The main reason colostrum supplements don’t work is that the human gut microbiome is fully established by around age three. “If you give an infant gut colostrum, it will respond, because the biome and immune system are still forming,” Amati says. “After the age of three or four, you can influence which microbes flourish on a day-to-day basis with what you feed your gut, or the probiotics you take, but the deeper niches that you have in your gut don’t change that easily–unless you take antibiotics, and then they get destroyed.”
Unlike probiotics, bovine colostrum supplements do not contain live microorganisms. And because they are classified as dietary supplements, they are not evaluated for efficacy or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration before reaching the market. As a result, the concentration of bioactive compounds—such as immunoglobulins—can vary widely between products. “When you actually look at the bioactive compounds that people take them for–in bovine colostrum’s case, immunoglobulins–it’s variable how much is going to be in there,” Amati says.
There are additional risks to consider, Marogy says. “People with a dairy allergy in particular should absolutely avoid it, and those who are immunocompromised shouldn’t really be taking colostrum because we don’t have enough evidence to suggest that it’s safe.” And for people who report feeling better after taking colostrum? “As with any medication or supplement, there may be an element of a placebo effect,” Marogy adds.
“The only positive of bovine colostrum is that it’s bringing attention to the importance of gut health for the immune system,” says Amati, who recommends eating high-fiber and fermented foods that your microbiome can feast on as the best way to improve your gut function and immunity. By comparison, she adds, colostrum supplements amount to little more than “a really expensive milk powder.”
