Who Shouldn’t Take Colostrum? Risks and Considerations

Colostrum is often praised for its immune-boosting and gut-healing properties, but it’s not for everyone. While bovine colostrum supplements are generally considered safe for most healthy adults, there are a few groups who should exercise caution or avoid taking colostrum altogether.

Whether you’re dealing with allergies, medical conditions, or simply doing your research, here’s what you need to know before starting.

👉 Looking for a trusted brand? Check out our colostrum comparison guide.

1. People with Dairy or Lactose Intolerance

Colostrum is derived from bovine (cow) milk, so it contains lactose and milk proteins. Those with:

• Lactose intolerance (difficulty digesting lactose) may experience bloating, gas, or diarrhea.
• Dairy allergies (immune reaction to milk proteins like casein or whey) could have allergic responses such as hives, rashes, swelling, or anaphylaxis.

Example: Sarah, who is lactose intolerant, tried bovine colostrum and experienced severe stomach cramps and diarrhea within hours. Switching to a lactose-free supplement resolved her issue.

💡 Tip: If you’re lactose intolerant (not allergic), you may still tolerate colostrum. Learn more here.

2. Individuals with Autoimmune Diseases

Colostrum contains immune-boosting compounds like immunoglobulins and growth factors, which may overstimulate the immune system in people with autoimmune conditions such as:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Lupus
• Multiple sclerosis
• Hashimoto’s thyroiditis

Evidence: A 2017 study in Nutrients suggested that while colostrum can modulate immunity, it might exacerbate autoimmune responses in susceptible individuals (Br J Nutr. 2017).

Example: Mark, who has rheumatoid arthritis, noticed increased joint pain after taking colostrum. His doctor advised discontinuing it due to potential immune overactivation.

📖 Research Insight: A study published in Nutrients highlights how colostrum activates innate and adaptive immunity—something that can be helpful or problematic depending on the individual’s condition.
Read the study here →

👩‍⚕️ Talk to your doctor if you’re managing an autoimmune disorder and considering colostrum.

3. Those Allergic to Beef or Bovine Products

Since most colostrum supplements come from cows, people with beef allergies should avoid them to prevent allergic reactions.

Example: Emily, who has a known beef allergy, developed a rash and itching after taking a colostrum supplement. An allergist confirmed her sensitivity to bovine proteins.

4. Organ Transplant Patients or Immunosuppressed Individuals

Colostrum is known to activate immune responses, which may be a concern for people on immunosuppressive drugs or recovering from transplants. In such cases, immune stimulation may interfere with treatment plans.

Be aware if you are taking drugs for:

• Organ transplants
• Autoimmune diseases
• Cancer treatments

Evidence: A 2020 review in Frontiers in Immunology noted that colostrum could reduce the effectiveness of immunosuppressants (Front Immunol. 2020).

Example: John, a kidney transplant patient, was advised against colostrum by his doctor to avoid rejection risks from immune activation.

🛑 Always consult with your medical specialist before use.

5. Infants (Unless Prescribed by a Doctor)

Although colostrum is designed by nature for newborns, bovine colostrum supplements are not the same as human colostrum. Infants under 1 year should only consume supplements under medical supervision.

🛑 Always consult with your pediatrician.

6. Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women (Limited Research)

There’s limited clinical research on the safety of bovine colostrum during pregnancy or breastfeeding. While colostrum is a natural food source, the lack of human studies means caution is advised.

📌 Always consult with your OB-GYN or a licensed healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

What Reddit & Reviews Say

🗨️ “Colostrum really helped my gut, but I had to stop because I have MS and was advised to avoid immune-stimulating supplements.” — Reddit user, r/Supplements
🗨️ “As someone with a milk allergy, colostrum made me break out in hives. Not worth the risk.” — Verified Amazon reviewer
🗨️ “Pregnant and was curious about colostrum, but my OB said wait until after delivery.” — Reddit, r/BabyBumps

Conclusion

Colostrum offers powerful health benefits—but it’s not for everyone. If you’re allergic to dairy, immunocompromised, pregnant, or managing a complex medical condition, always check with your doctor before adding it to your routine.

✅ For everyone else, bovine colostrum can be a game-changer for immune strength, gut repair, and recovery.

Related Articles

• Is Colostrum Safe?
• Colostrum for Gut Health
• What is Pure Colostrum?