Bovine Colostrum: Why Influencers Are Drinking Cow's First Milk—And Does It Actually Work?

Scroll through TikTok or Instagram, and you'll spot influencers mixing powdered supplements into smoothies while claiming miraculous benefits. The latest wellness obsession? Bovine colostrum—the first milk produced by cows after giving birth.yahoo+1

Nicknamed "liquid gold," this supplement has exploded across social media throughout 2025-2026, with celebrities like Sofia Richie showcasing $21 colostrum smoothies and fitness influencers crediting it for reduced bloating and enhanced performance.healthline+1

But does drinking cow's first milk actually work? Let's examine what science says.

What Is Bovine Colostrum?

Bovine colostrum is the thick, yellowish fluid secreted by cows during the first few days after giving birth, before regular milk production begins. This "first milk" provides newborn calves with crucial immune protection and nutrients.sciencedirect+2

What Makes It Special:pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih+1

• Immunoglobulins (antibodies) - particularly IgG and IgA

• Growth factors - including IGF-1 and IGF-2

• Antimicrobial proteins - lactoferrin and lysozyme

• Oligosaccharides - prebiotics for gut health

• Bioactive peptides with antimicrobial effects

TikTok Claims vs. Scientific Evidence

Gut Health & Reduced Bloating

The Claim: Colostrum "significantly decreased bloating" and transformed digestive health.[yahoo]​

The Science: ✅ Supported by evidence. Clinical trials show efficacy for inflammatory bowel disease, infectious diarrhea, and gut barrier integrity. Research confirms colostrum promotes mucosal healing and regulates gut microbiota.pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih+2

Enhanced Immunity

The Claim: Prevents colds, flu, and infections.

The Science: ⚠️ Promising but inconsistent. Studies show colostrum may reduce severity of upper respiratory infections in IgA-deficient patients. However, results haven't been consistently repeated across studies. Hyperimmune colostrum showed 90.9% protection against E. coli diarrhea.pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih+1

Athletic Performance & Recovery

The Claim: Enhances muscle development and reduces recovery time.

The Science: ✅ Scientifically supported. Studies show 60g/day during resistance training improved leg press strength by 24 kg and reduced bone resorption compared to whey protein. Colostrum aids recovery time and supports renewal after intense training.pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih+3

Skin Health & Anti-Aging

The Claim: Reverses aging signs and improves skin appearance.[yahoo]​

The Science: ⚠️ Theoretical benefits but lacking robust clinical evidence. While colostrum possesses anti-inflammatory and tissue-repair properties, dietitians note scientific evidence for skin claims is insufficient.sciencedirect+1

Weight Loss

The Claim: Aids weight loss.

The Science: ❌ Not supported by research. Dietitians call out weight loss claims as questionable.[yahoo]​

Expert Perspective

Caroline Thomason, Dietitian:
"While these potential benefits are intriguing, the research on colostrum is quite nascent and not entirely definitive".[yahoo]​

Where Evidence Is Strongest:pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih+1

• Gastrointestinal disorders

• Athletic recovery

• Weakened immune systems

• Older adults during resistance training

Dosing That Actually Works

Research studies used varying doses:[pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih]​

• 12-60 grams/day for athletic performance

• 20 grams/day for immune support

• 400-600 mg hyperimmune colostrum for infection protection

Important: Commercial supplements often contain much lower doses than clinical trials, which may explain disappointing results.

Safety Considerations

Generally safe with few reported adverse effects.[pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih]​

Avoid if you have:

• Dairy allergies

• Severe lactose intolerance

The Bottom Line

✅ Strong Evidence For:

• Gastrointestinal healing and inflammatory bowel conditions

• Athletic recovery and muscle development

• Infectious diarrhea treatment

⚠️ Moderate Evidence For:

• Immune system support (inconsistent)

• General gut health maintenance

❌ Weak or No Evidence For:

• Weight loss

• Skin anti-aging

• Most social media claims

Should You Try It?

Consider it if you:

• Have gastrointestinal disorders

• Are an athlete focused on recovery

• Engage in intense resistance training

• Have immune deficiencies