Answer
Dec 31, 2025 - 12:46 PM
Bovine Colostrum will not raise IGF-1 levels in a dog or cat. A healthy body naturally regulates IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor ), which is a crucial hormone, similar to insulin, that promotes cell growth, tissue development, and bone growth, to keep it in a healthy range. High levels of IGF-1 are usually caused by too much Growth Hormone (GH), most often from a benign pituitary tumor (acromegaly in adults & gigantism in children), but can also stem from other tumors, certain medications or poor GH regulation. A study on the oral ingestion of Bovine Colostrum concluded that "Ingestion of standard recommended doses of colostrum does not increase IGF-1 levels in healthy adults, providing additional support for the safety profile of colostrum ingestion." This link will take you to a study on the safety of bovine colostrum supplementation. The study findings provide additional support for the safe use of colostrum for dogs and cats that can benefit from the favorable effects of colostrum on gastrointestinal and respiratory health.
