What Are the Side Effects of Colostrum? Safety & Risks Explained

What are the side effects of colostrum?
That question comes up fast once you start researching bovine colostrum for gut health, immunity, or performance.

Colostrum is often called nature’s first superfood.
But even natural foods can cause side effects if your body isn’t ready for them.

This article breaks down what colostrum is, why people take it, and what side effects you might experience.
You’ll also learn how to reduce risks and decide if colostrum is right for you.

What Are the Side Effects of Colostrum?

The side effects of colostrum are usually mild (1).
Most people tolerate high-quality bovine colostrum well.

When side effects do occur, they often show up during the first one to two weeks.
This is usually an adjustment phase rather than a long-term issue.

The most common side effects involve digestion.
These effects resolve as your gut adapts.

What Is Bovine Colostrum and Why Do People Take It?

The initial milk that cows generate after giving birth is called bovine colostrum.
It is rich in immunoglobulins, growth factors, enzymes, and peptides.

Humans naturally produce colostrum, too.
Bovine colostrum is used as a supplement because it shares similar functional compounds.

Adults take colostrum to support gut integrity.
Many also use it to support immune resilience and nutrient absorption.

Athletes often turn to colostrum for recovery support.
Others use it to help repair a compromised gut lining.

Common Colostrum Side Effects You May Experience

Digestive discomfort is the most commonly reported side effect.
This can include bloating, gas, or changes in bowel movements.

Loose stools may occur when starting with too high a dose.
This is more common in people with sensitive digestion.

Some people experience mild nausea.
This often happens when colostrum is taken on an empty stomach at first.

These symptoms usually improve when the dosage is reduced.
Starting slowly gives your gut time to adapt.

Changes During Gut Adaptation

Colostrum interacts directly with the gut lining (2).
This can trigger temporary shifts in digestion.

As the gut barrier strengthens, microbes may rebalance.
This shift can feel uncomfortable at first.

Think of it like renovating a house while still living in it.
There may be noise before things settle down.

This adjustment phase usually lasts one to two weeks.
After that, most people report improved digestion rather than discomfort.

Less Common but Possible Risks of Colostrum

Dairy sensitivity is a potential concern.
Colostrum contains milk proteins even though lactose levels are low.

People with lactose intolerance may still tolerate colostrum.
Those with true milk protein allergies should be cautious.

Allergic reactions are rare but possible.
Symptoms may include itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.

Anyone with a known milk allergy should avoid colostrum unless supervised by a professional.
Safety should always come first.

Some individuals with immune sensitivity may notice stronger reactions.
This does not mean colostrum is harmful, but it does mean listening to your body matters.

Is It Safe to Take Colostrum Every Day?

For most healthy adults, daily colostrum use is considered safe (3).
Consistency is often how people see the most benefit.

Daily use works best when quality and sourcing are prioritized.
Low-quality colostrum is more likely to cause issues.

Your body typically adapts within the first two weeks.
Side effects usually fade once adaptation occurs.

If symptoms persist, the dosage may be too high.
Less is often more when it comes to colostrum.

Does Colostrum Cause Weight Gain or Weight Loss?

Colostrum does not directly cause weight gain (4).
It is low in calories and not a mass-gaining supplement.

Some people worry about growth factors.
These compounds support tissue repair, not fat storage.

Colostrum may indirectly support weight regulation.
This happens through improved gut health and nutrient absorption.

There is no evidence that colostrum targets belly fat specifically.
Anybody's composition changes are secondary effects of improved health habits.

Best Time and Way to Take Colostrum to Reduce Side Effects

Colostrum is often consumed first thing in the morning.

This is consistent with the natural cycles of digestion.

Some people like to take it right before bed.

Depending on sensitivity, both strategies may be effective.

It's crucial to start with a little dose.

Initially, half a portion is usually plenty.

Digestive stress is lessened by gradually increasing the dosage.

The majority of side effects are avoided with this "start low and go slow" strategy.

Powdered colostrum allows more flexible dosing.
Capsules may be more straightforward for travel or convenience.

Form matters less than quality.
Low-heat processed colostrum is generally easier to digest.

Who Should Avoid or Be Cautious With Colostrum?

People with severe dairy allergies should avoid colostrum.
This is non-negotiable for safety reasons.

Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should consult a professional.
Research in these groups is limited.

Those with autoimmune conditions should proceed carefully.
Immune-active compounds can affect people differently.

Listening to your body is essential.
Natural does not mean universally tolerated.

How to Choose High-Quality Colostrum to Minimize Side Effects

Sourcing plays a significant role in tolerance.
Grass-fed colostrum is closer to nature’s design.

Ethical sourcing protects both calves and consumers.
Colostrum should only be collected after calves receive their share.

Low-heat processing preserves delicate compounds.
High heat can damage proteins and increase irritation.

Avoid fillers, gums, and artificial additives.
These extras often cause more problems than colostrum itself.

Clean colostrum aligns with the Wild Foods mission.
Real food works best when it stays real.

Final Thoughts

The side effects of colostrum are usually mild and temporary (1).
For most people, the benefits outweigh the initial discomfort.

Colostrum works best when respected.
It is a powerful food, not a quick fix.

Choosing high-quality, ethically sourced colostrum reduces risk.
Starting slowly protects your gut during adaptation.

If you’re looking to rewild your health, colostrum can be a helpful tool.
Just remember that nature works in rhythms, not shortcuts.

Supporting your gut is like rebuilding a strong foundation.
Once it’s solid, everything else stands taller.

Rebuild from the inside out 🔄🌱 Colostrum works.

FAQs on What are the Side Effects of Colostrum

What is colostrum?

Colostrum is the first milk produced after birth, rich in immune-supporting compounds and growth factors.

Is colostrum safe for adults?

Yes, high-quality bovine colostrum is generally safe for healthy adults when taken as directed.

What are the side effects of colostrum?

Some people may experience mild bloating or digestive changes, especially when starting.

Can you take colostrum every day?

Many adults take colostrum daily to support gut and immune health.

When is the best time to take colostrum?

Most people take it in the morning or on an empty stomach, but timing depends on tolerance.

Related Studies

1. Title:  Co-administration of the health food supplement, bovine colostrum, reduces the acute non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced increase in intestinal permeability in healthy volunteers and patients

Summary: In healthy male volunteers and NSAID-treated patients, oral bovine colostrum (125 ml three times daily) was well tolerated over 5–7 days, with no significant gastrointestinal adverse effects reported compared with whey protein control.

Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11352778/

2. Title: Oral Supplementation with Bovine Colostrum Decreases Intestinal Permeability and Stool Zonulin Concentration in Athletes

Summary: In a randomized trial of endurance athletes, 20 g/day of bovine colostrum for 20 days significantly decreased urinary lactulose/mannitol ratio and fecal zonulin, indicating improved intestinal barrier function versus placebo.

Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5409709/

3. Title: Oral bovine colostrum supplementation does not increase insulin-like growth factor-1 or lead to any other systemic effects in healthy adults: a randomized controlled trial.

Summary: Healthy adults taking 20–40 g/day bovine colostrum for up to 12 weeks showed no change in systemic IGF-1 and no increase in clinically relevant adverse events versus placebo, supporting safety with daily use.

Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7230051/

4. Title: The effects of bovine colostrum supplementation on body composition and exercise performance in active men and women

Summary: In active adults supplementing with 20 g/day bovine colostrum for 8 weeks, colostrum increased bone-free lean body mass without significantly affecting total body weight compared with whey protein placebo.

Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11312068/

5. Title: Anaphylaxis to cutaneous exposure to bovine colostrum-based cream

Summary: A case report describes a 16-year-old with persistent cow’s milk allergy who developed anaphylaxis after topical exposure to bovine colostrum cream, highlighting that individuals with cow’s milk protein allergy can react severely to colostrum-derived proteins.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29549703/