These Are The 6 Components That Make Colostrum So Good For Your Gut & Immunity 

Bovine colostrum has become one of the most talked-about supplements in gut and immune health over the past several years, raising a lot of eyebrows along the way. 

When any supplement enters the zeitgeist, it's natural to question if it's worth a spot in your well-being lineup. Sure, it’s buzzy—but does it have the science to back up its use? 

As research emerges about the powder, it's becoming increasingly clear why so many people swear by it so fervently. 

Colostrum1 is the first form of milk produced by mammals in the hours to days after giving birth. As any new mother quickly learns, it’s actually quite distinct from mature milk. It’s thicker, denser, and the baby only needs a small bit of it. 

Functionally, the “golden milk” is more nutrient-dense, and packed with immune-supportive compounds that help establish gut integrity and support the body’s defenses.* Its power is synergistic: This complex mix of parts work together to empower these fragile systems at the cellular level.*

So long before “wellness” was even a thing, colostrum served as nature’s first immune system primer, designed to support, nourish, and regulate the body during its most vulnerable stage of life.*

Emerging research shows that bovine collagen can support adult gut integrity, immune resilience, and systemic health.* What makes it so promising? 

Immunoglobulin antibodies are one of the main immune components of the acquired immune system, or the body’s “learned” defense. Immunoglobulin, particularly IgG, is notably present in colostrum in high concentrations. 

IgG helps support healthy immune function. In the gut, they act as a first line of defense, supporting normal gut barrier integrity.

“Lactoferrin is a key bioactive protein known for its role in immune support. Although dairy is the primary dietary source, the amounts we get from food alone are quite limited, which is why supplementation can be beneficial,”* says Knudsen.

One way it supports the body’s immune response is by strengthening the defences against oxidative stress, noted a study published in the journal Molecules.* It’s been shown to help balance the body’s production and accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cells and tissues, thereby promoting overall health and longevity.* 

Another study published in the journal Advances in Nutrition suggests it also supports the body’s immune cells5, such as natural killer cells and T cells, by helping regulate healthy activation and signaling.* This helps support a more responsive immune defense without disrupting the balance. 

Colostrum naturally contains growth factors—such as EGF, IGF-1, IGF-2, and TGF-β—which play roles in tissue health, muscle building, gut lining support, and cellular regeneration.* 

“Tissue growth factors play an important role in cellular repair and renewal. In colostrum, these compounds help support gut lining integrity and healthy recovery,”* says Knudsen. Research notes that the reason for using bovine collagen as a source of growth factors is "its high bioavailability and synergistic activity.”

The benefits of these growth factors reverberate across the body. A 2024 study in the journal Nutrients suggested these may support musculoskeletal health, cognitive function, and digestion.* 

A clinical trial on active men and women linked supplementation with increased athletic performance6 as well as increased lean muscle mass after just eight weeks, with growth factors being a key component to improved body composition.*

In the gut, these compounds help support the integrity of the intestinal lining and promote healing of the epithelial barrier.* This naturally supports digestive regularity, helps manage a healthy inflammatory response, and enhances your immune functions.* In fact, one study found that adults who to

Oligosaccharides are prebiotic compounds that selectively feed beneficial gut bacteria. Rather than acting as probiotics themselves, they help shape a healthier microbiome by encouraging the growth of microbes associated with metabolic and immune balance.*

Colostrum is a good source of functional oligosaccharides. And research suggests that the oligosaccharides present in bovine colostrum are actually very similar to those present in human milk and colostrum. 

PRPs are immune-modulating peptides7 that help the immune system respond appropriately—ramping up when defenses while also balancing the immune response as needed. This bidirectional signaling is key. Rather than simply “boosting” immunity, PRPs help promote balance.*

Colostrum contains a naturally occurring blend of essential nutrients, including vitamins A, D, E, B-complex vitamins, zinc, magnesium, and amino acids. These nutrients support everything from immunity to energy metabolism and tissue repair.*

While colostrum isn’t meant to replace a multivitamin, its nutrients are delivered in a highly bioavailable, food-based matrix that complements its immune and gut-supportive compounds.*

In addition, you may consider finding a colostrum formulated with additional ingredients for even more robust full body support.

Colostrum truly supports full body health because it supports our most essential systems.* Gut integrity, immune balance, and cellular renewal are deeply interconnected, and colostrum’s unique composition reflects that biology.