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Dr. Grey AI

Supplement

Colostrum

Colostrum is the antibody-rich first milk produced after birth, usually from cows in supplements, packed with immune proteins and growth factors that help protect a newborn's gut. People often look at it for digestive problems, and in short bowel syndrome, muscle mass improved in a small trial, though the evidence is limited. That study included only eight people, and research in cyclists found no clear difference in aerobic performance.

Sources: PMID 22828734

Best evidence
Grade B
Conditions studied
21
Outcomes
170
Graded outcomes
01513

Evidence by condition

  • Strong
  • Moderate
  • Limited
  • Very limited

21 conditions

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): outcomes studied for Colostrum
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
CD4 Lymphocytes

Small Increase

Improves (the measure goes up)Small effect1 study200 people

Studies that measured cd4 lymphocytes

WeightImproves (the measure goes down)5 studies121 people

Studies that measured weight

Diarrhea SymptomsImproves (the measure goes down)3 studies188 people

Studies that measured diarrhea symptoms

HemoglobinImproves (the measure goes up)1 study30 people

Studies that measured hemoglobin

Fatigue SymptomsImproves (the measure goes down)127 people
Fecal WeightImproves (the measure goes down)24 people
HIV Viral LoadImproves (the measure goes up)73 people

Short Bowel Syndrome (SBS)

Short Bowel Syndrome (SBS): outcomes studied for Colostrum
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Muscle Mass

Small Improvement

Improves (the measure goes up)Small effect1 study8 people

Studies that measured muscle mass

WeightImproves (the measure goes down)5 studies8 people

Studies that measured weight

Weight Loss & Maintenance

  • Muscle Mass: improves
  • Weight: improves
Weight Loss & Maintenance: outcomes studied for Colostrum
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Muscle Mass

Small Improvement

Improves (the measure goes up)Small effect1 study34 people

Studies that measured muscle mass

WeightImproves (the measure goes down)5 studies34 people

Studies that measured weight

Traveler's Diarrhea

  • Abdominal Pain: improves
  • Diarrhea Symptoms: improves
  • Intestinal Parasites: improves
Traveler's Diarrhea: outcomes studied for Colostrum
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Abdominal Pain

Small Improvement

Improves (the measure goes down)Small effect90 people
Diarrhea SymptomsImproves (the measure goes down)3 studies130 people

Studies that measured diarrhea symptoms

Intestinal ParasitesImproves (the measure goes up)2 studies110 people

Studies that measured intestinal parasites

High Cholesterol

  • Blood glucose: improves
  • Ketone Bodies: improves
  • Total cholesterol: improves
High Cholesterol: outcomes studied for Colostrum
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Blood glucose

Small Improvement

Improves (the measure goes down)Small effect16 people
Ketone BodiesImproves (the measure goes up)1 study16 people

Studies that measured ketone bodies

Total cholesterolImproves (the measure goes down)16 people
TriglyceridesImproves (the measure goes down)16 people

Type 2 Diabetes

  • Blood glucose: improves
  • Ketone Bodies: improves
  • Total cholesterol: improves
Type 2 Diabetes: outcomes studied for Colostrum
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Blood glucose

Small Improvement

Improves (the measure goes down)Small effect16 people
Ketone BodiesImproves (the measure goes up)1 study16 people

Studies that measured ketone bodies

Total cholesterolImproves (the measure goes down)16 people
TriglyceridesImproves (the measure goes down)16 people

General Athletic Performance

  • Aerobic Exercise Metrics
  • Weight: improves
  • IGF-1: improves
General Athletic Performance: outcomes studied for Colostrum
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Aerobic Exercise Metrics

No effect

NoneNo effect2 studies50 people

Studies that measured aerobic exercise metrics

WeightImproves (the measure goes down)5 studies170 people

Studies that measured weight

IGF-1Improves (the measure goes up)2 studies81 people

Studies that measured igf-1

Oxygen UptakeImproves (the measure goes up)2 studies30 people

Studies that measured oxygen uptake

Exercise-Induced Immune SuppressionImproves (the measure goes up)1 study9 people

Studies that measured exercise-induced immune suppression

Heart RateImproves (the measure goes down)1 study30 people
Immunoglobulin AImproves (the measure goes up)1 study9 people
Immunoglobulin MImproves (the measure goes up)1 study9 people
Muscle MassImproves (the measure goes up)1 study89 people
Muscle protein synthesis (MPS)Improves (the measure goes up)1 study12 people
Neutrophil CountImproves (the measure goes up)1 study9 people
Anaerobic CapacityImproves (the measure goes up)95 people
Blood Lactate (Exercise)Changes; see studies39 people
Body FatImproves (the measure goes down)55 people
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)Improves (the measure goes down)9 people
CortisolImproves (the measure goes down)9 people
Fat OxidationImproves (the measure goes up)39 people
Immunoglobulin EImproves (the measure goes up)9 people
Immunoglobulin GImproves (the measure goes up)9 people
Interferon GammaImproves (the measure goes up)9 people
Interleukin 1-alphaImproves (the measure goes up)9 people
Interleukin 10Improves (the measure goes up)9 people
Interleukin 6Improves (the measure goes down)9 people
Interleukin 8Changes; see studies9 people
Lactate ThresholdImproves (the measure goes up)30 people
Lymphocyte CountImproves (the measure goes up)9 people
Muscular EnduranceImproves (the measure goes up)20 people
Power OutputImproves (the measure goes up)152 people
TNF-AlphaImproves (the measure goes down)9 people

Aerobic Exercise Performance

  • Aerobic Exercise Metrics
  • Weight: improves
  • IGF-1: improves
Aerobic Exercise Performance: outcomes studied for Colostrum
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Aerobic Exercise Metrics

No effect

NoneNo effect2 studies137 people

Studies that measured aerobic exercise metrics

WeightImproves (the measure goes down)5 studies108 people

Studies that measured weight

IGF-1Improves (the measure goes up)2 studies58 people

Studies that measured igf-1

Oxygen UptakeImproves (the measure goes up)2 studies117 people

Studies that measured oxygen uptake

Heart RateImproves (the measure goes down)1 study60 people

Studies that measured heart rate

Intestinal PermeabilityImproves (the measure goes up)1 study30 people
Muscle MassImproves (the measure goes up)1 study48 people
Anaerobic CapacityImproves (the measure goes up)28 people
Blood Lactate (Exercise)Changes; see studies30 people
Body FatImproves (the measure goes down)48 people
Fat OxidationImproves (the measure goes up)30 people
Lactate ThresholdImproves (the measure goes up)60 people
Muscular EnduranceImproves (the measure goes up)20 people
Power OutputImproves (the measure goes up)77 people
Ventilatory ThresholdImproves (the measure goes up)29 people

Cycling Performance

  • Aerobic Exercise Metrics
  • Weight: improves
  • IGF-1: improves
Cycling Performance: outcomes studied for Colostrum
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Aerobic Exercise Metrics

No effect

NoneNo effect2 studies57 people

Studies that measured aerobic exercise metrics

WeightImproves (the measure goes down)5 studies28 people

Studies that measured weight

IGF-1Improves (the measure goes up)2 studies28 people

Studies that measured igf-1

Oxygen UptakeImproves (the measure goes up)2 studies57 people

Studies that measured oxygen uptake

Exercise-Induced Immune SuppressionImproves (the measure goes up)1 study29 people

Studies that measured exercise-induced immune suppression

Heart RateImproves (the measure goes down)1 study29 people
Immunoglobulin AImproves (the measure goes up)1 study29 people
Muscle MassImproves (the measure goes up)1 study28 people
Neutrophil CountImproves (the measure goes up)1 study29 people
Anaerobic CapacityImproves (the measure goes up)28 people
Body FatImproves (the measure goes down)28 people
Cell Adhesion FactorsImproves (the measure goes down)29 people
Interleukin 10Improves (the measure goes up)29 people
Interleukin 6Improves (the measure goes down)29 people
Monocyte CountImproves (the measure goes up)29 people
Natural Killer Cell ActivityImproves (the measure goes up)29 people
Power OutputImproves (the measure goes up)57 people
TNF-AlphaImproves (the measure goes down)29 people
Ventilatory ThresholdImproves (the measure goes up)29 people
White Blood Cell CountImproves (the measure goes up)29 people

Muscle Recovery

  • Aerobic Exercise Metrics
  • IGF-1: improves
  • Oxygen Uptake: improves
Muscle Recovery: outcomes studied for Colostrum
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Aerobic Exercise Metrics

No effect

NoneNo effect2 studies30 people

Studies that measured aerobic exercise metrics

IGF-1Improves (the measure goes up)2 studies30 people

Studies that measured igf-1

Oxygen UptakeImproves (the measure goes up)2 studies30 people

Studies that measured oxygen uptake

Heart RateImproves (the measure goes down)1 study30 people

Studies that measured heart rate

Blood Lactate (Exercise)Changes; see studies30 people
Fat OxidationImproves (the measure goes up)30 people
Lactate ThresholdImproves (the measure goes up)30 people

Runners' Health

  • Aerobic Exercise Metrics
  • Weight: improves
  • Oxygen Uptake: improves
Runners' Health: outcomes studied for Colostrum
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Aerobic Exercise Metrics

No effect

NoneNo effect2 studies30 people

Studies that measured aerobic exercise metrics

WeightImproves (the measure goes down)5 studies30 people

Studies that measured weight

Oxygen UptakeImproves (the measure goes up)2 studies30 people

Studies that measured oxygen uptake

Heart RateImproves (the measure goes down)1 study30 people

Studies that measured heart rate

Intestinal PermeabilityImproves (the measure goes up)1 study30 people

Studies that measured intestinal permeability

Lactate ThresholdImproves (the measure goes up)30 people

Immune Health

  • B Cell Count
  • C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
  • Upper Respiratory Tract Infection Symptoms: improves
Immune Health: outcomes studied for Colostrum
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
B Cell Count

No effect

NoneNo effect138 people
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)

No effect

NoneNo effect52 people
Upper Respiratory Tract Infection SymptomsImproves (the measure goes down)4 studies78 people

Studies that measured upper respiratory tract infection symptoms

Diarrhea SymptomsImproves (the measure goes down)3 studies20 people

Studies that measured diarrhea symptoms

IGF-1Improves (the measure goes up)2 studies39 people

Studies that measured igf-1

Intestinal ParasitesImproves (the measure goes up)2 studies20 people
CD4 LymphocytesImproves (the measure goes up)1 study138 people
Exercise-Induced Immune SuppressionImproves (the measure goes up)1 study9 people
ImmunityImproves (the measure goes up)1 study138 people
Immunoglobulin AImproves (the measure goes up)1 study135 people
Immunoglobulin MImproves (the measure goes up)1 study70 people
Natural Killer Cell ContentImproves (the measure goes up)1 study150 people
Neutrophil CountImproves (the measure goes up)1 study9 people
TestosteroneImproves (the measure goes up)1 study9 people
CD8 LymphocytesImproves (the measure goes up)138 people
CortisolImproves (the measure goes down)18 people
Fat OxidationImproves (the measure goes up)9 people
Growth HormoneImproves (the measure goes up)9 people
Immunoglobulin EImproves (the measure goes up)9 people
Immunoglobulin GImproves (the measure goes up)100 people
Interferon GammaImproves (the measure goes up)9 people
Interleukin 1-alphaImproves (the measure goes up)9 people
Interleukin 10Improves (the measure goes up)9 people
Interleukin 6Improves (the measure goes down)9 people
Interleukin 8Changes; see studies9 people
Lymphocyte CountImproves (the measure goes up)9 people
Macrophage ActivityImproves (the measure goes up)12 people
T Cell CountImproves (the measure goes up)138 people
TNF-AlphaImproves (the measure goes down)9 people
Upper Respiratory Tract Infection RiskChanges; see studies78 people
Vaccine AugmentationImproves (the measure goes up)156 people
White Blood Cell CountImproves (the measure goes up)12 people

Upper Respiratory Tract Infection

  • C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
  • Weight: improves
  • Upper Respiratory Tract Infection Symptoms: improves
Upper Respiratory Tract Infection: outcomes studied for Colostrum
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)

No effect

NoneNo effect43 people
WeightImproves (the measure goes down)5 studies43 people
Upper Respiratory Tract Infection SymptomsImproves (the measure goes down)4 studies249 people
Immunoglobulin AImproves (the measure goes up)1 study75 people
Immunoglobulin MImproves (the measure goes up)1 study43 people
Immunoglobulin GImproves (the measure goes up)43 people
Upper Respiratory Tract Infection RiskChanges; see studies217 people

Body Composition

  • Anaerobic Capacity
  • Weight: improves
  • Muscle Mass: improves
Body Composition: outcomes studied for Colostrum
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Anaerobic Capacity

No effect

NoneNo effect35 people
WeightImproves (the measure goes down)5 studies55 people
Muscle MassImproves (the measure goes up)1 study55 people
Body FatImproves (the measure goes down)55 people
Muscular EnduranceImproves (the measure goes up)20 people
Power OutputImproves (the measure goes up)55 people

General Gut Health

  • Body Temperature
  • Weight: improves
  • Oxygen Uptake: improves
General Gut Health: outcomes studied for Colostrum
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Body Temperature

No effect

NoneNo effect12 people
WeightImproves (the measure goes down)5 studies30 people
Oxygen UptakeImproves (the measure goes up)2 studies42 people
Intestinal PermeabilityImproves (the measure goes up)1 study42 people
Fat OxidationImproves (the measure goes up)12 people
GhrelinImproves (the measure goes up)12 people
Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1)Improves (the measure goes up)12 people

Metabolic Health

  • Anaerobic Capacity
  • Weight: improves
  • IGF-1: improves
Metabolic Health: outcomes studied for Colostrum
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Anaerobic Capacity

No effect

NoneNo effect51 people
WeightImproves (the measure goes down)5 studies51 people
IGF-1Improves (the measure goes up)2 studies51 people
Immunoglobulin AImproves (the measure goes up)1 study10 people
TestosteroneImproves (the measure goes up)1 study20 people
CortisolImproves (the measure goes down)10 people

Rowing Performance

  • Anaerobic Capacity
  • Weight: improves
  • Oxygen Uptake: improves
Rowing Performance: outcomes studied for Colostrum
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Anaerobic Capacity

No effect

NoneNo effect13 people
WeightImproves (the measure goes down)5 studies13 people
Oxygen UptakeImproves (the measure goes up)2 studies13 people
HemoglobinImproves (the measure goes up)1 study13 people
Blood AcidityChanges; see studies26 people

Running Performance

  • Anaerobic Capacity
  • Weight: improves
  • Muscle Mass: improves
Running Performance: outcomes studied for Colostrum
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Anaerobic Capacity

No effect

NoneNo effect35 people
WeightImproves (the measure goes down)5 studies35 people
Muscle MassImproves (the measure goes up)1 study35 people
Body FatImproves (the measure goes down)35 people
Power OutputImproves (the measure goes up)35 people

Sore Throat

  • Upper Respiratory Tract Infection Symptoms: improves
Sore Throat: outcomes studied for Colostrum
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Upper Respiratory Tract Infection SymptomsImproves (the measure goes down)4 studies292 people

Digestive Health

  • Intestinal Permeability: improves
Digestive Health: outcomes studied for Colostrum
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Intestinal PermeabilityImproves (the measure goes up)1 study22 people

Ulcerative Colitis

  • Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms: improves
Ulcerative Colitis: outcomes studied for Colostrum
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Ulcerative Colitis SymptomsImproves (the measure goes down)1 study14 people

Key findings

  • CD4 LymphocytesHuman Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)Improves (the measure goes up)
  • Muscle MassShort Bowel Syndrome (SBS)Improves (the measure goes up)
  • Abdominal PainTraveler's DiarrheaImproves (the measure goes down)

Shop the evidence-backed picks

Third-party tested Colostrum products, in the forms the graded studies used where we can match them.

  • Grade B

Links to Fullscript, iHerb or Thorne carry our referral, so we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Grades come from the research and never change based on what we earn. Fullscript asks for a free account before it shows its catalog and prices. Full disclosure

Studies cited

37 studies from PubMed

  1. Effects of bovine colostrum supplementation on immune variables in highly trained cyclistsJ Appl Physiol, 1985 · PMID 17095643
  2. IGF-I, IgA, and IgG responses to bovine colostrum supplementation during trainingJ Appl Physiol, 1985 · PMID 12133885
  3. Effects of bovine colostrum supplementation on serum IGF-I, IgG, hormone, and saliva IgA during trainingJ Appl Physiol, 1985 · PMID 9338422
  4. Randomized control trials using a tablet formulation of hyperimmune bovine colostrum to prevent diarrhea caused by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli in volunteersScand J Gastroenterol · PMID 21526980
  5. Protection by milk immunoglobulin concentrate against oral challenge with enterotoxigenic Escherichia coliN Engl J Med · PMID 3283555
  6. Dose effects of oral bovine colostrum on physical work capacity in cyclistsMed Sci Sports Exerc · PMID 12131260
  7. The influence of bovine colostrum supplementation on exercise performance in highly trained cyclistsBr J Sports Med · PMID 16825268
  8. The nutriceutical bovine colostrum truncates the increase in gut permeability caused by heavy exercise in athletesAm J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol · PMID 21148400
  9. Bovine colostrum supplementation during running training increases intestinal permeabilityNutrients · PMID 22253980
  10. Bovine colostrum supplementation during endurance running training improves recovery, but not performanceJ Sci Med Sport · PMID 12188088
  11. Bovine colostrum supplementation's lack of effect on immune variables during short-term intense exercise in well-trained athletesInt J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab · PMID 21558575
  12. Protein metabolism and strength performance after bovine colostrum supplementationAmino Acids · PMID 15789141
  13. The effects of bovine colostrum supplementation on body composition and exercise performance in active men and womenNutrition · PMID 11312068
  14. Effect of bovine colostrum supplementation on the composition of resistance trained and untrained limbs in healthy young menEur J Appl Physiol · PMID 14504943
  15. Effect of bovine colostrum on anaerobic exercise performance and plasma insulin-like growth factor IJ Sports Sci · PMID 12848392
  16. The effect of bovine colostrum supplementation on exercise performance in elite field hockey playersInt J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab · PMID 12500989
  17. Oral bovine colostrum supplementation enhances buffer capacity but not rowing performance in elite female rowersInt J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab · PMID 12432178
  18. Bovine colostrum supplementation does not affect plasma buffer capacity or haemoglobin content in elite female rowersEur J Appl Physiol · PMID 14685867
  19. The effect of bovine colostrum supplementation on salivary IgA in distance runnersInt J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab · PMID 16676703
  20. Effect of bovine colostrum supplementation on respiratory tract mucosal defenses in swimmersInt J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab · PMID 20601740
  21. Modulation of human humoral immune response through orally administered bovine colostrumFEMS Immunol Med Microbiol · PMID 11549415
  22. Effect of a mixture of micronutrients, but not of bovine colostrum concentrate, on immune function parameters in healthy volunteers: a randomized placebo-controlled studyNutr J · PMID 17118191
  23. A novel extract from bovine colostrum whey supports innate immune functions. II. Rapid changes in cellular immune function in humansPrev Med · PMID 22285946
  24. Lack of prophylactic efficacy of an enteric-coated bovine hyperimmune milk product against enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli challenge administered during a standard mealJ Infect Dis · PMID 10558970
  25. ColoPlus, a new product based on bovine colostrum, alleviates HIV-associated diarrhoeaScand J Gastroenterol · PMID 16716966
  26. Effect of bovine colostrum-based food supplement in the treatment of HIV-associated diarrhea in Northern Uganda: a randomized controlled trialIndian J Gastroenterol · PMID 22161540
  27. Treatment of severe diarrhea caused by Cryptosporidium parvum with oral bovine immunoglobulin concentrate in patients with AIDSJ Acquir Immune Defic Syndr Hum Retrovirol · PMID 8948373
  28. Treatment of diarrhoea in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients with immunoglobulins from bovine colostrumClin Investig · PMID 1392428
  29. Intensification of antiretroviral therapy with raltegravir or addition of hyperimmune bovine colostrum in HIV-infected patients with suboptimal CD4+ T-cell response: a randomized controlled trialJ Infect Dis · PMID 21930607
  30. Randomised controlled trial of colostrum to improve intestinal function in patients with short bowel syndromeEur J Clin Nutr · PMID 22828734
  31. Health-promoting effects of bovine colostrum in Type 2 diabetic patients can reduce blood glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride and ketonesJ Nutr Biochem · PMID 18602824
  32. The effect of bovine colostrum on viral upper respiratory tract infections in children with immunoglobulin A deficiencyClin Respir J · PMID 21801330
  33. Concentrated bovine colostrum protein supplementation reduces the incidence of self-reported symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection in adult malesEur J Nutr · PMID 12923655
  34. Use of the 'nutriceutical', bovine colostrum, for the treatment of distal colitis: results from an initial studyAliment Pharmacol Ther · PMID 12390100
  35. A pilot study: bovine colostrum supplementation and hormonal and autonomic responses to competitive cyclingJ Sports Med Phys Fitness · PMID 23903529
  36. Co-administration of the health food supplement, bovine colostrum, reduces the acute non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced increase in intestinal permeabilityClin Sci · PMID 11352778
  37. [Do colostrum tablets have a symptomatic effect on sore throat?]Tidsskr Nor Laegeforen · PMID 15608761

Protocols that include Colostrum