Is it safe for men to take colostrum?

December 27, 2025 •

4 min read

Packed with antibodies, immunoglobulins, and growth factors, colostrum is a nutrient-dense fluid produced by mammals after giving birth. Its use as a supplement has surged, but men often wonder: is it safe for men to take colostrum and does it actually provide benefits?

Quick Summary

Bovine colostrum is generally considered safe for most men, offering potential benefits for immune function, gut health, and athletic recovery. Mild digestive side effects may occur, and those with dairy allergies should avoid it. Quality and proper dosage are key considerations.

Key Points

Generally Safe for Most Men: Bovine colostrum is considered safe for healthy adults and is widely used for its health-boosting properties.
Supports Immune and Gut Health: The high concentration of immunoglobulins and growth factors can boost immune function and help repair the gut lining.
Mild Side Effects Possible: Some men may experience minor gastrointestinal issues like bloating or gas, especially when starting supplementation.
IGF-1 Concerns Unfounded for Adults: Oral supplementation does not significantly increase circulating IGF-1 levels in healthy men, mitigating concerns about prostate cancer risk.
Not a Superior Muscle Builder to Whey: While it can support lean mass gains and recovery, colostrum is often more expensive and not necessarily better than standard whey protein for pure muscle growth.
Choose a Quality Product: Because the supplement market is not strictly regulated, opt for brands that offer third-party tested products to ensure purity and quality.

What is Colostrum?

Colostrum is the first milk produced by mammals after giving birth, and bovine colostrum, sourced from cows, is the type most commonly used in supplements for human consumption. It is a potent mix of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and, most notably, a high concentration of immunoglobulins (antibodies) and growth factors. While essential for a newborn's initial development and immune system, research suggests these bioactive compounds may also benefit adults by supporting immunity and gut health.

General Safety and Common Side Effects

For most healthy men, bovine colostrum is considered generally safe when taken as a supplement. However, as with any supplement, there are considerations and potential side effects to be aware of. The most frequently reported adverse effects are mild and gastrointestinal in nature.

Mild Digestive Discomfort: Some individuals may experience bloating, gas, or nausea, particularly when first starting a colostrum supplement. Starting with a lower dose and gradually increasing it can help the body adjust.
Dairy Allergies: Colostrum is a dairy product, so it is not suitable for men with a cow's milk protein allergy. Individuals with lactose intolerance should also exercise caution, though the lactose content in colostrum supplements is often lower than in regular milk.
Purity Concerns: The dietary supplement industry is not heavily regulated by the FDA, meaning product quality can vary significantly. To minimize risk of contamination from pathogens or heavy metals, it is crucial to select products that are third-party tested and from reputable brands.

Potential Benefits of Colostrum for Men

Research points to several potential health advantages for men who take colostrum supplements. The primary benefits relate to immune system support and gut health, with some positive but less conclusive evidence for athletic performance.

Enhanced Immune Function: Colostrum is rich in immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG) and lactoferrin, proteins that help the body fight infections caused by bacteria and viruses. Several studies, particularly on athletes, have linked bovine colostrum supplementation to a reduced incidence of upper respiratory tract infections.
Improved Gut Health: The growth factors in colostrum can help repair and strengthen the gut lining, potentially benefiting those with conditions like leaky gut syndrome or exercise-induced intestinal permeability. By supporting gut integrity, it can also aid in nutrient absorption.
Athletic Performance and Recovery: Men engaged in intense physical activity may find colostrum beneficial for recovery and building lean muscle mass. Some studies have shown that it can increase lean body mass and accelerate recovery markers post-exercise, but its performance benefits are debated compared to alternatives like whey protein.

Colostrum, IGF-1, and Prostate Health

A frequently raised concern regarding colostrum for men involves the hormone Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1), which is naturally present in bovine colostrum. Theoretically, IGF-1 has been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers, such as prostate cancer, in some contexts.

However, a significant body of evidence shows that orally ingested IGF-1 from colostrum supplements is not readily absorbed by the adult digestive system. Instead, it is broken down into inactive fragments, and studies have shown no significant increase in circulating IGF-1 levels in healthy adults after colostrum supplementation. This provides strong additional support for the safety profile of colostrum ingestion, even with the presence of growth factors.

Colostrum vs. Whey Protein for Men

When considering colostrum, especially for muscle building, it's often compared to whey protein. Here is a comparison to help men decide which is best for their goals.


Feature	Colostrum	Whey Protein
Primary Function	Immune support, gut repair, overall wellness, and recovery.	Muscle repair, muscle growth, and protein synthesis.
Composition	Rich in immunoglobulins, growth factors, lactoferrin, and other bioactive compounds.	High in protein, especially branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs).
Cost	Typically more expensive due to specialized sourcing and processing.	Generally more affordable and widely available.
Muscle Building Efficacy	Can aid lean muscle gains and recovery, but often comparable to or less effective than whey for pure muscle growth.	Highly effective and concentrated source of protein for building muscle mass.
Immune/Gut Health	Stronger evidence for supporting immune health and repairing gut lining.	Provides building blocks for immune cells but less direct immune-modulating compounds.

How to Take Colostrum Supplements

Colostrum is available in several forms, including powder, capsules, and liquid, and the dosage varies depending on the product and desired effect. It is often recommended to start with a lower dosage to assess tolerance and minimize digestive upset.

General Immune Support: Many manufacturers suggest 500-1,000 mg per day.
Athletic Performance/Recovery: Studies on athletes have used higher dosages, ranging from 10-20 grams per day.
Gut Health: 1-2 grams per day may be effective, though this can depend on the severity of the condition.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Decision

For most healthy men, bovine colostrum is a safe supplement that offers promising benefits for immune support and gut health, with moderate effects on athletic recovery. Concerns regarding IGF-1 and prostate cancer have been largely alleviated by studies showing poor absorption of the growth factor in adults. While not a magic bullet for building muscle, it provides a unique profile of bioactive compounds that can complement a healthy lifestyle.

Before starting any new supplement, men should consult with a healthcare provider, especially if they have pre-existing health conditions, dairy allergies, or are concerned about athletic drug testing. For more detailed scientific research on colostrum, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) provides an extensive database of published studies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Side effects in men are generally the same as in the general population and are usually mild. The most common issues are gastrointestinal, such as bloating, gas, and nausea, which can often be managed by starting with a low dose.

Men with lactose intolerance should be cautious. While some colostrum products may have a lower lactose content, they still contain dairy proteins. Individuals with cow's milk protein allergies must avoid it entirely.

Colostrum contains growth factors that help stimulate the growth of intestinal cells and strengthen the gut wall. This can improve intestinal permeability and reduce inflammation, which is particularly beneficial for athletes under stress.

Studies on healthy adults show that orally ingested IGF-1 from colostrum is broken down during digestion and does not significantly increase circulating levels. Therefore, concerns regarding increased cancer risk from oral colostrum are not supported by the current evidence.

While some research suggests colostrum can aid in building lean muscle mass and improve recovery, other studies show similar results when compared to whey protein. For men focused solely on muscle building, the more affordable whey protein may be a more cost-effective option.

Dosage recommendations vary by manufacturer and intended use. For general immune support, 500-1,000 mg per day is often suggested. For athletic performance, some studies have used higher doses of 10-20 grams daily.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has previously advised caution due to the presence of growth factors but does not currently ban colostrum. As oral colostrum does not increase systemic IGF-1, it is generally considered safe for athletes, but professional athletes should always be mindful of and consult their athletic commissions.