Colostrum

    Researchedby:
    Kamal Patel
    Last Updated: September 28, 2022

    Colostrum, also known as first milk, is a mammary secretion produced by cows and related animals. The results of supplementation are similar to supplementing whey protein, though colostrum may offer some unique benefits for the immune and digestive systems.

    examine-databaseExamine Database

    Colostrum is most often used for .

    1,443 participants in 37 trials

    Summary

    Colostrum is a pre-milk fluid produced in the mammary glands of mammals that have recently given birth. Newborns have immature digestive and immune systems, so the enzymes, antibodies, and growth factors colostrum provides promote growth and fight disease. Though colostrum is produced by all mammals, colostrum supplements are usually derived from bovine or (less frequently) goat sources. Colostrum has become a popular nutritional supplement because it is a rich source of enzymes, antibodies, and growth factors not found in other dairy products.

    The undeveloped intestinal tract of a newborn allows the growth factors present in colostrum to pass freely through the intestinal wall for absorption. However, fully-developed adult mammal intestines will break down the beneficial compounds before they can be absorbed into the blood stream. Though digestive enzymes prevent colostrum growth factors from affecting muscles, they will still exert a local effect, which increase intestinal integrity. This prevents inflammation, like the kind that can be caused by prolonged, intense exercise, like competitive cycling. Outside of intense exercise, supplementing colostrum will have an effect similar to supplementing whey protein or casein protein.

    Athletes often supplement colostrum in an effort to increase fat burning, add lean mass, or increase strength. Since their digestive systems are fully developed, these effects do not occur, and the body breaks down the growth factors and enzymes that colostrum provides before they can be transported to muscle cells.

    The antibodies present in colostrum are also effective at reducing diarrhea caused by Escherichia coli and reducing the risk of HIV infection. To prevent E. coli-induced diarrhea, the colostrum must be obtained from an immunized animal.

    What are other names for Colostrum

    Note that Colostrum is also known as:
    • First Milk
    • Bovine colostrum

    Dosage information

    The standard colostrum dose intended as a protein supplemented or intestinal health agent is between 20-60g. This dose contains 2-4g (10-20%) of immunoglobulin.

    Colostrum is supplemented through a powder form.

    A colostrum dose intended to reduce the risk of E. coli-induced diarrhea should contain between 400-3,500mg of immunoglobulins. It should be taken shortly after a meal. Colostrum intended to reduce the risk of diseases related to E. coli must come from a cow (or similar animal) that has been immunized against E. coli.

    Examine Database: Colostrum

    Immune Health
    General Athletic Performance
    Aerobic Exercise Performance
    Human Immunodeficiency Virus
    Metabolic Health
    Cycling Performance
    Upper Respiratory Tract Infection
    Body Composition
    General Gut Health
    Rowing Performance
    Traveler's Diarrhea
    Common Cold
    High Cholesterol
    Type 2 Diabetes
    Digestive Health
    Muscle Recovery
    Runners' Health
    Running Performance
    Short Bowel Syndrome
    Sore Throat
    Ulcerative Colitis
    Weight Loss & Maintenance

    Research FeedRead all studies

    Examine Database References

    1. Intestinal Parasites - Otto W, Najnigier B, Stelmasiak T, Robins-Browne RMRandomized control trials using a tablet formulation of hyperimmune bovine colostrum to prevent diarrhea caused by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli in volunteersScand J Gastroenterol.(2011 Jul)
    2. Intestinal Parasites - C O Tacket, G Losonsky, H Link, Y Hoang, P Guesry, H Hilpert, M M LevineProtection by milk immunoglobulin concentrate against oral challenge with enterotoxigenic Escherichia coliN Engl J Med.(1988 May 12)
    3. Neutrophil Count - Shing CM, Peake J, Suzuki K, Okutsu M, Pereira R, Stevenson L, Jenkins DG, Coombes JSEffects of bovine colostrum supplementation on immune variables in highly trained cyclistsJ Appl Physiol (1985).(2007 Mar)
    4. Aerobic Exercise Metrics - Coombes JS, Conacher M, Austen SK, Marshall PADose effects of oral bovine colostrum on physical work capacity in cyclistsMed Sci Sports Exerc.(2002 Jul)
    5. Aerobic Exercise Metrics - Shing CM, Jenkins DG, Stevenson L, Coombes JSThe influence of bovine colostrum supplementation on exercise performance in highly trained cyclistsBr J Sports Med.(2006 Sep)
    6. Oxygen Uptake - Marchbank T, Davison G, Oakes JR, Ghatei MA, Patterson M, Moyer MP, Playford RJThe nutriceutical bovine colostrum truncates the increase in gut permeability caused by heavy exercise in athletesAm J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol.(2011 Mar)
    7. Oxygen Uptake - Buckley JD, Butler RN, Southcott E, Brinkworth GDBovine colostrum supplementation during running training increases intestinal permeabilityNutrients.(2009 Feb)
    8. Heart Rate - Buckley JD, Abbott MJ, Brinkworth GD, Whyte PBBovine colostrum supplementation during endurance running training improves recovery, but not performanceJ Sci Med Sport.(2002 Jun)
    9. Exercise-Induced Immune Suppression - Carol A, Witkamp RF, Wichers HJ, Mensink MBovine colostrum supplementation's lack of effect on immune variables during short-term intense exercise in well-trained athletesInt J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab.(2011 Apr)
    10. Muscle protein synthesis (MPS) - Mero A, Nykänen T, Keinänen O, Knuutinen J, Lahti K, Alen M, Rasi S, Leppäluoto JProtein metabolism and strength performance after bovine colostrum supplementationAmino Acids.(2005 May)
    11. Weight - Antonio J, Sanders MS, Van Gammeren DThe effects of bovine colostrum supplementation on body composition and exercise performance in active men and womenNutrition.(2001 Mar)
    12. Weight - Brinkworth GD, Buckley JD, Slavotinek JP, Kurmis APEffect of bovine colostrum supplementation on the composition of resistance trained and untrained limbs in healthy young menEur J Appl Physiol.(2004 Jan)
    13. Weight - Buckley JD, Brinkworth GD, Abbott MJEffect of bovine colostrum on anaerobic exercise performance and plasma insulin-like growth factor IJ Sports Sci.(2003 Jul)
    14. Weight - Hofman Z, Smeets R, Verlaan G, Lugt Rv, Verstappen PAThe effect of bovine colostrum supplementation on exercise performance in elite field hockey playersInt J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab.(2002 Dec)
    15. Weight - Brinkworth GD, Buckley JD, Bourdon PC, Gulbin JP, David AOral bovine colostrum supplementation enhances buffer capacity but not rowing performance in elite female rowersInt J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab.(2002 Sep)
    16. Hemoglobin - Brinkworth GD, Buckley JDBovine colostrum supplementation does not affect plasma buffer capacity or haemoglobin content in elite female rowersEur J Appl Physiol.(2004 Mar)
    17. Upper Respiratory Tract Infection Symptoms - Crooks CV, Wall CR, Cross ML, Rutherfurd-Markwick KJThe effect of bovine colostrum supplementation on salivary IgA in distance runnersInt J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab.(2006 Feb)
    18. Upper Respiratory Tract Infection Symptoms - Crooks C, Cross ML, Wall C, Ali AEffect of bovine colostrum supplementation on respiratory tract mucosal defenses in swimmersInt J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab.(2010 Jun)
    19. IGF-1 - Mero A, Kähkönen J, Nykänen T, Parviainen T, Jokinen I, Takala T, Nikula T, Rasi S, Leppäluoto JIGF-I, IgA, and IgG responses to bovine colostrum supplementation during trainingJ Appl Physiol (1985).(2002 Aug)
    20. IGF-1 - A Mero, H Miikkulainen, J Riski, R Pakkanen, J Aalto, T TakalaEffects of bovine colostrum supplementation on serum IGF-I, IgG, hormone, and saliva IgA during trainingJ Appl Physiol (1985).(1997 Oct)
    21. Immunoglobulin M - He F, Tuomola E, Arvilommi H, Salminen SModulation of human humoral immune response through orally administered bovine colostrumFEMS Immunol Med Microbiol.(2001 Aug)
    22. Immunity - Wolvers DA, van Herpen-Broekmans WM, Logman MH, van der Wielen RP, Albers REffect of a mixture of micronutrients, but not of bovine colostrum concentrate, on immune function parameters in healthy volunteers: a randomized placebo-controlled studyNutr J.(2006 Nov 21)
    23. Natural Killer Cell Content - Jensen GS, Patel D, Benson KFA novel extract from bovine colostrum whey supports innate immune functions. II. Rapid changes in cellular immune function in humansPrev Med.(2012 May)
    24. Diarrhea Symptoms - Tacket CO, Losonsky G, Livio S, Edelman R, Crabb J, Freedman DLack of prophylactic efficacy of an enteric-coated bovine hyperimmune milk product against enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli challenge administered during a standard mealJ Infect Dis.(1999 Dec)
    25. Fatigue Symptoms - Florén CH, Chinenye S, Elfstrand L, Hagman C, Ihse IColoPlus, a new product based on bovine colostrum, alleviates HIV-associated diarrhoeaScand J Gastroenterol.(2006 Jun)
    26. Fatigue Symptoms - Kaducu FO, Okia SA, Upenytho G, Elfstrand L, Florén CHEffect of bovine colostrum-based food supplement in the treatment of HIV-associated diarrhea in Northern Uganda: a randomized controlled trialIndian J Gastroenterol.(2011 Dec)
    27. Diarrhea Symptoms - P D Greenberg, J P CelloTreatment of severe diarrhea caused by Cryptosporidium parvum with oral bovine immunoglobulin concentrate in patients with AIDSJ Acquir Immune Defic Syndr Hum Retrovirol.(1996 Dec 1)
    28. Diarrhea Symptoms - Rump JA, Arndt R, Arnold A, Bendick C, Dichtelmüller H, Franke M, Helm EB, Jäger H, Kampmann B, Kolb PTreatment of diarrhoea in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients with immunoglobulins from bovine colostrumClin Investig.(1992 Jul)
    29. CD4 Lymphocytes - Byakwaga H, Kelly M, Purcell DF, French MA, Amin J, Lewin SR, Haskelberg H, Kelleher AD, Garsia R, Boyd MA, Cooper DA, Emery S, CORAL Study GroupIntensification of antiretroviral therapy with raltegravir or addition of hyperimmune bovine colostrum in HIV-infected patients with suboptimal CD4+ T-cell response: a randomized controlled trialJ Infect Dis.(2011 Nov 15)
    30. Muscle Mass - Lund P, Sangild PT, Aunsholt L, Hartmann B, Holst JJ, Mortensen J, Mortensen PB, Jeppesen PBRandomised controlled trial of colostrum to improve intestinal function in patients with short bowel syndromeEur J Clin Nutr.(2012 Sep)
    31. Ketone Bodies - Kim JH, Jung WS, Choi NJ, Kim DO, Shin DH, Kim YJHealth-promoting effects of bovine colostrum in Type 2 diabetic patients can reduce blood glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride and ketonesJ Nutr Biochem.(2009 Apr)
    32. Testosterone - Shing CM, Peake JM, Suzuki K, Jenkins DG, Coombes JSA pilot study: bovine colostrum supplementation and hormonal and autonomic responses to competitive cyclingJ Sports Med Phys Fitness.(2013 Oct)
    33. Intestinal Permeability - Playford RJ, MacDonald CE, Calnan DP, Floyd DN, Podas T, Johnson W, Wicks AC, Bashir O, Marchbank TCo-administration of the health food supplement, bovine colostrum, reduces the acute non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced increase in intestinal permeabilityClin Sci (Lond).(2001 Jun)
    34. Immunoglobulin A - Patıroğlu T, Kondolot MThe effect of bovine colostrum on viral upper respiratory tract infections in children with immunoglobulin A deficiencyClin Respir J.(2013 Jan)
    35. Upper Respiratory Tract Infection Symptoms - Brinkworth GD, Buckley JDConcentrated bovine colostrum protein supplementation reduces the incidence of self-reported symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection in adult malesEur J Nutr.(2003 Aug)
    36. Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms - Khan Z, Macdonald C, Wicks AC, Holt MP, Floyd D, Ghosh S, Wright NA, Playford RJUse of the 'nutriceutical', bovine colostrum, for the treatment of distal colitis: results from an initial studyAliment Pharmacol Ther.(2002 Nov)
    37. Upper Respiratory Tract Infection Symptoms - Lindbaek M, Thom E, Fuglerud P, Hjortdahl P[Do colostrum tablets have a symptomatic effect on sore throat?]Tidsskr Nor Laegeforen.(2004 Dec 16)