Colostrum basics
What Is Bovine Colostrum?
Bovine colostrum is the first milk produced by a cow after calving. Human studies have examined it in relation to digestive outcomes, including intestinal permeability.
A guide to bovine colostrum, supplement labels and human research on digestive outcomes.
What colostrum means
Colostrum is the first milk produced after birth; bovine colostrum comes from cows. It differs from mature milk, and collection and processing can change its composition. The ingredient name does not describe a finished powder’s process or predict its effects.
Researchers have studied bovine colostrum in settings that measured digestive outcomes. Those studies do not establish that a particular symptom will change. Colostrum contains milk proteins, including immunoglobulins. IgG is one type; the supplement label states the amount the maker declares for that product.
Read the specific label
Check the serving size, ingredient amounts, directions, full ingredient list and allergen statement. If the label marks a component as “included” in a larger amount, do not add it to that amount.
The Colostrum Powder label shows one 2.55 g scoop and 30 servings in a 76.5 g tub. Each serving lists 2,000 mg bovine colostrum, including 400 mg IgG, plus 50 mg bovine lactoferrin and 500 mg marshmallow root powder. The label describes the powder as unflavored and says it contains milk. Supplied directions are one scoop daily with 8 oz of water or in a hot or cold recipe. Check the package for final details. See the IYRA product details.
Compare colostrum content and other ingredients across products. Use each package’s serving size, full ingredient list and directions.
What research can and cannot tell us
Human studies have tested different products, amounts, populations and outcomes. A small 2017 placebo-controlled study followed 16 athletes in peak training for 20 days. They took 500 mg of bovine colostrum in each of two daily doses. The colostrum group had lower values on a lab test used to measure intestinal permeability. This test does not report bloating or another day-to-day symptom. Read the full 2017 study.
A 2009 study followed 30 healthy adult men through eight weeks of running training. The group taking 60 g of colostrum per day had a larger increase in the measured lactulose-to-rhamnose ratio than the whey and control groups. The study authors described that result as an increase in intestinal permeability. Read the full 2009 study.
A 2024 systematic review included 22 trials and 1,427 people across different ages, digestive conditions and colostrum preparations. Diarrhea frequency was lower in 15 of 20 intervention arms, while duration did not change in most arms. Abdominal-pain findings improved in some arms and not others; results for other symptoms were limited or unclear. The authors described the evidence as limited and mixed. Read the 2024 systematic review.
Findings vary by preparation, amount, population and outcome. A laboratory measure of intestinal permeability differs from a report of bloating or digestive comfort.
Who should take care
This product contains milk. Do not use it if you have a milk allergy. If you are pregnant or nursing, have a health condition, take medication, or have a question about whether a milk-derived supplement is suitable for you, ask a qualified health professional before use.
Follow the package directions. This guide is general education, not personal medical advice.