From the Research
Supplemental bovine colostrum (BC) may offer some health benefits, particularly in neonates, by providing nutritional support and immune protection, as evidenced by a 2024 study published in Nutrition Reviews 1. The potential benefits of BC supplementation stem from its rich content of immunoglobulins, growth factors, and antimicrobial compounds that naturally support newborn mammals.
- These bioactive components may help strengthen the gut barrier, modulate immune responses, and promote tissue repair.
- BC supplementation has been shown to be efficient in preventing several disorders, including rotavirus diarrhea, necrotizing enterocolitis, and sepsis in animal models of prematurity and some newborn studies.
- However, the optimal age, timing, dosage, and form of BC administration still require further investigation. Some studies suggest that BC may provide gastrointestinal and immunological benefits, but further studies are required before recommendations can be made for clinical application, as noted in a 2014 systematic review published in Nutrition Reviews 2.
- The importance of BC in neonatal nutrition, immune support, growth and development, and gut health has been demonstrated in a number of experimental and animal studies.
- BC has also been shown to be safe at low doses without adverse effects in newborns. In contrast, a 2020 meta-analysis published in Nutrients found that BC supplementation has no or a fairly low impact on improving the concentration of serum immunoglobulins, lymphocytes and neutrophils, and saliva immunoglobulin in athletes and physically active participants 3.
- However, this study highlights the need for further research to understand the mechanisms underlying the effects of BC supplementation and to prepare a clear consensus on a BC supplementation strategy in trained athletes and the physically active population. Overall, while the evidence is not yet conclusive, BC supplementation may be considered in cases where maternal milk is insufficient or donor milk is unavailable, particularly in neonates, as suggested by the 2024 study in Nutrition Reviews 1.