Summary
Colostrum, especially bovine colostrum, is a nutrient-rich source of protein, antibodies, growth factors, and many other bioactive compounds that enhance immunity and protect the digestive mucosa. Numerous international and domestic studies have demonstrated colostrum's supporting effects in treating enteritis, bacterial diarrhea, strengthening the intestinal barrier, restoring mucosal damage caused by drugs and other external factors, and promoting gut microbiota balance. While positive effects and safety have been confirmed, large-scale clinical studies are still required to standardize dosage, indications, and long-term clinical efficacy. [1][2]
1. Definition and Classification of Colostrum
Colostrum is the first fluid secreted by mammals (including humans and cows) within 24–72 hours after birth, containing abundant proteins, antibodies (such as IgG, IgA), lactoferrin, cytokines, and growth factors like IGF-1, EGF, and TGF-β. Main classifications include human colostrum and bovine colostrum; additionally, commercial forms such as Hyperimmune Bovine Colostrum (HBC) — derived from cows immunized against specific target antigens — exist (Nutrients, 2021, Kanta Chandwe; section 1, Definition) [1][2]
2. Overall Immunological and Biological Effects
Colostrum contains many substances that enhance both innate immunity (IgG, IgA, lactoferrin, cytokines) and adaptive immunity, helping neutralize antigens, stimulate immune cell synthesis, and regulate inflammatory responses. Its growth factors (IGF-1, EGF, TGF-β) also contribute to protecting and regenerating the intestinal epithelium (Nutrients, 2021; News Medical, 2025).[2][3]
3. Protective Effects on Mucosa and Intestinal Barrier Restoration
Clinical and preclinical studies show that colostrum can "tighten" intestinal tight junctions, reduce intestinal permeability (leaky gut), decrease inflammatory activation (reduced zonulin, CRP, and IL-6 levels), and support epithelial repair after oxidative stress, NSAID-induced injury, chemotherapy, or chronic inflammation. In inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), colostrum enemas combined with specific medications improve both symptoms and histological scores. [1][2]
4. Effectiveness in Digestive Disorders: Diarrhea, Enteritis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Clinical trials indicate colostrum reduces the frequency and duration of bacterial diarrhea (E. coli, rotavirus, HIV), lessens severity of enteritis, improves symptoms in IBS patients, and supports growth and weight gain in malnourished children. Colostrum products may rebalance gut microbiota by increasing beneficial bacteria and reducing harmful ones. [1]][2][3]
5. Processing Forms, Usage, and Safety
Colostrum is used orally, as a dietary supplement powder, rectally via enema, or combined with other substances (probiotics, egg protein). Processing impacts product quality. Generally, colostrum is safe and well-tolerated except in individuals allergic to lactose or milk proteins. International guidelines emphasize benefits and safety when used appropriately in both children and adults. [2][4][5]
MAIN REFERENCES
1. Colostrum Therapy for Human Gastrointestinal Health and Disease. Kanta Chandwe, Paul Kelly. Nutrients. 2021 Jun 7;13(6):1956. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8228205/
2. Colostrum for Adults: Boosting Immunity, Gut Health and Recovery. News Medical. 2025. https://www.news-medical.net/health/Colostrum-for-Adults-Boosting-Immunity-Gut-Health-and-Recover.aspx
OTHER REFERENCES
3. Khan TS. Bovine colostrum: Therapeutic potential and clinical evidence. ScienceDirect. 2024. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S095869462400116X
4. Ramani A. Bovine colostrum as a promising nutraceutical. RSC Publishing. 2024-05-22. https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlehtml/2024/fb/d3fb00256j
5. Yalçıntaş YM et al. Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Bovine Colostrum for Cancer. PubMed. 2025-08-16. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40869257/
6. Alnadari F et al. Immunomodulatory potential of bovine colostrum. MaxaPress. 2025.
https://maxapress.com/data/article/animadv/preview/pdf/animadv-0025-0001.pdf
7. Effect of bovine colostrum supplementation on gut health in pediatric population. PubMed, 2025-06-20.