Leaky gut describes a variety of GI symptoms, including bloating, diarrhea, excessive fullness (distension), or abdominal pain. It’s a popular term that’s haphazardly thrown around the past few years by “gurus” and “experts” but it is NOT a formal medical diagnosis.[1]
Still, hucksters and influencers push all manner of pills, potions, and tonics to combat these feelings of GI discomfort.
One such supplement is colostrum.
Today, we’ll discuss what colostrum is, the benefits of colostrum, and should you take colostrum for leaky gut.
What is Colostrum?
Colostrum is the first form of breast milk produced by mammals, including humans, during the late stages of pregnancy and the first few days after childbirth.
It’s often referred to as “liquid gold”, not just for its yellow color but also due to the fact that it is rich in numerous essential nutrients, including protein, carbohydrates, and fats that newborns need to thrive.
Does Colostrum Support Gut Health and Combat Leaky Gut?
Rich in Nutrients That Support Gut Health
Colostrum also contains other beneficial compounds that support gut barrier repair, reduce inflammation, and promote mucosal integrity, including[2,3,8]:
- Growth factors
- Immunoglobulins
- Antimicrobial peptides
Growth factors, specifically, have been found to play a key role in keeping your intestinal barrier strong, by activating specific pathways in your gut.[4]
Research indicates it can improve gut health by enhancing tight junction function and reducing harmful bacterial overgrowth. Additionally, colostrum supplementation may reduce gut permeability and symptoms like bloating or diarrhea.[5]
Supports a Healthy Immune System
Colostrum contains immunoglobulins and lactoferrin, two bioactives prized for their ability to combat harmful microbes. Lactoferrin, in particular, helps reduce inflammation and offers antimicrobial properties, which helps resist infections and supports a healthy immune system.[6]
Intense training, such as the kind undertaken by competitive endurance athletes, is known to weaken the immune system and cause various GI issues (such as diarrhea). Colostrum supplements offer a 2-in-1 solution for active individuals who undertake rigorous training programs by supporting a healthy immune system and reducing GI symptoms.[7,8]
Supports Healthy Digestion
By reducing inflammation, soothing GI distress, and improving gut barrier integrity, colostrum supports efficient digestion. This helps your body to digest, absorb, and utilize the essential nutrients it needs to push hard during workouts, recover better, and function at a higher level throughout the day.
How can I choose the best colostrum supplement for leaky gut?
Colostrum supplements are surging in popularity, which means there are a lot of options available in the store and online. You’ll also find colostrum supplements available in a variety of formats, including powders, capsules, liquids, and topicals (creams).
So, how can you sort through the noise?
Start by looking at the ingredients panel (supplement facts panel).
The best colostrum supplements are minimally processed and contain little-to-no fillers, additives, or artificial colors.
Next, you want to see the type (form) of colostrum as well as if the supplement is lab-tested and produced in a GMP-certified facility. The more transparent a company is with you about its products, the higher quality it is.
The Best Colostrum Supplement
While there are many quality colostrum supplements on the market, we feel the best one is 1UP Colostrum + Metabolic Support.
What makes 1UP Nutrition’s Colostrum better than the competition?
For starters, our colostrum supplement includes a full 2,000mg (2g) of Whole Full Spectrum™ Colostrum (from that patented TruColostrum®). It is produced via a low-temperature process which helps retain important biofractions and deliver higher purity and potency. Competitor colostrum products contain only 500-1000mg colostrum per serving (25-50% of what we offer) and may use colostrum produced via high-temperature processes which reduces the quality and quantity of bioactive nutrients.
1UP Colostrum + Metabolic Support also includes BPL1® HT, a clinically studied postbiotic shown to help reduce abdominal fat, improve metabolic markers, and support lean body composition. If you’re not familiar with postbiotics, they are a class of nutrients that are created from digestion. They support gut health as well as overall well-being and performance.
Last, but not least, our colostrum supplement (as well as all other 1UP Nutrition products) is lab tested for Heavy Metals, Microbiological, and Label Accuracy and is produced in a NSF/ANSI GMP 455-2 Certified, FDA Registered and inspected facility.
What’s the Best Way to Take Colostrum?
For best results, we suggest mixing 1 scoop with ten (10) oz of cold water and drink it in the morning before your first meal. Be aware that mixing colostrum with piping-hot liquids or taking it alongside a meal can impact its absorption and potential benefits.
Also, if you find that your colostrum foams or clumps, that’s totally normal! High-quality, whole spectrum colostrum will clump. It still retains all of its purity and potency.
You may take colostrum at other times of the day, if you don’t want to consume it first thing in the morning. If possible, try to have it 20-30 minutes before eating as this will allow time for the colostrum to reach your GI system and work its magic!
The Bottom Line on Colostrum and Leaky Gut
Leaky gut is a general term used to describe a variety of GI symptoms, including bloating, diarrhea, excessive fullness (distension), or abdominal pain. Colostrum supplements may be beneficial for leaky gut due to its anti-inflammatory, immune support, and healing properties.
Additionally, it’s important to make sure you’re eating nutritious foods (fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, etc.) while limiting things that irritate the GI tract (alcohol, nicotine, ultra-processed foods, etc.).
And, if you have any other questions on how to support gut health, we’re always here to help! Reach out to us on our website or exclusive Facebook group (which you can access when you sign up for our transformation challenge!)
References
- Lacy BE, Wise JL, Cangemi DJ. Leaky Gut Syndrome: Myths and Management. Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y). 2024 Aug;20(5):264-272. PMID: 39193076; PMCID: PMC11345991.
- Hałasa M, Maciejewska D, Baśkiewicz-Hałasa M, Machaliński B, Safranow K, Stachowska E. Oral Supplementation with Bovine Colostrum Decreases Intestinal Permeability and Stool Concentrations of Zonulin in Athletes. Nutrients. 2017 Apr 8;9(4):370. doi: 10.3390/nu9040370. PMID: 28397754; PMCID: PMC5409709.
- Ooi TC, Ahmad A, Rajab NF, Sharif R. The Effects of 12 Weeks Colostrum Milk Supplementation on the Expression Levels of Pro-Inflammatory Mediators and Metabolic Changes among Older Adults: Findings from the Biomarkers and Untargeted Metabolomic Analysis. Nutrients. 2023 Jul 18;15(14):3184. doi: 10.3390/nu15143184. PMID: 37513601; PMCID: PMC10384749.
- Tang X, Liu H, Yang S, Li Z, Zhong J, Fang R. Epidermal Growth Factor and Intestinal Barrier Function. Mediators Inflamm. 2016;2016:1927348. doi: 10.1155/2016/1927348. Epub 2016 Jul 25. PMID: 27524860; PMCID: PMC4976184.
- Hajihashemi, P., Haghighatdoost, F., Kassaian, N. et al. Therapeutics effects of bovine colostrum applications on gastrointestinal diseases: a systematic review. Syst Rev 13, 76 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-024-02489-1
- Actor JK, Hwang SA, Kruzel ML. Lactoferrin as a natural immune modulator. Curr Pharm Des. 2009;15(17):1956-73. doi: 10.2174/138161209788453202. PMID: 19519436; PMCID: PMC2915836.
- Shing CM, Jenkins DG, Stevenson L, Coombes JS. The influence of bovine colostrum supplementation on exercise performance in highly trained cyclists. Br J Sports Med. 2006 Sep;40(9):797-801. doi: 10.1136/bjsm.2006.027946. Epub 2006 Jul 6. PMID: 16825268; PMCID: PMC2564397.
- Yalçıntaş YM, Baydemir B, Duman H, Eker F, Bayraktar Biçen A, Ertürk M, Karav S. Exploring the impact of colostrum supplementation on athletes: a comprehensive analysis of clinical trials and diverse properties. Front Immunol. 2024 May 10;15:1395437. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1395437. PMID: 38799427; PMCID: PMC11116638.
