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Bovine colostrum (BC) is the early or pre-milk produced by female cows post-calving for their offspring. As a rich source of bioactive components, including immunoglobulins, lactoferrin, and growth factors, colostrum helps give calves a jumpstart in life. It also has potential therapeutic use in both human disease and health, having been the subject of significant scientific research in the past four decades. This article will examine the various uses for BC and where appropriate, offer dosing recommendations.

Gastrointestinal Disorders

Gastrointestinal disorders such as gastroenteritis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and leaky gut syndrome have been studied extensively in the context of BC administration. Raymond Playford, MD is one of the pioneers in bovine colostrum research as it applies to gastrointestinal disorders in humans. Some of his earliest research trials involved patients with NSAID-induced gut injury. Patients who took 125ml of BC twice a day showed marked reductions in intestinal permeability (aka ‘leaky gut’), compared to placebo.1,2

Bovine colostrum’s role in managing various gastrointestinal disorders is thought to be due to its rich composition of immunoglobulins, growth factors, and other bioactive molecules – all of which help heal delicate GI tissue, remediate leaky gut, and neutralize gut-based pathogens.

Leaky Gut Syndrome

Leaky gut, or intestinal permeability, refers to a common condition where the lining of the small intestine becomes damaged, causing undigested food particles and proteins, toxic waste products, and bacteria to “leak” through the intestines and enter the bloodstream where they don’t belong. Growth factors in bovine colostrum, such as Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) and Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF), may help repair the delicate intestinal lining, strengthen the tight junctions between intestinal cells, and thus, reduce permeability.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

IBS is a common disorder that affects the large intestine. It is characterized by a group of moderate to severe symptoms, including cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea or constipation, or both. While the exact cause of IBS is unknown, it’s thought to be the result of increased gut sensitivity and altered gut motility, possibly influenced by factors like infections, inflammation, and changes in gut flora. Research has demonstrated the potential benefit of BC supplementation.3

Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation of the digestive tract, leading to severe diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, and malnutrition. The immunoregulatory and anti-inflammatory properties of bovine colostrum could potentially help manage this condition and improve patients’ quality of life. BC appears to be a feasible and preferred treatment option in pediatric Crohn’s disease.4

Gastritis and Peptic Ulcers

Gastritis and peptic ulcers are common gastrointestinal disorders characterized by the inflammation and erosion of the stomach lining. Colostrum has shown promise in these areas due to its immunomodulatory properties and the presence of growth factors, which may help repair the stomach and intestinal lining. Colostral antibodies and lactoferrin may help neutralize H. pylori, which causes the majority of peptic ulcers.5,6

SUMMARY: Given the diverse potential benefits of bovine colostrum on gastrointestinal health, more extensive clinical trials are warranted to better understand the exact mechanisms and most appropriate dosing. As with any dietary supplement, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before initiating bovine colostrum supplementation for gastrointestinal disorders. People with milk protein allergies should not consume BC due to the anaphylactic potential.

Immune Modulation

BC has been found to boost immunity, particularly in those with weakened immune systems (i.e., preterm infants, individuals with autoimmune diseases, the elderly), as well as healthy adults engaging in intense physical activity.7,8

Athletes are prone to upper respiratory tract infections, especially distance runners and cyclists. A study of highly trained cyclists showed that taking 10 grams of bovine colostrum daily led to a significant reduction in the number of days with respiratory symptoms.9 Intense exercise also precipitates an increase in intestinal permeability, so BC helps ameliorate this.10

SUMMARY: Exercise is beneficial and almost universally recommended, but endurance activity or strenuous acute exercise and physical training can have unwanted outcomes, including decreased immunity, inflammation, oxidative stress, organ injury, and fatigue. An all-natural substance such as bovine colostrum offers some protection and can assist with recovery from these harmful effects. One drawback to the research is that the sample size is typically low, so larger clinical trials are needed.

Joint and Muscle Conditions

Joint and muscle conditions like arthritis and muscle damage due to strenuous physical activity may also benefit from regular bovine colostrum supplementation. The underlying goal is to preserve mobility, improve recovery, limit bedrest, thereby improving quality of life, especially in an aging population.

Arthritis

The hallmark symptoms of the various arthritic conditions are inflammation and degenerative changes to the joint tissues, which lead to chronic pain and impaired function. Despite a lack of studies, BC’s anti-inflammatory action may help relieve pain, allowing patients to be more active. Animal models have demonstrated lower inflammatory markers in mice with rheumatoid arthritis. Growth factors may help stimulate tissue repair and regeneration with weight bearing exercise; this could potentially help older adults with osteoarthritis.

Muscle Damage and Recovery

Intense or prolonged exercise can cause muscle damage, leading to inflammation, pain, and impaired performance. BC is a rich source of growth factors, including insulin-like growth factor 1 and transforming growth factor beta 1. IGF-1 and TGF-β1 have independently been shown to aid in tissue repair and recovery.11,12

A study of competitive soccer players received 3.2 grams of BC daily for 6 weeks which reduced exercise-induced muscle damage and improved performance on the Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Test.13 This study showed that a relatively low dose of BC was able to elicit results. Current athletic studies utilize a dose of 20 grams/day, which has become the accepted amount to induce the desired benefits.14

SUMMARY: Given the variability of conditions and individual responses, it is important for anyone considering BC supplementation to consult with a healthcare provider. If the goal is athletic performance, a team physician or trainer should provide guidance on optimized supplementation. While the existing research suggests beneficial effects of BC on joint and muscle health, larger-scale human trials are needed to further investigate and confirm these findings, and to determine supplementation guidelines.

Skin Health

Topical application of BC has shown promise in wound healing. When applied in a bandage dressing, BC accelerated healing better and, in less time, than a traditional dressing.15 Colostrum’s antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, could potentially keep wound infections at bay while stimulating the skin repair processes with the help of the growth factors.16 In addition to skin/wound healing benefits, BC’s rich nutritional and bioactive profile may also benefit the visual appearance and health of skin, hair, and nails

Skin

Beyond topical wound repair, BC may also have broader implications for skin health, including aesthetics. The growth factors in BC may help to promote skin health and combat the signs of aging.17, 18 Oral ingestion and topical application could offer combined results.

Hair

The presence of essential nutrients, proteins, and growth factors in BC could potentially contribute to hair health and offer a non-surgical alternative.19 Although direct research on BC’s effects on human hair health is currently limited, IGF-1 and EGF, generally speaking, are thought to promote hair growth and thickness.20 More research is needed to determine whether successful results in animal models transfer to humans, and to establish an effective dose..

Nails

Nails require adequate protein, vitamins, and minerals for optimal growth and strength. Given BC’s rich nutritional profile, it is plausible that supplementation might benefit nail health. However, as with hair health, research specifically linking BC to nail health is scant. Further studies are needed to validate this potential benefit and establish effective dosages.

SUMMARY: It is important to remember that individual responses to BC can vary greatly. Therefore, any supplementation should be guided by a healthcare provider. The potential benefits to skin, hair, and nail health provide additional justification for further research into BC’s broad-spectrum health and beauty-promoting properties.

Women’s Health

Women’s health encompasses a range of topics from reproductive health to conditions more commonly found or uniquely present in women during and after menopause. Bovine colostrum shows potential in several areas, although the research is still nascent.

Reproductive Health & Sexual Function

Sexually-active women and those of childbearing age can experience vaginal dryness and discomfort during sexual intercourse. A randomized clinical trial with a BC-based vaginal gel showed improvement (decreased discomfort) after 11 days of use compared to placebo.21 This research led to the development of a commercially-available product. Oral BC supplementation for women’s sexual health has been studied far less than topical application.

Pregnancy and Lactation

During pregnancy and lactation, women have increased nutritional needs. While bovine colostrum is rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds, safety during these life stages has not been comprehensively studied. Any supplementation, colostrum or otherwise, should be discussed with a healthcare provider to assess potential benefits and risks to the developing fetus or infant.

Menopause

As women age, the decline in estrogen during menopause can lead to various health concerns, including vaginal dryness and vulvovaginal atrophy. These issues can affect intimacy and sexual satisfaction. Topical preparations – creams, ointments, or vaginal tablets – that contain BC have become of great interest in the last 10 years.22,23 Not only have these products improved sexual function, but also increased quality of life for postmenopausal women.

Bone Health

Given the high prevalence of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, a well-rounded approach to enhancing bone health is crucial, as is taking steps to prevent bone loss prior to menopause. Animal studies have shown that BC supplementation leads to higher bone mineral content, a result of improved bone metabolism.24 As previously mentioned, some research indicates that bovine colostrum’s growth factors may help preserve or build bone tissue, particularly when combined with weight bearing/resistance exercise. As with athletes, the recommended dosing for “anti-aging” benefits is 20 grams daily.

SUMMARY: Again, it is essential to underscore the importance of consulting with one’s healthcare provider before initiating bovine colostrum supplementation. Current health status, age, and other factors can significantly influence the efficacy and safety of supplementation. While the potential benefits for women’s health are promising, further research is required to confirm these findings and establish specific dosing guidelines as determined by the specific health goal.

Conclusion

These recommendations serve as a guideline based on current research, and the article “Bovine Colostrum Applications in Sick and Healthy People: A Systematic Review.”25 and other relevant review papers served as the basis for this article.26,27 It should be noted that individual responses can vary, and what works for one person may not work for another. BC’s effects are dose-dependent, and potential users should be cognizant of any adverse reactions such as nausea, bloating, or allergic reactions. As with any supplement, it is critical to consult a healthcare provider before initiating BC therapy.

Ultimately, the optimal use of bovine colostrum as a therapeutic agent will require further rigorous, large-scale clinical trials. However, the existing body of research provides a promising basis for the continued exploration of BC’s health benefits and potential applications in disease management and prevention.

References

  1. Playford, R.J., Floyd, D.N., Macdonald, C.E., Calnan, D.P., Adenekan, R.O., Johnson, W., Goodlad, R.A., & Marchbank, T. (1999). Bovine colostrum is a health food supplement which prevents NSAID induced gut damage. Gut, 44(5), 653–658.
  2. Playford, R.J., MacDonald, C.E., Calnan, D.P., Floyd, D.N., Podas, T., Johnson, W., Wicks, A.C., Bashir, O., & Marchbank, T. (2001). Co-administration of the health food supplement, bovine colostrum, reduces the acute non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced increase in intestinal permeability. Clinical science (London, England: 1979), 100(6), 627–633.
  3. Chandwe, K., & Kelly, P. (2021). Colostrum Therapy for Human Gastrointestinal Health and Disease. Nutrients, 13(6), 1956.
  4. Allen, S.J., Belnour, S., Renji, E., Carter, B., Bray, L., Allen, A., Jones, E., Urban, B., Moule, S., Wang, D., & Playford, R.J. (2022). Dietary Therapy to Improve Nutrition and Gut Health in Paediatric Crohn’s Disease; A Feasibility Study. Nutrients, 14(21), 4598.
  5. Rokka, S., Myllykangas, S., & Joutsjoki, V. (2008). Effect of specific colostral antibodies and selected lactobacilli on the adhesion of Helicobacter pylori on AGS cells and the Helicobacter-induced IL-8 production. Scandinavian journal of immunology, 68(3), 280–286.
  6. Ciccaglione, A.F., Di Giulio, M., Di Lodovico, S., Di Campli, E., Cellini, L., & Marzio, L. (2019). Bovine lactoferrin enhances the efficacy of levofloxacin-based triple therapy as first-line treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection: an in vitro and in vivo study. The Journal of antimicrobial chemotherapy, 74(4), 1069–1077.
  7. Ghosh, S., & Iacucci, M. (2021). Diverse Immune Effects of Bovine Colostrum and Benefits in Human Health and Disease. Nutrients, 13(11), 3798.
  8. Główka, N., & Woźniewicz, M. (2019). Potential use of Colostrum Bovinum supplementation in athletes – A review. Acta scientiarum polonorum. Technologia alimentaria, 18(2), 115–123.
  9. Shing, C.M., Peake, J., Suzuki, K., Okutsu, M., Pereira, R., Stevenson, L., Jenkins, D.G., & Coombes, J.S. (2007). Effects of bovine colostrum supplementation on immune variables in highly trained cyclists. Journal of applied physiology (Bethesda, Md.: 1985), 102(3), 1113–1122.
  10. Dziewiecka, H., Buttar, H.S., Kasperska, A., Ostapiuk-Karolczuk, J., Domagalska, M., Cichoń, J., & Skarpańska-Stejnborn, A. (2022). A Systematic Review of the Influence of Bovine Colostrum Supplementation on Leaky Gut Syndrome in Athletes: Diagnostic Biomarkers and Future Directions. Nutrients, 14(12), 2512.
  11. Roberts, J.H., & Halper, J. (2021). Growth Factor Roles in Soft Tissue Physiology and Pathophysiology. Advances in experimental medicine and biology, 1348, 139–159.
  12. Zhu, M., Lin Tay, M., Lim, K.S., Bolam, S.M., Tuari, D., Callon, K., Dray, M., Cornish, J., Woodfield, T.B.F., Munro, J.T., Coleman, B., & Musson, D.S. (2022). Novel Growth Factor Combination for Improving Rotator Cuff Repair: A Rat In Vivo Study. The American journal of sports medicine, 50(4), 1044–1053.
  13. Kotsis, Y., Mikellidi, A., Aresti, C., Persia, E., Sotiropoulos, A., Panagiotakos, D.B., Antonopoulou, S., & Nomikos, T. (2018). A low-dose, 6-week bovine colostrum supplementation maintains performance and attenuates inflammatory indices following a Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Test in soccer players. European journal of nutrition, 57(3), 1181–1195.
  14. Davison G. (2021). The Use of Bovine Colostrum in Sport and Exercise. Nutrients, 13(6), 1789.
  15. Kshirsagar, A.Y., Vekariya, M.A., Gupta, V., Pednekar, A.S., Mahna, A., Patankar, R., Shaikh, A., & Nagur, B. (2015). A comparative study of colostrum dressing versus conventional dressing in deep wounds. Journal of clinical and diagnostic research: JCDR, 9(4), PC01–PC4.
  16. Kaur, T., Joshi, A., & Singh, N. (2022). Natural cocktail of bioactive factors conjugated on nanofibrous dressing for improved wound healing. Biomaterials advances, 143, 213163.
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  18. Han, G., Kim, H., Kim, D.E., Ahn, Y., Kim, J., Jang, Y.J., Kim, K., Yang, Y., & Kim, S.H. (2022). The Potential of Bovine Colostrum-Derived Exosomes to Repair Aged and Damaged Skin Cells. Pharmaceutics, 14(2), 307.
  19. Kim, H., Jang, Y., Kim, E.H., Jang, H., Cho, H., Han, G., Song, H.K., Kim, S.H., & Yang, Y. (2022). Potential of Colostrum-Derived Exosomes for Promoting Hair Regeneration Through the Transition From Telogen to Anagen Phase. Frontiers in cell and developmental biology, 10, 815205.
  20. Zhao, B., Li, J., Chen, Q., Yang, N., Bao, Z., Hu, S., Chen, Y., & Wu, X. (2020). A Treatment Combination of IGF and EGF Promotes Hair Growth in the Angora Rabbit. Genes, 12(1), 24.
  21. Nappi, R.E., Benedetto, C., Campolo, F., Martella, S., Tosti, C., Cianci, A., Caruso, S., Guaschino, S., Grimaldi, E., Bagolan, M., & Sardina, M. (2016). Efficacy, tolerability and safety of a new medical device, Monurelle Biogel(®) vaginal gel, in the treatment of vaginal dryness: a randomized clinical trial in women of reproductive age. European journal of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology, 203, 82–88.
  22. Nappi, R.E., Cagnacci, A., Becorpi, A.M., Nappi, C., Paoletti, A.M., Busacca, M., Martella, S., Bellafronte, M., Tredici, Z., Di Carlo, C., Corda, V., Vignali, M., Bagolan, M., & Sardina, M. (2017). Monurelle Biogel® vaginal gel in the treatment of vaginal dryness in postmenopausal women. Climacteric : the Journal of the International Menopause Society, 20(5), 467–475.
  23. Schiavi, M.C., Di Tucci, C., Colagiovanni, V., Faiano, P., Giannini, A., D’Oria, O., Prata, G., Perniola, G., Monti, M., Zullo, M.A., Muzii, L., & Benedetti Panici, P. (2019). A medical device containing purified bovine colostrum (Monurelle Biogel) in the treatment of vulvovaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women: Retrospective analysis of urinary symptoms, sexual function, and quality of life. Lower urinary tract symptoms, 11(2), O11–O15.
  24. Kydonaki, E.K., Freitas, L., Fonseca, B.M., Reguengo, H., Raposo Simón, C., Bastos, A.R., Fernandes, E.M., Canadas, R.F., Oliveira, J.M., Correlo, V.M., Reis, R.L., Vliora, M., Gkiata, P., Koutedakis, Y., Ntina, G., Pinto, R., Carrillo, A.E., Marques, F., & Amorim, T. (2021). Bovine Colostrum Supplementation Improves Bone Metabolism in an Osteoporosis-Induced Animal Model. Nutrients, 13(9), 2981.
  25. Guberti, M., Botti, S., Capuzzo, M.T., Nardozi, S., Fusco, A., Cera, A., Dugo, L., Piredda, M., & De Marinis, M. G. (2021). Bovine Colostrum Applications in Sick and Healthy People: A Systematic Review. Nutrients, 13(7), 2194.
  26. Arslan, A., Kaplan, M., Duman, H., Bayraktar, A., Ertürk, M., Henrick, B. M., Frese, S.A., & Karav, S. (2021). Bovine Colostrum and Its Potential for Human Health and Nutrition. Frontiers in nutrition, 8, 651721.
  27. Playford R. J. (2021). The Use of Bovine Colostrum in Medical Practice and Human Health: Current Evidence and Areas Requiring Further Examination. Nutrients, 14(1), 92.