Clinical Applications of Bovine Colostrum in GastrointestinaI Disorders: Mechanisms, Evidence, and Therapeutic Potential

Bovine colostrum stands out as a natural supplement with rich bioactive components that attract attention for its therapeutic potential in the maintenance and improvement of gastrointestinal (GI) health. The major bioactive components of bovine colostrum include immunoglobulin (Ig) (especially immunoglobulin G), lactoferrin (LF), growth Factors (IGF-I, TGF-β, EGF), oligosaccharides (OS), and bioactive peptides. These components play a role in epithelial repair, suppression of inflammation, balancing the microbiota, and enhancing the mucosal barrier. Various animal models and recent human studies show that bovine colostrum has various positive effects against gastrointestinal tract diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), non-steroidal anti-Inflammatory drug (NSAID)-induced enteropathy, and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). These effects include preservation of epithelial integrity, reduction of inflammatory markers, and improvement of intestinal permeability. Studies on the tolerability and efficacy profiles of various bovine colostrum formulations for oral, oropharyngeal, and enteral administration are increasing. In this review, the multifaceted effects of bovine colostrum on the gastrointestinal tract are explained at a mechanistic level, and potential areas of study for clinical translation are presented. Bovine Colostrum stands out as a promising natural biotherapeutic agent for both preventive and therapeutic approaches.