The 5 Best Colostrum Supplements of 2024

Colostrum supplements are popping up all over social media and on store shelves. But is this a supplement you should consider adding to your daily routine?

I dug into the research, and it turns out colostrum may be a supplement to put on your radar—possibly even prioritize. Studies suggest that taking colostrum supplements can improve gut health, reduce inflammation, bolster immune function, lower your risk of catching the flu and upper respiratory infections, and relieve stomach and digestive issues. There’s also data to suggest supplementation may be particularly beneficial for athletes when it comes to restoring and maintaining immune and gut health—two things that extensive training takes a toll on. Granted, the amount of research on colostrum supplementation is still limited, so there’s much more to learn about its potential therapeutic benefits. But the findings are fairly impressive and I found them hard to ignore.

What Are Colostrum Supplements?

Colostrum is a thick, milky liquid secreted by the mammary glands in humans and most mammals immediately after giving birth and for approximately the following 48 hours. It contains immunoglobulins and other bioactive compounds designed to kickstart the newborn’s immune system and aid in intestinal absorption and development. In fact, you may hear it referred to as “liquid gold” because of how dense it is in these powerful compounds. Colostrum supplements manufacturers take bovine (cow) colostrum, dry it and then package it as a powder or in capsules. But why exactly might someone consider taking bovine colostrum? And who might benefit?

We consulted Dr. Keri Marshall, M.S., ND, a highly experienced healthcare provider and epidemiologist. Marshall’s background includes serving as an expert consultant to dietary supplement manufacturers when it comes to product development, selection of quality ingredients, and health protocols. She’s been a colostrum user and prescriber for over 20 years, and she regularly incorporates it into her patient’s treatment plans.

But before I dug into the details with Marshall, I had to ask: Does collecting bovine colostrum mean newborn calves are going without their “liquid gold”? Marshall assured me that the calves’ needs are fully met before collection, and she explained that cows produce an excessive amount of colostrum. Only once newborn calves’ needs are met is the extra collected for supplements.

The Health Benefits of Bovine Colostrum

“The composition of bovine colostrum is very similar to that made by humans,” says Marshall. “Its health benefits start in the gut by being a rich, comprehensive source of immune and growth factors, protective bioactive proteins and prebiotics.” She explains that poor diet, stress, excessive exercise and antibiotics can disrupt the balance of our gut microbes, which can lead to inflammation, digestive issues like diarrhea, bloating, and constipation, impaired nutrient absorption and changes to neurotransmitters made in the gut, such as serotonin and GABA. But the over 250 bioactive compounds in colostrum can play a key role in healing and restoring the intestinal lining to improve gut health and normal digestive processes. And the intestinal benefits don’t stop there.

“Over 70% of the immune system is located in the gut, so there’s an intricate and symbiotic relationship between the gut and immune system that the entire body relies on to maintain health,” says Marshall. “Colostrum contains high levels of immunoglobulins, antimicrobial enzymes, prebiotics and other immune components that aid in removing pathogens and allergens to support a healthy immune system.” In essence, the combination of gut- and immune-boosting components in colostrum has the potential to target the root cause of most chronic inflammatory health issues today. Among the research studies to date, colostrum is associated with significantly reducing gut permeability (leaky gut), reducing one’s risk of the flu and upper respiratory infections, decreasing the length and severity of vomiting and diarrhea in children, and reducing inflammatory blood markers. Studies suggest it offers additional benefits to athletes by reducing oxidative damage and inflammation that can result from high levels of training.

PHOTO:

Amazon

Form: Powder | Colostrum per dose: 5 g | Third-party tested: Yes | In-house tested: Yes | Price: $36 for 40 doses ($0.17/g)

What we like: The powder consists of ColostrumOne, a patented brand of colostrum that works directly with dairy farmers to source the colostrum.

What to know: One dose (4 teaspoons) provides 5 grams, which is larger than most other brands, but this can easily be broken down into smaller dosages.

Wondering what colostrum supplement Marshall takes and recommends to patients? It’s this powder from Life’s First Naturals. This wasn’t a brand I was familiar with but once I started checking out the company and product line I quickly understood why she’s such a big fan. Life’s First Naturals uses a patented form of colostrum in its products known as ColostrumOne, whose manufacturers work directly with the dairy farmers to ensure a high-quality product is collected within the first 24 hours after birth and then processed in a manner to preserve the integrity of the many bioactive compounds. A brand rep for Life’s First Naturals also confirmed that the product undergoes both third-party and in-house testing. The powder has a fluffy texture that works well in smoothies but can also be stirred into yogurt or other beverages.

An added bonus is that this colostrum just so happens to also be the most inexpensive option on our list, priced at just $0.17 per 1 g dose.

PHOTO:

Amazon

Form: Powder | Colostrum per dose: 1 g | Third-party tested: Yes | In-house tested: Yes | Price: $110 for 120 doses ($0.92/g)

What we like: The powder has a slight granulated texture, which makes it easier to stir into thin liquids compared to other powders I tried. The brand offers both unflavored and three flavored options.

What to know: It’s the most expensive on our list, coming in at around $0.92 per 1 g dose.

If you’ve seen a colostrum ad lately, it’s a safe bet it was for the Armra brand. Armra’s marketing has quickly made its Immune Revival Colostrum powder a go-to among consumers, but Armra isn’t just about sleek presentation and sales hooks. The product is collected from grass-fed, rBST-free cows in the first 24 hours after birth and the colostrum is tested to ensure there are no traces of antibiotics. It’s processed using cold-chain pasteurization in a GMP-certified facility and employs third-party testing, as well as its own in-house testing. The brand’s attention to delivering a high-quality product is impressive, and its website is a great source for colostrum research. Perhaps one of the biggest things that sets this colostrum apart is its slightly granulated texture, which makes the powder easier to stir into thin liquids, or if desired, simply place a scoop on the tongue to swallow.

PHOTO:

Amazon

Form: Capsules| Colostrum per dose: 0.95 g | Third-party tested: Yes | In-house tested: Yes | Price: $38 for 120 doses ($0.33/g)

What we like: No mixing is required since this colostrum powder is packaged into capsules that you swallow. This brand also seems to be more widely available at mainstream retail outlets than others.

What to know: No details are available regarding the processing method.

These capsules contain colostrum collected during the first milking from cows at Grade A dairies that’s tested for antibiotics, pesticides and heavy metals. Packaging also indicates that the cows from which the colostrum is collected have not been treated with the synthetic growth hormone rBST. These quality factors, combined with a moderate price, are why I selected this Symbiotics product as the “Best Value” choice. In fact, the cost breaks down to just $0.33 per g, making it the second-lowest option on our list when looking at cost per gram. The suggested dosage is two capsules, and this provides approximately 1 g of colostrum, which is the daily amount recommended by Marshall for most healthy individuals. Taking this colostrum is easier than the potential mess of powders—plus, it’s easy to increase your dose.

Lifeâs First Colostrum Chewables for Kids

PHOTO:

Amazon

Form: Chewable tablet | Colostrum per dose: 1 g | Third-party tested: Yes | In-house tested: Yes | Price: $20 for 30 doses ($0.67/g)

What we like: One of the few chewable options available, these have a light berry yogurt-like flavor and contain the patented brand of colostrum—ColostrumOne.

What to know: The dosage is two chewable tablets, which contain 15 calories and 1 g of added sugar.

It’s tricky to find dietary supplements that your kids will actually take without complaints, but I think you’ll have great success with these berry-flavored chewables. They have a slightly sweet flavor that tastes a little like dried yogurt. While marketed to kids, these are also a great option for adults looking for an alternative to powders and capsules. Similar to the above pick from Life’s First Naturals, these also contain the proprietary ColostrumOne, whose manufacturers work closely with the dairy farmers at Grade A dairies and collect colostrum within the first 24 hours after birth. The sweetness in the chewables comes from a small amount of added sugar (1 g per two chewables), but we like that sugar is used rather than artificial sweetener like sucralose or aspartame that are common in powders and chewable tablets. “New research suggests that their effects [artificial sweeteners like sucralose] in the gut may actually negate or work against the gut healing benefits that colostrum offers,” says Marshall.

PHOTO:

Amazon

Form: Powder | Colostrum per dose: 2 g | Third-party tested: Yes | In-house tested: Yes | Price: $65 for 60 doses ($0.54/g)

What we like: This powder combines quality-sourced colostrum with elderberry extract to yield a lightly flavored creamy drink when mixed with water or milk (or any other beverage).

What to know: The powder is sweetened with plant-based sweeteners (stevia leaf and monk fruit) and a milk frother is recommended for mixing.

Most colostrum powders are unflavored, but a handful of brands are venturing into flavored options, like this elderberry one by Wondercow. The product has great reviews when it comes to flavor and texture, but it’s Wondercow’s focus on providing high-quality colostrum—collected within the first 24 hours after birth from cows at Grade A dairies, low-heat processed in a GMP-certified facility, and tested in-house and by outside parties—that caught my attention. I also love the story behind this family-owned brand. As seventh-generation dairy farmers, Rob and Erica Diepersloot know about colostrum’s potential benefits. However, it wasn’t until their daughter had an extended spell of illness that they felt compelled to try it to help restore her gut and immune health. From that experience, the Wondercow product line was born.

We Also Considered

Mt. Capra Goat Milk Colostrum (view at Amazon): Marketed as being “better tolerated than cow colostrum,” goat colostrum intrigued me, particularly for those sensitive to cow’s milk, but this may not be necessary. “Bovine colostrum is much more similar to that of humans than goat,” says Marshall, suggesting that part of the benefits of bovine colostrum stem from those similarities. She also points out that because cow colostrum is very low in lactose, it is often very well tolerated by those with lactose intolerance or a dairy sensitivity, so sourcing it from another animal likely isn’t necessary. In addition, this popular goat colostrum indicates it’s collected within the first 48 hours (rather than 24 hours) after birth, and while third-party testing is done on some of the product line, this colostrum does not appear to be included. You can buy it for $30 for 17 doses, or $0.61 per g.

Heart & Soil Grass-Fed Colostrum (view at Amazon): The Heart & Soil brand focuses on animal products as the best source of nutrients and compounds severely lacking in today’s diet, and it emphasizes regenerative farming practices to promote the health of both the animals and land. This colostrum product undergoes third-party testing and is free from hormones, antibiotics, and pesticides. However, the timeframe that the colostrum was collected in isn’t indicated—something I felt was important to know first considering the higher price: $74 for 30 doses ($0.82/g).

The Bottom Line: The Best Colostrum Supplements

Life’s First Naturals Colostrum Powder (view at Amazon) is our top choice because of its high-quality sourcing from Grade A grass-fed cows and collection within the first 24 hours after birth. We also like that the company uses both third-party and in-house testing and costs less per gram than many competitors. A very close runner-up is Armra Immune Revival Collagen (view at Amazon). Similar to Life’s First, Armra offers a high-quality product that’s collected within the first 24 hours and cold-processed to ensure the integrity of immune-boosting immunoglobulins. While Armra has a higher price compared to many others, the powder supplement has a slightly granulated texture that not only mixes well in both thick or thin liquids but can also be placed directly on the tongue and swallowed.

Choosing a Colostrum Supplement

Regardless of the form, Marshall says there are two main things to consider when selecting a colostrum supplement. First, you want a product that indicates the colostrum was collected within the first 24 hours of production, when the levels of immunoglobulins and bioactive compounds are highest.

The second is to select a product that indicates the colostrum was processed using a low-heat or cold treatment to preserve the immunoglobulins and other bioactive compounds. High temperatures will destroy colostrum’s good microbes, immune factors, and bioactive components.

Here are a few other factors to keep in mind when purchasing a colostrum supplement:

Label Details

Look for a mention of the colostrum coming from cows at Grade A dairies—that’s a good indicator that it’s coming from healthy, happy cows. Another factor to consider is if the colostrum is sourced from grass-fed cows, which usually consume a more nutrient-dense diet (and, thus, possibly make more nutrient-dense colostrum) compared to non-grass-fed cows. It’s helpful when colostrum brands provide these details on their label or website, but not seeing these details doesn’t always mean these practices weren’t followed.

Third-party testing

Because supplements aren’t well-regulated by the government, look for supplements that have been tested by a third-party lab. This can verify that the supplements contain what the label claims and/or are free from harmful contaminants. The quality of third-party testing can vary greatly by company, so it is recommended that you choose a supplement that is tested or certified by a highly reputable company or organization such as NSF, USP, UL or Consumer Lab. If third-party testing isn’t available, check to see if the manufacturer conducts regular in-house testing. Some manufacturers may even go so far as to have certified in-house labs, which suggests an exceptional commitment to quality.

In the case of colostrum supplements, it’s important to realize that third-party testing only provides assurance that the product is contaminant-free. It does not consider when the colostrum was collected and how it was processed—two factors that Marshall considers most important when selecting a quality colostrum supplement. It’s also good to know that unlike other dietary supplements that typically boast “third-party” testing on the label, we found that colostrum brands often don’t include this on the label and often not even on their website. We had to contact the colostrum manufacturers to inquire about third-party and in-house testing for most brands.

Dosage

We found that many colostrum supplements on the market come in doses of 1 g. Measured out this is about ½ to ¾ teaspoon of powder, or two to three capsules. A few colostrum supplements come in doses of 2 to 5 g.

Ingredients

Read the ingredient list and make a choice that aligns with your dietary goals. Many powders are pure colostrum, but some contain small amounts of an emulsifier like sunflower lecithin to keep the powder from caking. Capsules will contain gelatin in the ingredient list. If purchasing a flavored colostrum supplement, check the label carefully to determine what is used to provide that flavor and sweetness. Look for ones that use natural fruit and vegetable extracts for flavor and coloring, and ones that provide sweetness through a minimal amount of added sugar or plant extracts (such as stevia or monk fruit), rather than artificial colors or artificial sweeteners such as sucralose.

Our Search for the Best Colostrum Supplement

We researched numerous brands of colostrum supplements and interviewed a naturopathic doctor and epidemiologist who has an extensive background in consulting within the dietary supplement industry when it comes to quality ingredient sourcing and efficacy of products, including colostrum. The products on our list all contain colostrum that the manufacturer cites as being collected within the first 24 hours of production. We prioritized colostrum products that specified the colostrum was collected from grass-fed cows, free from antibiotics and was cold or low-heat processed. Many of the products on our list are produced in a CGMP facility and have undergone third-party and/or in-house testing.

Common Questions

How much colostrum should I take?

Research studies show that colostrum can provide beneficial health effects from as little as 0.5 g per day to as much as 60 g. However, benefits don’t necessarily appear to increase with larger dosages, and there’s strong evidence to suggest that just 0.5 to 1 g per day is adequate for health improvements. Marshall recommends a dose of 1 g, most days of the week, for people in good health. If you have a chronic condition or acute illness, she suggests taking 2 to 5 g several times a week until symptoms improve and then dropping down to a 1 g dose for maintenance.

What are the benefits of colostrum supplements?

Over 6,000 studies examining the benefits of colostrum supplementation have been published with the first one dating back as far as the 1960s. This may seem like a lot, but it’s considered a limited body of evidence from a research perspective. With that being said, there were loads of positive effects and outcomes. Some of the more compelling findings from recent human clinical trials were these:

Reduced gut permeability. A 2017 study found that bovine supplementation of 0.5 g for 20 days significantly reduced gut permeability and thus decreased “leaky gut,” which is associated with inflammation, allergies and numerous other health conditions.
Shortened bouts of diarrhea and vomiting in kids. A 2020 controlled trial examined the effects of colostrum supplementation in children with acute vomiting, diarrhea and fever. Those receiving the colostrum significantly lowered the frequency of these episodes within 48 hours and the severity of diarrhea appeared to be lessened, compared to kids who received a placebo.
Lessened inflammation. A 2023 study in older adults suggested that 12 weeks of bovine colostrum supplementation reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators to deter inflammation and improve immune function.
Fended off the flu. An older study (from 2007) examined colostrum supplementation during flu season. Subjects who supplemented with colostrum during flu season had significantly fewer cases of flu compared to subjects who got the flu vaccine, and the number of days that subjects had the flu was three times higher in those who didn’t supplement with colostrum.
Improved inflammatory bowel disease. A 2021 paper reviewing current research on colostrum supplementation for irritable bowel disease, infectious diarrhea and other digestive issues found “substantial evidence” for its usage in managing symptoms.

How are colostrum supplements made?

Supplements are made by collecting bovine colostrum and drying it to create a powder (that can be stirred into food and drinks) or packaged into capsules. Most colostrum supplements are sold as powders that can be mixed or stirred into a smoothie, yogurt or thicker liquid such as orange juice or milk. The one thing not to mix them with is hot liquids or foods whose heat can destroy the bioactive components in the colostrum.

What is the best time of day to take colostrum?

According to Marshall, there’s no “best” time to take colostrum, but she advises against taking it solo so that you can enhance its absorption. “[Colostrum] is better digested with proteins and fats, so I often suggest mixing it with something like a smoothie or yogurt.”

Our Trusted Expertise

Carolyn Williams, Ph.D., RDN is a registered dietitian, tenured college professor and freelance journalist who’s written on a host of nutrition and health topics. The relationship between diet and chronic inflammation is an area in which she specializes, and she co-hosts the podcast Happy Eating, which explores the connection that mental wellness has to diet and lifestyle. After researching colostrum supplements, Williams immediately added one to her supplement routine.

Keri Marshall, M.S., ND, is a highly experienced naturopathic doctor and epidemiologist, who has helped patients attain optimal health with natural solutions for over two decades. Marshall is an expert in women’s medicine, pediatrics, and chronic disease management. She operates an integrative medical practice in Wilmington, North Carolina, is CEO and co-founder of Virtu Health Solutions and Chomp Gums, and provides nutrition and research consulting services. She’s been taking colostrum supplements for over 20 years.

This article was edited and reviewed by Brierley Horton, M.S., RDN, Senior Commerce Editor, who has 15 years of experience reporting, writing, and editing nutrition and health content.

Source link