For most healthy adults, bovine colostrum appears well tolerated: a 2021 review of sport and exercise trials found no adverse safety reports. But it is a dairy food, so it isn't suitable if you have a cow's milk allergy, and it contains lactose. If you're pregnant, breastfeeding, take medication or have a hormone-sensitive condition, check with your doctor first.
Key takeaways
- No adverse safety reports were found in sport trials using typical doses of 10–20 g a day (Davison, 2021).
- Colostrum contains β-lactoglobulin, a milk allergen, and should be avoided with a dairy allergy (Playford and Weiser, 2021; Memorial Sloan Kettering).
- First-day colostrum contains about 2.5% lactose: lower than regular milk, but not lactose-free.
- Colostrum contains trace oestrogen, so people with hormone-sensitive cancers should consult their doctor (Memorial Sloan Kettering).
What does the research say about colostrum safety?
Colostrum is a food, the first milk a cow makes after calving, and it has been studied in a range of human trials. In his 2021 review of colostrum in sport and exercise, Glen Davison found no adverse safety reports in sport trials, which typically used 10–20 g a day and in some cases up to 60 g. Playford and Weiser (2021) also reported that taking 40 g a day for months did not raise blood IGF-1 levels.
That's reassuring, but it isn't the whole picture. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center notes that larger trials are still needed. Most studies have been fairly small and short, and many were in healthy, active adults. So it's sensible to think about your own circumstances before starting. If you're new to colostrum, our Colostrum 101 guide explains what it is.
Can I take colostrum if I have a milk allergy?
No. Colostrum is milk, and it contains milk proteins including β-lactoglobulin, a known milk allergen (Playford and Weiser, 2021). Memorial Sloan Kettering lists dairy allergy as a reason not to take bovine colostrum.
Every MUUU product is labelled "Contains milk". If you have a cow's milk allergy, please don't take colostrum.
Is colostrum OK if I'm lactose intolerant?
It depends on how sensitive you are. First-day colostrum contains about 2.5% lactose, which is lower than regular milk (Playford and Weiser, 2021). It is not lactose-free, though, and powders are concentrated.
Many people with mild lactose intolerance can manage small amounts of dairy, but tolerance varies. If you'd like to try colostrum, you could discuss it with your GP or dietitian first, start with a smaller amount, and take it with food. Stop if it doesn't agree with you.
Is colostrum safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
There isn't enough research on bovine colostrum supplements during pregnancy or breastfeeding to say. That's not a sign of a known problem; it simply hasn't been well studied. Because this is a time to be cautious, talk to your doctor or midwife before taking colostrum if you're pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Can I take colostrum with medications or health conditions?
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist first if you:
- Take any prescription medication. This is good practice with any supplement.
- Have a hormone-sensitive condition. Colostrum contains trace amounts of oestrogen, and Memorial Sloan Kettering advises people with hormone-sensitive cancers to consult their doctor before use.
- Have a diagnosed immune or digestive condition, or are under medical care for any ongoing illness.
- Regularly take anti-inflammatory painkillers. A small study explored colostrum alongside the NSAID indomethacin (Playford et al., 2001), but it was an experiment, not guidance. Don't change how you take medicines without advice.
Colostrum is not a replacement for medical treatment, and it does not treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Who should check before taking colostrum?
| Situation | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Cow's milk allergy | Avoid colostrum |
| Lactose intolerance | Check with your GP or dietitian; start small if you try it |
| Pregnant or breastfeeding | Talk to your doctor or midwife first |
| Hormone-sensitive cancer | Consult your doctor first |
| Taking prescription medicines | Check with your doctor or pharmacist |
| Children | Speak with your GP first |
| Athletes in drug-tested sport | WADA advises against colostrum; check with your sport's anti-doping body |
| Vegans | Not suitable; colostrum is a dairy product |
On the sport question, colostrum naturally contains IGF-1, which is on WADA's Prohibited List, and WADA advises athletes against using colostrum (Davison, 2021). Read more in colostrum for athletes.
Does colostrum have side effects?
Sport trials didn't report adverse effects (Davison, 2021). As with any dairy food, some people may notice digestive changes such as bloating, particularly if they're sensitive to lactose. If you experience any reaction, stop taking it and seek advice from a health professional.
To keep things simple and gentle, MUUU Colostrum Powder is 100% colostrum with no other ingredients, so there are no added sweeteners, flavours or fillers to wonder about. One level teaspoon provides 2,000 mg. Research doses were often 10–20 g a day, more than one standard serve, so always follow the label directions. For tips on getting started, see how to take colostrum.
FAQs
Does colostrum contain hormones?
It naturally contains growth factors such as IGF-1 and trace amounts of oestrogen. Research found 40 g a day for months did not raise blood IGF-1 (Playford and Weiser, 2021), but people with hormone-sensitive conditions should check with their doctor.
Is colostrum safe long term?
Studies have run for weeks to months without safety concerns in healthy adults, but long-term data is limited and larger trials are needed. If you plan to take it long term, it's reasonable to mention it to your GP.
What should I do if colostrum doesn't agree with me?
Stop taking it. If symptoms are significant or don't settle, see a doctor, and seek urgent help for any signs of an allergic reaction.
References
- Davison G. The use of bovine colostrum in sport and exercise. Nutrients. 2021;13(6):1789. https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/13/6/1789
- Playford RJ, Weiser MJ. Bovine colostrum: its constituents and uses. Nutrients. 2021;13(1):265. https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/13/1/265
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Bovine Colostrum (About Herbs). https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/bovine-colostrum
- Playford RJ, et al. Clinical Science. 2001;100(6):627–633. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11352778/
This article is general information, not medical advice. Always read the label and follow the directions for use.
