Colostrum is a thick, milky fluid secreted from the breasts of mammals for a few days after giving birth, before actual milk appears. Colostrum contains a large amount of vitamins, minerals, antibodies and growth factors important for a newborn. Some people use bovine colostrum, obtained from cows, as an alternative medicine. Side effects are few and uncommon.
Gastrointestinal Side Effects
Bovine colostrum is occasionally associated with mild upset stomach, bloating, nausea and gas. This usually can be resolved by taking less of the substance.
HIV Patient Considerations
According to RxList.com, isolated reports have been made of people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) experiencing nausea, vomiting, low red blood cell count and abnormal liver tests while taking bovine colostrum.
Lactose Intolerance and Allergies
Because bovine colostrum has low levels of lactose, lactose-intolerant people should have no problems with it. People also can purchase it in skim and reduced-lactose versions. But anyone allergic to milk should not take bovine colostrum.
Mad Cow Disease
No evidence indicates that bovine spongiform encephalitis, commonly called mad cow disease, can be transmitted through milk products. But people might want to avoid bovine colostrum produced in countries where mad cow disease has been found.
Pregnancy Considerations
Because of a lack of evidence about safety, pregnant and breastfeeding women should not take bovine colostrum.
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