Last verified: today
Colostrum
Also known as: bovine colostrum, first milk, immune milk, camel colostrum
Evidence under review. — Not yet rated
First milk produced after birth. May support infant immunity and gut health; human adult evidence is very limited.
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What it does
Colostrum is the nutrient-rich first milk produced by mammals in the days after giving birth. It is packed with antibodies, growth factors, and immune proteins that help newborns establish gut...
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Evidence quality
Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.
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Clinical dose
No established dose
What the Science Says
Colostrum is the nutrient-rich first milk produced by mammals in the days after giving birth. It is packed with antibodies, growth factors, and immune proteins that help newborns establish gut health and passive immunity. In preterm infants, oral colostrum administration has shown benefits for feeding tolerance and reducing late-onset sepsis, though evidence for adult supplementation benefits is not well-supported by the provided studies.
What It Doesn't Do
Not proven to fight COVID-19 or other coronaviruses in humans. Camel colostrum antibodies failed to reduce viral load in a clinical trial. No evidence from these studies that it builds muscle, boosts athletic performance, or acts as a general immune booster in healthy adults. Don't believe claims that it reverses aging or cures disease.
Evidence-Based Benefits
Oral colostrum in preterm infants reduces late-onset sepsis and improves feeding tolerance.
Moderate EvidenceEffective at: Administered orally for 3–10 days in preterm infants under 32 weeks gestation
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Camel colostrum antibodies neutralize MERS-CoV in the lab but do not reduce COVID-19 viral load in humans.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: No established dose
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Absorption & Bioavailability
Unknown for adult human supplementation. In neonates, immunoglobulins from colostrum are absorbed via gut mucosa, but this mechanism is largely absent in adults. Exosome-based delivery from bovine colostrum shows promise in preclinical models only.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Most research in the provided studies focuses on neonates and animals, not healthy adults — marketing claims for adult use are not well-supported
- Camel colostrum failed to reduce SARS-CoV-2 viral load in a randomized controlled trial, despite in-vitro promise
- 736 registered supplement products exist despite very limited human clinical evidence for adult benefits
- Animal-derived product — quality, antibody content, and processing methods vary widely between brands
Products Containing Colostrum
See how Colostrum is used in these analyzed products:
Research Sources
- PubMed
- NIH DSLD
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-05-25