplement for humans.

Nutrition facts

The nutritional profile of bovine colostrum is impressive, containing higher concentrations of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals compared to regular cow’s milk. Notably, it is rich in immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, IgM), lactoferrin and growth factors like insulin-like growth factors (IGF-1 and IGF-2), which contribute to its immune-boosting and tissue-repair properties.

The key constituents of bovine colostrum include:

Macronutrients

• Proteins: Colostrum contains high concentrations of proteins, notably immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, IgM), which are crucial for passive immunity transfer to the neonate.
• Fats and carbohydrates: It provides essential fats and lactose, serving as vital energy sources for newborns.

Micronutrients

• Vitamins and minerals: Colostrum is enriched with vitamins such as A, D, E and B12, along with minerals like calcium and potassium, supporting various physiological functions.

Growth factors

• Insulin-like growth factors (IGF-1, IGF-2): These promote cellular growth and development.
• Transforming growth factors (TGF-α, TGF-β1, TGF-β2): These factors aid in tissue repair and immune regulation.

Antimicrobial components

• Lactoferrin: An iron-binding glycoprotein with bacteriostatic and bactericidal properties.
• Lysozyme and lactoperoxidase: Enzymes that contribute to the antimicrobial defense mechanism.

Cytokines and other bioactive molecules

• Cytokines: Such as interleukins and tumor necrosis factor, which modulate immune responses.
• Proline-rich polypeptides (PRPs): These have immunomodulatory properties, balancing immune responses by either enhancing or suppressing them as needed.

These components collectively contribute to the health benefits of bovine colostrum, including immune system support, promotion of gut health, and facilitation of growth and development in neonates.

Bovine colostrum benefits

1. May enhance immune function

Bovine colostrum contains high levels of immunoglobulins and lactoferrin, which can modulate the function of various immune cells, enhancing the body’s defense mechanisms.

A 2017 study, for example, compared the efficacy of oral bovine colostrum to influenza vaccination in preventing flu episodes among healthy individuals and those at high risk due to cardiovascular conditions. The results suggested that colostrum supplementation was at least three times more effective than vaccination alone in preventing influenza infections.

A 2021 study highlighted several mechanisms by which bovine colostrum can enhance immune function in humans. Here are the key ways it supports immune health:

• Bovine colostrum is packed with immunoglobulins, particularly IgG, which play a crucial role in immune defense. These antibodies help neutralize pathogens, reducing the risk of infections, especially in the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts.
• The study revealed that bovine colostrum helps regulate the gut-associated lymphoid tissue, which is a major part of the immune system. By strengthening gut barrier function and promoting beneficial gut bacteria, it enhances immune surveillance and helps prevent infections.
• Lactoferrin, a key protein in bovine colostrum, has antimicrobial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. It binds to iron, preventing bacterial overgrowth, and enhances immune cell activity, thereby strengthening the body’s natural defenses.
• It contains growth factors like IGF-1 and TGF-β, which support tissue repair and immune cell proliferation. These growth factors help maintain mucosal immunity, which is crucial for preventing infections in the gut and respiratory system.
• Clinical studies cited in the paper indicate that bovine colostrum supplementation lowers the risk and severity of upper respiratory tract infections and diarrheal diseases, particularly in athletes and immunocompromised individuals.
• Bovine colostrum increases the production of secretory IgA (sIgA), an important antibody that protects mucosal surfaces in the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts. This helps prevent pathogen entry and infection.
• The bioactive components help regulate the body’s inflammatory response, reducing excessive inflammation while promoting a balanced immune reaction. This is beneficial for conditions like leaky gut syndrome and autoimmune disorders.

Meanwhile, long-term supplementation in football players led to increased immunoglobulin G concentrations and a decrease in inflammatory markers, suggesting potential benefits for immune response.

2. Boosts gut health

Research has indicated that bovine colostrum can reduce intestinal permeability, commonly known as “leaky gut,” in both healthy individuals and those with specific health conditions. It contains growth factors such as epidermal growth factor, which may aid in maintaining and repairing the intestinal lining.

This supports the gut barrier’s integrity, potentially reducing intestinal permeability. However, while some studies have shown this effect, others have found inconsistent results, possibly due to variations in dosage and timing of colostrum administration.

Supplementation with bovine colostrum also has been associated with a reduction in exercise-induced gut permeability. For instance, research has found that bovine colostrum supplementation can mitigate the increase in gut permeability caused by heavy exercise in athletes.

Additionally, bovine colostrum may influence the gut-associated lymphoid tissue, a critical component of the immune system. This modulation could enhance immune responses within the gut, contributing to overall gut health.

3. Helps treat diarrhea

Clinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy of bovine colostrum in treating infectious diarrhea, offering a natural therapeutic option.

A double-blind, randomized, controlled trial involving 160 children with acute diarrhea assessed the effects of bovine colostrum supplementation. The study group received bovine colostrum, while the control group received a placebo.

After 48 hours, the bovine colostrum group exhibited a significantly lower frequency of vomiting and diarrhea compared to the placebo group. Additionally, the severity of symptoms, measured by the Vesikari scoring system, was reduced in the bovine colostrum group.

These findings suggest that bovine colostrum is effective in treating acute diarrhea, irrespective of whether the cause is viral or bacterial.

Another double-blind, controlled clinical trial evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of hyperimmune bovine colostrum (HBC) from cows immunized with human rotavirus serotypes. The study involved 75 boys aged 6-24 months with rotavirus-induced diarrhea.

The treatment group received HBC, while controls received regular bovine colostrum. The HBC-treated group experienced a shorter duration of diarrhea (median 56 hours) compared to the control group (median 72 hours).

In addition, the total stool output was reduced by 29% in the HBC-treated group. No adverse effects were noted, indicating that colostrum from cows immunized with rotavirus antigen is clinically effective in reducing the duration and severity of childhood diarrhea due to rotavirus.

A meta-analysis evaluated the impact of bovine colostrum on infectious diarrhea and found that its consumption significantly reduced stool frequency by an average of 1.42 times per day. The intervention also reduced the occurrence of diarrhea by 71% and decreased the detection of pathogens in stool samples compared to placebo.

It appears bovine colostrum benefits adults with diarrhea as well.

A pilot study examined the use of hyperimmune bovine colostrum in AIDS patients suffering from cryptosporidial diarrhea. The findings indicated that bovine colostrum could be beneficial in reducing the severity of diarrhea caused by Cryptosporidium parvum in immunocompromised individuals.

4. Supports athletic performance and recovery

Several studies have investigated the effects of bovine colostrum supplementation on athletic performance and recovery in humans. A study involving endurance runners, for instance, found that bovine colostrum supplementation improved recovery during training, although it did not significantly enhance performance metrics.

Research on physically active men, however, indicated that bovine colostrum supplementation influenced muscle protein and serum amino acids, though the impact on strength performance requires further investigation.

A comprehensive review suggested that bovine colostrum supplementation may be most effective during periods of high-intensity training and recovery, potentially due to factors like increased plasma IGF-1 and improved intramuscular buffering capacity.

5. Protects respiratory health

Studies have reported that bovine colostrum may help improve lung function and reduce the severity of respiratory infections, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems. One study published in the European Journal of Nutrition found that bovine colostrum supplementation reduced the incidence of self-reported URTI symptoms in adult males.

Further research revealed that supplementation reduced the number of episodes and hospitalizations due to recurrent upper respiratory tract infections and diarrhea in children, suggesting its efficacy in prophylaxis.

Another randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial demonstrated that moderate-dose bovine colostrum supplementation protected young adults from upper respiratory tract infections, highlighting its potential beyond athletic populations.

6. May help manage weight

Some research has indicated that bovine colostrum may support metabolic health and assist in maintaining a healthy weight by promoting lean muscle mass and reducing fat accumulation.

A study examined the effects of eight weeks of bovine colostrum supplementation (20 g/day) combined with exercise training in active men and women. The results indicated a significant increase in bone-free lean body mass in the colostrum group compared to the placebo group, suggesting that bovine colostrum may support lean mass gains when paired with regular exercise.

Research involving type 2 diabetic patients assessed the impact of bovine colostrum supplementation (5 g twice daily) over four weeks. The findings showed a continual decrease in blood glucose levels at two and eight hours postprandial during the experimental period, indicating potential benefits in managing blood sugar levels, which in turn can aid weight maintenance.

7. Promotes healthy skin

Bovine colostrum is rich in growth factors and bioactive compounds that may support skin regeneration, improve hydration and reduce signs of aging by enhancing collagen production.

For example, a 2021 study investigated the impact of a liposomal bovine colostrum formulation on skin aging. The results suggested that topical application of this formulation may protect against telomere length erosion, a marker of cellular aging, thereby potentially enhancing skin health as it ages.

A 2024 review, meanwhile, highlighted the presence of growth factors in bovine colostrum that contribute to wound healing and tissue regeneration. These growth factors play roles in cell proliferation, tissue repair and the regulation of immune responses, which are crucial for maintaining healthy skin.

Supplements and dosage

Bovine colostrum supplements are available in various forms, including powders, capsules, liquids and chewable tablets. A typical dosage is around half a teaspoon (1.3 to 1.5 grams) per day, though there is no standard recommended dosage.

In fact, doses of 20 to 60 grams of bovine colostrum have been used in many studies. Still, it’s best to start with a lower dosage and increase gradually.

You can mix bovine colostrum powder with water or use it to make smoothies. It can also be added to other drinks or even soft foods.

Capsules and tablets should be consumed with water, and for maximum absorption, it’s often recommended to take it on an empty stomach.

Follow the dosage directions on the specific product, as concentrations may vary.

Risks and side effects

Bovine colostrum is generally considered safe for most individuals. However, minor gastrointestinal complaints such as nausea, flatulence and diarrhea have been reported infrequently.

Individuals with lactose intolerance or milk allergies should exercise caution, as bovine colostrum contains components that may trigger allergic reactions. Additionally, those with a cow’s milk allergy should avoid bovine colostrum.

As with any supplement, it is crucial to ensure the product is sourced from reputable manufacturers to minimize potential risks.

Conclusion

• Bovine colostrum is a nutrient-rich fluid produced by cows after childbirth, known for its immune-boosting and gut-supporting properties. It shares similarities with human colostrum but contains higher levels of beneficial compounds.
• It is rich in proteins (especially immunoglobulins), fats, carbohydrates, vitamins (A, D, E, B12), minerals (calcium, potassium), and bioactive compounds, like growth factors and lactoferrin.
• Research has shown bovine colostrum benefits potentially include enhancing immune function, boosting gut health, helping treat diarrhea, supporting athletic performance and recovery, protecting respiratory health, and more.