Colostrum (Bovine)
The first milk a cow produces after birth — packed with immunoglobulins, growth factors, and lactoferrin that support gut barrier and immune function.
Strong for: reducing upper respiratory infection rate in athletes, NSAID-induced gut permeability, infectious diarrhea (especially in children). Moderate for gut barrier / leaky gut, exercise recovery. Effects: 2–8 weeks.
Bovine colostrum is what a calf gets in its first 24 hours of life. It's dense in immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, IgM), antimicrobial peptides (lactoferrin, lactoperoxidase), growth factors (IGF-1, TGF-β, EGF), and other bioactives that prime the immune system and seal the gut barrier. Bovine colostrum survives human digestion intact and confers similar benefits across species. Used in leaky gut protocols, athletic recovery, immune support, and (controversially) for its growth-factor content. Quality varies enormously — look for certified low-heat-processed colostrum from grass-fed cows.
- Form
- Low-heat-processed bovine colostrum standardised to ≥25% IgG content. Brands: Sovereign Laboratories, Symbiotics, ARMRA.
- Dose
- 1–6 g/day (read label — standard IgG content varies). 3 g/day is typical for general use.
- Timing
- Empty stomach (away from meals — protein in food can compete). AM or pre/post workout.
- Schedule
- Daily for 4–12 weeks for gut barrier protocols. Ongoing as immune / recovery support.
- Side effects
- Generally well-tolerated. Mild GI upset (gas, loose stool) in first week. Dairy / lactose sensitivity (colostrum has some lactose, less than milk).
- Interactions
- Generally clean. Theoretical: contains IGF-1 — concerns mostly theoretical for hormone-sensitive contexts.
- Contraindications
- Dairy allergy (true milk protein allergy — colostrum still contains casein and whey). Lactose intolerance (relative — small amount, may still bother sensitive guts). Active hormone-sensitive cancers (theoretical IGF-1 caution).
- Lab markers
- Not standard. Functional gut markers (zonulin, calprotectin) in research / clinical use.
- Food sources
- Cow's colostrum is the source. Not present in mature dairy in meaningful amounts. Some Asian cultures consume buffalo colostrum directly.
Pairs with
L-glutamine, zinc carnosine, slippery elm (gut barrier stack). Probiotics (additive gut effects). Lactoferrin (also in colostrum naturally).
within Probiotics & gut