Wellness influencers, celebrities, and social media personalities are increasingly pushing the supposed benefits of bovine colostrum supplements. Dubbed “liquid gold,” these supplements are derived from the first milk a cow produces immediately after giving birth. This early milk is loaded with antibodies, proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, all of which are crucial in helping newborn calves build their immune systems, grow stronger, and remain healthy. The growing popularity of bovine colostrum in the human wellness market, however, has raised some eyebrows.
Humans also produce colostrum after childbirth, and this early thick breast milk is packed with nutrients and antibodies to protect newborns from infections. However, despite both humans and cows producing colostrum, the two are quite different in terms of their composition and intended benefits. Human colostrum is specifically designed to support human infants, while bovine colostrum is naturally suited to benefit newborn calves. In bovine colostrum, IgG is the dominant immunoglobulin, whereas in human colostrum, IgA takes precedence. In general, bovine colostrum contains higher levels of immunoglobulins, lactoferrin, and overall protein content compared to its human counterpart.
Despite these differences, bovine colostrum supplements are gaining popularity in the human supplement industry, with proponents claiming they can boost immunity, improve gut health, enhance athletic performance, and speed up recovery. Yet, unlike the well-documented benefits of human colostrum for newborns, the research supporting the use of bovine colostrum for adult humans is, at best, mixed and limited. According to dietitians and researchers, the evolutionary evidence behind bovine colostrum’s health claims for humans remains largely unproven.
Advocates of bovine colostrum often cite its rich content of immuno-active compounds, such as enzymes, cytokines, and immunoglobulins. Some studies suggest that these components might help increase the body’s ability to fight respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. For example, a 2024 narrative review examined data from newborns to adults and suggested that bovine colostrum supplementation may offer some immune support. However, much of the available research, such as a small 2006 study on male distance runners, is limited by sample size, population specificity, and reliance on self-reported data.
While these studies might show an improvement in certain immune biomarkers, this doesn’t necessarily translate to fewer days of illness or other tangible benefits. Experts remain cautious, noting that while bovine colostrum is rich in immune-boosting elements like IgG, more research is needed to determine its true impact on adult human immunity. The evidence is far from conclusive, and claims about its benefits should be taken with a healthy dose of skepticism. Researchers caution that without more randomized studies and better control for external factors, it’s hard to apply these findings to the broader population.
