Bovine colostrum, the first milk produced by cows after giving birth, is gaining attention as a human dietary supplement promoted by wellness influencers for gut health, immune support, skin tone, hair growth, and energy. Cows produce more colostrum than their calves require, and the excess is collected, pasteurized, dried, and packaged for human consumption.

Current research on bovine colostrum indicates potential benefits for gut health but remains in early stages. Preliminary human studies suggest it may improve certain forms of inflammatory bowel syndrome, gastroenteritis, upper respiratory tract infections, and stunting in children.

Raymond Playford, a gastroenterologist at the University of West London and medical director of PanTheryx—a company that produces and distributes colostrum—has studied bovine colostrum for more than 30 years. "It helps stabilize the gut, strengthen it, stop it being leaky going forward, sealing it," Playford said. "In humans, we can definitely say that it does have an effect on the human gut." Playford coauthored a small pilot study reporting that colostrum reduces some gastrointestinal side effects of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, such as acid reflux and bloating. He cautioned that people with a milk allergy should avoid colostrum, stating, "If you suffer from a milk allergy, then you shouldn't do it. But if you can take milk, you can take colostrum."

Critics caution against overinterpreting the available evidence. "A lot of the marketing is overblown," said Rick Bloomer, a nutrition scientist and dean of the College of Health Sciences at the University of Memphis. Bloomer noted that research dosages often exceed what is listed on supplement labels and that consumers may not know the effective dose. "The consumer doesn't know what the dosing needs to be," he said. He recommended prioritizing physical activity, a wholesome diet, and sufficient sleep for gut and immune health, adding, "To think that I can use a supplement but ignore those other factors is a big mistake."

Elyce Shapiro, a Chicago-based licensed dietician nutritionist, emphasized that colostrum studies have focused on specific populations over short periods, such as elite athletes or those with medical conditions. "I just don't think that we know enough yet," she said. While acknowledging its low safety risk—"From a safety profile, I don't have a problem with it. I think it has one of the lower risks of some of the other products out there," she said—Shapiro stressed that supplements alone rarely solve complex health issues.