Bovine colostrum, the nutrient-rich milky fluid produced by cows after giving birth, is one of the latest wellness crazes to cause a buzz on social media. Sometimes called "miracle milk," bovine colostrum's benefits are important for newborn calves. But recently, a number of adult humans are turning to bovine colostrum supplements in pill and powder form.
Proponents and manufacturers of bovine colostrum supplements claim it can enhance gut health, boost the immune system, prevent skin aging and improve exercise performance, among other things.
This article delves into the world of bovine colostrum, exploring its potential benefits, risks, and whether it lives up to the hype.
What is Bovine Colostrum?
Colostrum is the first nourishment expressed from the mammary glands of a mammal, immediately and up to a few days after giving birth. It’s dubbed “liquid gold” and, for a newborn infant, it provides crucial antibodies and sustenance when the lining of their stomach and intestines are most permeable. There’s a sharp cutoff for the window of benefits here: Many mammals stop producing colostrum two to five days after giving birth, which is about when an infant’s stomach is ready to digest milk.
Colostrum is the milk produced by humans and other mammals in the first few days after giving birth, Dr. Nate Wood, an instructor of medicine at the Yale School of Medicine and chef, tells TODAY.com. When it's from a cow, it's called bovine colostrum. The thick liquid is formed in the mammary glands during pregnancy and secreted from the breasts after delivery. However, colostrum is different from breastmilk. "Colostrum contains more antibodies, immune cells and growth factors," says Wood.
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Antibodies and immune cells are produced by the immune system and help protect against infections, and growth factors are special hormones that stimulate growth, he explains. The high concentrations of antibodies and immune cells in colostrum are important because newborns have an immature immune system that predisposes them to infections, Wood adds.
Human colostrum contains important macronutrients (protein, fat, and carbohydrates), micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) and antioxidants, which help nourish newborns in their first days, according to the Cleveland Clinic. These include vitamin A, calcium, magnesium, copper, zinc, and carotenoids. The fluid's deep orange or golden color, along with its benefits for newborns, is why it's often dubbed "liquid gold". It also comes in limited supply - colostrum turns into breastmilk with within two to five days, per the Cleveland Clinic.
Bovine colostrum is similarly packed with nutrients, antibodies, antimicrobial proteins and growth factors, which support and protect newborn calves, Beth Czerwony, a registered dietitian at Cleveland Clinic‘s Digestive Disease Institute, tells TODAY.com.
Bovine Colostrum for Humans: A Historical Perspective
Humans have been consuming and using bovine colostrum for a variety of purposes for centuries. Increasingly, it’s being sold over-the-counter as a dietary supplement. "There's no way humans are able to produce enough colostrum to be able to use as a supplement, so (people) turn to cows because they're higher producers," says Czerwony.
During the advent of industrial-scale dairy production in England in the 18th century, you could happen upon surplus “beestings” if you knew a dairy farmer. And in South Asia, kharvas is a thick pudding-like confection made from cheekh-cow or buffalo colostrum. But because it’s difficult to come by, many copycat recipes attempt to recreate its richness with cream or condensed milk.
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After it's collected, bovine colostrum is pasteurized, processed, and packaged, says Czerwony. Consumers can find it sold in liquid, powder, pill and tablet form. Hyperimmune bovine colostrum is a special type of colostrum from cows that have been vaccinated against certain diseases - it’s rich in antibodies that fight various viral and bacterial infections, per the National Institutes of Health.
New-gen bovine colostrum supplements-from brands such as Miracle Moo, Armra, Heart & Soil, Elm & Rye among others-sell colostrum in powdered or pill form, usually processed by pasteurizing and freeze-drying. Though, without FDA regulations or standards for dietary supplements, its processing can vary widely from company to company.
The Claimed Benefits: Separating Fact from Fiction
"In newborns, (human) colostrum can help to prevent infections and to stimulate growth, but recently, more and more adult humans have started taking bovine colostrum supplements," says Wood. The idea is that the bovine colostrum will have the same effects and help boost the immune system, build strength and support other bodily functions.
As of now, the current research on bovine colostrum is just not good enough for us to draw any conclusions," says Wood. The results of many studies on bovine colostrum in humans are mixed. "Some studies report benefits, and other studies report no benefits … (but) most are very small and/or not very strong," says Wood, adding that it's an active area of research.
Gut Health
One of the most popular uses of bovine colostrum is for digestion and gut health, says Czerwony. Many claim that the supplements can prevent diarrhea or help with gastrointestinal conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease and colitis.
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There is some evidence from small human and animal studies to suggest that bovine colostrum supplements may enhance gut health by reducing inflammation and lowering gut permeability. Several trials have shown that hyperimmune bovine colostrum may help prevent or shorten the duration of diarrhea in children and adults. Early research suggests that bovine colostrum may also reduce diarrhea associated with HIV/AIDS. One study found that bovine colostrum enemas, which are inserted into the rectum, may have beneficial effects for people with mild to moderate distal colitis, but more research is needed.
However, many of the studies investigating the benefits of bovine colostrum have been conducted in rats or in-vitro (in a test tube), as opposed to humans. A 2024 review found some mixed results in relief from diarrhea and abdominal pain.
Immune Function
Another common use of bovine colostrum is for immune function, the experts note. There is strong evidence that bovine colostrum helps build and support the immune systems of newborn calves, but can the antibody-rich liquid do the same for adult humans?
“It does seem possible - at least in theory - that taking bovine colostrum supplements could help prevent people from getting sick as often,” says Wood. Unfortunately, the research to date is not strong enough to back this claim up, he adds.
A 2022 systemic review that analyzed data from 445 participants across 7 trials found that bovine colostrum supplementation may reduce the incidence of upper respiratory tract infections, but more extensive research is needed. Another review published in 2021 found that while the beneficial immune effects of bovine colostrum have been demonstrated in animals, the evidence that it can enhance the immune system to defend against infections in humans is lacking. A review of seven studies show that it may have some benefits for upper respiratory tract infections, though there isn’t a thorough understanding on the exact pathology.
Exercise Performance
Bovine colostrum is popular among athletes who claim it can help improve performance, build strength and speed up recovery, says Czerwony. Despite these anecdotal reports, the studies that have investigated bovine colostrum's effects on exercise in humans have been inconclusive so far.
A narrative review published in the journal Nutrients in 2021, which analyzes previous research on bovine colostrum and exercise, found that there was some positive evidence of the beneficial effects of bovine colostrum on physical performance and recovery, but the evidence remains minimal at present. “The average adult who takes a bovine colostrum supplement will not notice any difference in how they feel or function,” says Wood.
Skin Health
Proponents on social media tout bovine colostrum as a skin health supplement. Many claim the nutrients and growth factors in bovine colostrum can improve skin elasticity, reverse signs of aging, and support skin regeneration and wound healing. Unfortunately, there's not enough rigorous scientific evidence that ingesting bovine colostrum or applying it topically can do any of these things, the experts note. “We really can’t say for sure whether or not bovine colostrum has any meaningful benefits,” says Wood.
Miracle Moo: A Deep Dive
Earlier this year, some bizarre videos were put out claiming people had been hospitalized after using Whey and other types of protein powders. The only cure? Miracle Moo. It’s doubtful at best, and at worst, freaking STRANGE. While I don’t see myself using Miracle Moo- or anything with immunolin for that matter- I’m still curious AF. So, without further adieu, here is my Miracle Moo deep dive. Miracle Moo uses colostrum containing immunolin, which is a substance collected from cow udders directly after they’ve given birth. It reminds me of the whole placenta capsules craze, but hey. Colostrum is most beneficial to infants in the first few days after their birth. It helps to line their stomachs in order to properly digest milk.
Social media has been ablaze wondering whether or not this stuff actually works. While many influencer videos claim they’ve seen benefits, I’m pretty doubtful. My only real question is whether or not it’s worth it. One study I looked at said that to achieve even a tiny effect, users would need servings of 60 grams of colostrum daily. The problem? The $60 tub contains 120 grams total. The best use of colostrum has to do with the treatment of an upper respiratory condition, but even that evidence is super spotty. Is it a placebo? A trend? A marketing conspiracy? The bottom line is if you’re interested, it won’t hurt you to try it out. That said, I will not be. Anything that tries to convince people (and women in particular) that they need to “de-bloat” their stomachs isn’t something I’m particularly interested in buying.
Multiple testimonies report positive changes in gut health, hair growth, and nail strength, but there is no research to back these claims up. So take it all with a grain of salt.
Potential Side Effects and Risks
Overall there is a lack of data on the potential side effects of bovine colostrum, the experts say. Drugs.com notes that bovine colostrum can lead to mild gastrointestinal discomfort, such as nausea and gas. There can also be more severe side effects if bovine colostrum is taken by a person with a cow's milk allergy, according to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
Bovine colostrum generally appears to be safe for most people, says Czerwony - except for those with allergies or sensitivities to cow's milk, who should steer clear. Always talk to your doctor before starting a new supplement, she adds.
Overall, there is a lack of rigorous research and published data on the safety and risks of bovine colostrum supplements. "We’re not sure (about) potential safety concerns. For instance, bovine colostrum contains a specific growth factor called IGF-1. Previous research has demonstrated that IGF-1 can stimulate the growth of specific types of cancer, like prostate and breast cancer," says Wood.
What's more, the studies to date on bovine colostrum have not determined which dose is best and for whom, the experts warn. There is no recommended daily intake and no official dosage guidelines, says Czerwony. Food and Drug Administration and the nutrition labels are not approved before the products go to market. Bovine colostrum supplements may vary greatly depending on how they are sourced and processed.
In one study, 8 of 55 samples of bovine colostrum contained traces of Salmonella, a potentially harmful bacteria (26). Still, if bovine colostrum is properly pasteurized, Salmonella and other harmful bacteria should not be a concern. Always purchase colostrum supplements from a reputable source and contact the manufacturer for answers to specific questions related to sourcing and processing.
The Influence of Social Media and Marketing
The grip bovine colostrum has on lifestyle content creators is pervasive, spotlighting the power of algorithmic advertising.
For example, the more cooking content you engage with, the more cooking videos you’ll receive. In the case of bovine colostrum or other dietary supplements, you’re likely to come across the products in situations specific to your insecurities. If you’re skeptical of medical professionals, there are whole accounts devoted to AI-generated conspiracy videos that delve into a world of supposed nurses and doctors who were “fired” from their jobs for sharing the miracle of bovine colostrum with their patients. If you’re regularly engaging with weightlifting and fitness content, you may be served a video of how bovine colostrum helps with muscle recovery and regeneration. If you’re engaging with pregnancy content, a reel on how colostrum supplementation can turn your baby into “Einstein” (and also Iron Man?) may make its way to the top of your feed.
And if you’re worried about weight and engage with weight loss content, your feed might feature a profile that addresses such concerns. This Miracle-Moo-sponsored video, for example, promises that having a “little bit of floof” is in fact bloating, easily removed by three days of taking powdered colostrum supplements. (Conversation about bloating, especially for women, Nielsen notes, often drives into toxic diet culture that promotes thinness as an ideal. “It’s actually not normal for many women to have a flat stomach,” she says.)
There’s also the element that many influencers get products for free, or get paid by supplement companies. Though influencers are supposed to be publicly upfront about any money or free product they're getting from brands, they're often not. Tack on that lack of adherence to FTC disclosures and you’re in for a mess of insidious marketing and misinformation.
The challenge we get into, particularly now that we’re so video-focused, is that we create a really strong attachment to people whose face we see every day,” says Nielsen. That parasocial relationship makes us especially primed to believe what we hear from influencers. “There’s an inherent level of trust. Anything that they tell us-particularly health information-can resonate with us on a really deep level.”
With bovine colostrum, as with many dietary supplements and products, “It’s aspirational supplementation,” says Nielsen. “It’s one more way of using our money to buy our way into a lifestyle or vision of who we are and what we think we need to be.”
Dosage and Usage
When it comes to recommended dosage and usage, Czerwony says that there also isn’t a standard on how to use bovine colostrum. “It’s like the Wild West - people are taking whatever they want. We don’t know how much to take and we don’t know how long to take it for. Does it take four to six weeks to show any benefit? Are you going to see it in two weeks?” she continues. “You’re at your own risk trying this supplement.”
Alternatives to Bovine Colostrum
If you're looking to support your immune system, gain strength, or find a "vegan colostrum" alternative, the experts suggest trying evidence-based lifestyle interventions.
"I would recommend consuming a plant-forward diet full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds and legumes, and for strength, eating enough protein and resistance training at least twice per week," says Wood. Proteins like lentils, beans, salmon and nuts can help build muscle while still being heart-healthy, he adds. Getting enough sleep, exercising regularly and staying up to date with vaccinations can also help to boost the immune system.
Following an anti-inflammatory diet is good for your overall health. We know it’s good for your heart, it’s good for your gut, it’s good for your brain,” shares Czerwony. “Having a good anti-inflammatory diet, which includes the Mediterranean diet, has been shown time and time again as one of the best ways to eat.”