Colostrum Supplements Are Everywhere. Here's What an Integrative Medicine Specialist Wants You to Know.
Colostrum is being promoted as a wellness "super supplement," but an expert warns the evidence is mixed. Learn who may benefit, who should avoid it, and how to choose a quality product.
Colostrum, the first form of breastmilk that mammals produce after giving birth and often referred to as “liquid gold”, has been growing in popularity as a supplement. Influencers on social media claim that the light-yellow powder can boost energy, support gut health and promote stronger hair and nails. It’s even found its way into specialty drinks at big name coffee shops and health food brands.
Colostrum has a high concentration of nutrients, antioxidants and protein that protect the gut and immune system of newborns in the first days of life. It is thick, sticky and typically golden yellow in color, and it can be dried into a powder form for supplements. The colostrum being used for supplements is bovine colostrum, which is specifically from cows.
The trend likely reflects growing consumer interest in products that promise to support gut and immune health, says Dr. Chiti Parikh, executive director of the Integrative Health and Wellbeing Program at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, but there is not enough evidence to support these claims.
"Bovine colostrum isn’t a miracle supplement,” says Dr. Parikh. “It has the potential to benefit certain patients, but it’s not for everyone, and it’s important to speak with your doctor before trying it.”
Health Matters spoke with Dr. Parikh to better understand what bovine colostrum does, who it may benefit and how to choose the right kind.
Explore Integrative Health Services at NewYork-Presbyterian
Who might benefit from taking bovine colostrum?
Dr. Parikh: The good news is that bovine colostrum is quite safe for most people. However, that doesn’t mean everyone should take it. Even common vitamins and supplements can cause complications or interact negatively with certain medications, so it’s important to have a discussion with your doctor before starting new supplements.
While more research is needed, there is some evidence that suggests bovine colostrum may help support gut health and reduce digestive symptoms in humans. In newborn mammals, colostrum plays a crucial role in promoting a healthy gut by forming a protective coating of the intestines.
One study, for example, found that bovine colostrum may benefit athletes, such as marathon runners, who exercise in the heat and sometimes experience digestive symptoms, including "runner's diarrhea". Other studies have shown that bovine colostrum may be helpful in reducing intestinal inflammation in people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, as well as reduce intestinal permeability, also known as "leaky gut," in critically ill patients.
Can bovine colostrum promote strong nail and hair growth?
Dr. Parikh: There is no evidence to support these claims, and bovine colostrum shouldn’t be taken as a beauty supplement.
Are there certain people who should not take bovine colostrum?
Dr. Parikh: Because it is a dairy product, anyone who is allergic or sensitive to dairy, or lactose intolerant, should not take bovine colostrum. Also, it is not safe for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, severely immunocompromised or undergoing cancer treatment.
Does bovine colostrum need to be prescribed?
Dr. Parikh: No, bovine colostrum does not need to be prescribed. If it's appropriate for you, your doctor may recommend trying it for a specific period of time rather than taking it indefinitely.
How do you choose a quality bovine colostrum supplement?
Dr. Parikh: One of the biggest concerns with any supplement is quality.
When it comes to dairy products, many people look for labels like organic, hormone-free, or grass-fed. But with bovine colostrum supplements, it's often much harder to know how they're manufactured, where they're sourced from, or whether they actually contain what the label claims.
Unlike prescription medications, supplements are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for safety or effectiveness before they are sold. As a result, product quality can vary significantly between bovine colostrum brands.
I really encourage people to choose reputable brands that use third-party testing and clearly disclose their exact dosages and sourcing practices. Sometimes low-quality supplements can do more harm than good, so it’s important to know what you’re putting into your body.
Are there any potential side effects to taking bovine colostrum?
Dr. Parikh: Though bovine colostrum is usually well tolerated, some people may experience mild digestive side effects, especially when they first start taking it, including:
- Nausea
- Bloating
- Stomach discomfort
- Changes in bowel habits
To minimize side effects, you can start with a low dose, see how your body responds, and then gradually work your way up to a higher dose as tolerated and under a doctor’s guidance.
The health and wellness newsletter you can trust
Featured Experts
Internal Medicine