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Bovine Colostrum Benefits for Gut and Immune System Health

By Ethan Boldt

February 21, 2025

If you’re on social media and follow some nutrition accounts, chances are you’ve heard about bovine colostrum as the hot new supplement. Colostrum is the first milk created by mammals after childbirth and is considered one of mother nature’s original superfoods.

While a mother’s colostrum is designed to establish a healthy gut microbiome and help boost a newborn’s built-in defenses, bovine colostrum is similarly loaded with nutrition and antibodies that can support gut health and a healthy immune system. After all, the gut and the immune system are connected in important ways.

In particular, bovine colostrum is packed with powerful antibodies like lactoferrin and immunoglobulins IgA and IgG to help keep you (and your healthy immune system) thriving. Colostrum is both nourishing and health-promoting, and the supplement version aims to do the same for the human body.

Learn below what bovine colostrum exactly, the best type of supplement with it, and how it can benefit your health.

As always, you should consult your healthcare professional prior to beginning any new dietary or lifestyle regimen.

What is colostrum?

Colostrum is a form of milk produced by mammals like humans and cows during late pregnancy and the first few days after giving birth. Commonly called “liquid gold,” it is thicker, yellowish and more nutrient-filled than regular milk.

While it is most commonly associated with infant nutrition, bovine colostrum (from cows) is fast becoming a popular supplement for adults due to its health-boosting properties.

Colostrum is brimming with antibodies, growth factors, and nutrients specifically designed to support the development of a newborn’s gut microbiome and immune system. Colostrum contains bioactive components that can survive in the GI tract like immunoglobulins that help promote overall health (including a healthy immune system) as well as proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals to nourish the body.

Colostrum contains two primary types of immunoglobulins: IgG, which is the most abundant type, providing significant benefits; and IgA, which is found in mucosal areas like the gut and respiratory tract and helps promote healthy mucosal surfaces. Also known as antibodies, immunoglobulins are proteins produced by the immune system to help identify and neutralize foreign invaders. They are essential for a healthy immune response, as they are highly vigilant to promote a healthy immune system and overall health.

Ancient Nutrition uses bovine colostrum in their Colostrum supplements because it’s similar in composition to human colostrum but contains even higher levels of certain beneficial compounds. This makes it an attractive option for supplementation. In addition, it contains a higher concentration of the antibodies immunoglobulin IgG and clinically-studied lactoferrin to provide benefits for a healthy microbial balance, immune system health support and overall wellness.

Lactoferrin is a protein found in milk. It plays a key role in supporting the immune system by binding to iron, which helps to promote microbial balance as well as the growth of beneficial bacteria in the digestive system.

Many supplements derived from bovine colostrum are available in powder, capsule or liquid form.

Health benefits of bovine colostrum

1. Supports a healthy immune system

Bovine colostrum is packed with immunoglobulins like IgG and IgA, which are antibodies that act as part of the body’s built-in defenses. These immunoglobulins work with your healthy immune system to fortify your health.

While more studies need to be conducted, a 2024 review in the journal Nutrients revealed that bovine colostrum had a positive effect on the healthy immune systems in people of all ages. A separate review noted that bovine colostrum can help promote the normal function of lymphocytes, macrophages and dendritic cells. It also promotes the normal regulation of cytokines that produce healthy immune system effects.

Ancient Nutrition’s Colostrum supplement combines colostrum, lactoferrin and probiotics for powerful immune system health support.

2. Supports gut health, including the gut microbiome

A healthy gut plays a huge role in immune system health. In the case of bovine colostrum, it supports the gut by promoting a healthy intestinal barrier function and encouraging beneficial bacteria to grow. Promoting gut lining health alongside healthy microbial balance (the balance of “good” bacteria to “bad” bacteria) gives your body an extra layer of benefits, including supporting a healthy immune system.

Multiple studies indicate that bovine colostrum supplementation benefits the gut in various ways, including promoting a healthy gut barrier, immune system response and a healthy response to inflammation.

Ancient Nutrition’s Colostrum pairs colostrum and lactoferrin with clinically studied SBO probiotics to help promote healthy digestion, nutrient absorption, healthy elimination and overall digestive comfort. It also helps reduce occasional constipation, gas, bloating and abdominal discomfort.

3. Supports respiratory health

Bovine colostrum has been shown to assist with respiratory health, including with those who exercise. Healthy upper respiratory function is important for all individuals, particularly for athletes.

4. Supports a healthy response to stress

Bovine colostrum supports an overall healthy response to stress, including following exercise-induced stress according to some studies.

5. May enhance athletic performance and boost muscle recovery

Bovine colostrum supplements are used by athletes to assist with performance as well as muscle recovery. They contain growth factors like IGF-1 to potentially help muscle tissue recover normally and boost stamina, according to studies involving soccer players.

In addition, a study published in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport demonstrated that bovine colostrum improved post-exercise recovery markers for endurance runners.

Bovine colostrum supplements

Considered one of the original superfoods, colostrum is an ancient ingredient that helps establish good gut health and a healthy immune system in the first few days of life. Ancient Nutrition’s Colostrum supplements are designed to promote your gut and immune system health.

Ancient Nutrition’s colostrum powder and capsules are packed with bioactives like lactoferrin and immunoglobulins IgG and IgA, plus clinically studied probiotics. These work together to promote microbial balance and support your body's built-in first line of defense: your healthy immune system. These powerful ingredients also aid digestion and keep you feeling comfortable.

This is the only colostrum formula that includes Bacillus coagulans, one of the most powerful and clinically-studied probiotics strains available. It’s included to help your gut absorb and utilize all the powerful compounds colostrum provides. The capsules formula (Colostrum + Collagen) also includes the superfood and clinically studied fermented eggshell membrane collagen for additional benefits, such as for the skin, hair and joints.

Ancient Nutrition’s Colostrum is sourced with care from grass-fed cows raised in the U.S. without added hormones. It’s minimally processed and collected within the first 48 hours after calving, ensuring that both you and the calves get the best nature has to offer. Ancient Nutrition’s Calf-First Commitment means the colostrum is collected only after the calves consume what they need.

Ancient Nutrition’s Colostrum comes in powder form (unflavored and lemon bar) as well as capsules.

Frequently asked questions

What are the main ingredients in Ancient Nutrition’s Colostrum?

The main ingredients are grass-fed bovine colostrum, lactoferrin, whey protein phospholipid concentrate and Bacillus coagulans.

What is unique about this supplement?

Ancient Nutrition’s Colostrum was created for gut and immune system health while also using high-quality, responsibly-sourced ingredients. The formula combines colostrum, which is packed with powerful antibodies like IgG and IgA, with clinically studied lactoferrin (a powerful protein that supports immune system health) and probiotics, plus whey. This blend provides powerful support for a healthy gut microbiome, which is key for a healthy, thriving immune system, as well as healthy digestion and nutrient absorption.

This bovine colostrum is sustainably sourced from grass-fed cows raised in the U.S. without hormones. The Calf-First Commitment ensures the calves get what they need before collection, so you get a product you can feel good about.

What’s the best way to use bovine colostrum?

Ancient Nutrition’s unflavored Colostrum powder offers a mild, creamy taste with a subtle sweetness and a hint of milky richness. It’s smooth and easy to blend into your favorite drinks without overpowering other flavors. It's well suited for mixing into smoothies, juice or water (8 ounces).

The lemon bar flavor delivers a refreshing twist with bright citrus notes and a touch of sweetness. It tastes like a zesty lemon treat with a hint of creamy undertone, giving you a light, dessert-like flavor that’s perfect on its own with water, in a smoothie or mixed into yogurt.

Because of colostrum’s bioactive components, it’s not recommended to heat this product or mix it into hot liquids such as coffee (though it can be mixed with cold coffee).

Alternatively, Ancient Nutrition offers Colostrum + Collagen capsules. Simply take three capsules per day. For maximum absorption, it’s often recommended to take these capsules on an empty stomach.

What results can you expect to see after using Ancient Nutrition’s Colostrum?

This Colostrum formula works from the inside out to support a healthy gut microbiome, healthy gut motility, digestion support and healthy immune system support. You might also notice reduced occasional gas and bloating or less abdominal discomfort.

Some benefits are harder to notice, but Colostrum can contribute to helping you stay healthy and active on the daily. A healthy, thriving immune system can help with consistent energy levels and help your body be ready for whatever comes next.

This formula also includes clinically studied ingredients shown to support your body’s healthy response to oxidative stress, support respiratory health and help your body maintain a healthy microbial balance.

Does Ancient Nutrition’s Colostrum formula contain dairy or lactose?

Yes, it contains both dairy and lactose, although generally in lower amounts than regular milk. It also includes whey protein, another source of dairy and lactose. If you’re mildly lactose intolerant, you may still be able to tolerate colostrum because it’s typically easier to digest. However, consult with a healthcare professional before using colostrum if you have a dairy or lactose issue.

Is Ancient Nutrition’s Colostrum sustainably sourced?

Yes, this colostrum is sustainably sourced. It comes from grass-fed cows raised without hormones in the U.S. To ensure both quality and animal welfare, a “Calf-First Commitment” is followed, which means the colostrum is only collected after the calves have received what they need for a healthy start.

Is colostrum for men and women?

Colostrum is beneficial for both men and women. Colostrum works with your body to support a healthy immune system and gut, making it a versatile supplement for anyone looking to enhance their overall wellness routine.