Dried Bovine Colostrum
Also known as: Bovine colostrum, BCC, Bovine colostrum concentrate, Cow milk colostrum, Early milk, Hyperimmune milk, Immune milk, Lactobin, Lactoferrin, LC2N, Bovine Colostrum
Overview
Bovine colostrum is the first form of milk produced by cows after giving birth, typically within the first few days. It is a nutrient-rich fluid containing high levels of immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG), growth factors, antimicrobial peptides, and anti-inflammatory compounds. As a dietary supplement, bovine colostrum is used to support immune function, reduce gastrointestinal permeability, and enhance athletic performance. It is also explored for managing conditions like HIV-associated diarrhea and chemotherapy-induced mucositis. Research on bovine colostrum is ongoing, with studies examining its effects on upper respiratory tract infections, gut health, and immune response. While some studies show promising results, more well-designed, randomized, and placebo-controlled clinical trials are needed to fully understand its benefits and optimal usage. The quality of available evidence varies, with some studies limited by small sample sizes and methodological constraints. Bovine colostrum is available in various forms, including powders and capsules.
Benefits
Bovine colostrum offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily related to immune function and gut health. It has been shown to reduce the frequency and severity of upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs), particularly in pre-school children, with studies reporting a 31% reduction in days with URTI symptoms. Bovine colostrum can also decrease intestinal hyperpermeability in athletes and critically ill adults, as demonstrated by reduced stool concentrations of zonulin. While its impact on serum immunoglobulins and lymphocytes in physically active individuals may be minimal, it can still provide immune support through direct antimicrobial effects and suppression of gut inflammation. Some studies suggest it may help reduce exercise-induced gastrointestinal damage and the peak severity of oral mucositis in children undergoing chemotherapy. Benefits can often be observed within a few weeks of supplementation.
How it works
Bovine colostrum works through multiple biological pathways. Its immunoglobulins and immune-boosting factors enhance both innate and acquired immune responses. Anti-microbial peptides, growth factors, and anti-inflammatory compounds help maintain gut integrity, reduce inflammation, and suppress endotoxins. In the gastrointestinal system, it exerts direct antimicrobial effects, promotes mucosal integrity, and supports tissue repair. In the immune system, it neutralizes pathogens and modulates immune responses. Immunoglobulins like IgA and IgG bind to and neutralize pathogens, while antimicrobial peptides directly inhibit microbial growth. Growth factors promote tissue repair and regeneration. The bioavailability of bovine colostrum components varies, but the presence of growth factors and immunoglobulins in the bloodstream after supplementation indicates effective absorption.
Side effects
Bovine colostrum is generally well-tolerated, with minimal adverse effects when obtained from reliable sources and prepared using good manufacturing practices. Common side effects (occurring in >5% of users) include minor gastrointestinal complaints such as nausea, flatulence, and diarrhea, as well as an unpleasant taste and skin rash. Uncommon side effects (1-5%) are not well-documented, but individuals allergic to dairy products may experience more severe gastrointestinal symptoms. Rare side effects (<1%) are also not well-documented. No significant drug interactions have been reported. Bovine colostrum is contraindicated in individuals with milk allergies. Due to a lack of safety and efficacy data, it is recommended to avoid use during pregnancy and lactation. Caution is advised in individuals with dairy allergies or intolerances. It is important to source bovine colostrum from reputable manufacturers to minimize the risk of contamination and ensure product safety.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose of bovine colostrum varies depending on the application, with doses as low as 1 g/day used for specific outcomes like reducing gastrointestinal permeability. Optimal dosage ranges include up to 60 g/day for up to 12 weeks for athletic enhancement. For gastrointestinal health, doses of 20 g/day for 14 days or 1.7 g/kg/day for 7 days have been used. There is no established maximum safe dose, but doses above 60 g/day are not commonly studied or recommended. Timing can vary based on the specific use case; pre-exercise supplementation may help reduce exercise-induced gastrointestinal damage. The form of supplementation (e.g., powder, capsules) should be chosen based on individual preferences, ensuring the product is from a reliable source and prepared using good manufacturing practices. Absorption can be influenced by the form of the supplement and individual digestive health.
FAQs
Is bovine colostrum safe?
Bovine colostrum is generally safe when obtained from reliable sources and prepared using good manufacturing practices. However, individuals with dairy allergies should avoid it due to the risk of allergic reactions.
When should I take bovine colostrum?
The timing of administration depends on the specific use case. It may be taken before exercise to reduce gastrointestinal damage or as part of a daily regimen to support immune function.
What results can I expect from taking bovine colostrum?
Users may experience reduced frequency and severity of URTIs, improved gut health, and potential benefits in athletic performance and recovery with consistent bovine colostrum supplementation.
Does bovine colostrum significantly enhance athletic performance?
While bovine colostrum may offer some benefits for athletic performance, it is more reliably associated with immune support and gut health benefits rather than a significant enhancement across all athletic metrics.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32276466/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 10 RCTs involving 239 athletes and physically active adults found that bovine colostrum supplementation had a minimal impact on improving serum immunoglobulins, lymphocytes, and neutrophils. The study highlights the need for more robust research to fully understand the mechanisms and benefits of bovine colostrum supplementation in this population, given the limitations of small sample sizes and methodological inconsistencies in the included studies.
- https://www.drugs.com/npp/bovine-colostrum.html – This source provides general information on bovine colostrum, including its uses, benefits, and potential side effects. It serves as a broad overview, but lacks specific details on study methodologies and outcomes, emphasizing the need for more targeted research to validate its therapeutic potential.
- https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/14/12/2512 – This systematic review focuses on the effects of bovine colostrum on gut permeability in athletes. The review concludes that bovine colostrum reduces intestinal hyperpermeability in athletes, contributing to improved gut health. It also calls for well-designed, randomized, and placebo-controlled clinical trials to assess therapeutic potential and optimal dosing.
- https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/15/16/3626 – This study investigates the effects of bovine colostrum supplementation on upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) in medical university students. The randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial found that bovine colostrum supplementation significantly decreased the frequency and severity of URTIs and improved daily well-being perception in this high-risk population with minimal side effects.
- https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/15/8/1925 – This study examined the effects of bovine colostrum on upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) in pre-school children. The study found a significant reduction in days with URTI symptoms and a reduction in URTI gravity scores over 20 weeks, demonstrating the efficacy of bovine colostrum in reducing URTIs in this population.
Supplements Containing Dried Bovine Colostrum
Healthy Immune Seasonal Immune Support
NOW
Colostrum 500 mg
NOW
Super Colostrum 500 mg
NOW
Colostrum 500 mg
NOW
Colostrum Powder
NOW
Colostrum 500 mg
NOW
Colostrum 500 mg
New Sun
Absolute Colostrum
California Academy of Health
Super Colostrum 500 mg
NOW