{"id":72498,"date":"2025-08-15T21:11:08","date_gmt":"2025-08-15T21:11:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/72498\/"},"modified":"2025-08-15T21:11:08","modified_gmt":"2025-08-15T21:11:08","slug":"best-colostrum-supplement-experts-dish-on-natures-liquid-gold","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/72498\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Colostrum Supplement: Experts Dish on Nature\u2019s \u2018Liquid Gold\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"

In the eternal quest to optimize our wellbeing, perhaps little piqued the world\u2019s interest more than colostrum. In order to uncover the best colostrum supplement, we first need to understand what colostrum is and what it does. Claimed to be a dose of \u201cliquid gold\u201d that optimizes immune, gut, and overall health, it\u2019s the nutrient-rich first milk<\/a> that mothers\u2014mammals, including humans\u2014produce in the first few days after giving birth.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis concentrated milk is rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, and growth factors, and is important for building a newborn\u2019s immunity and healthy GI tract,\u201d explains nutrition and health expert Gerda Endemann<\/a>, PhD. \u201cIt contains oligosaccharides, which are specific carbohydrates that work as food for the intestinal flora, as well as IgA and IgG antibodies, white blood cells, and a protein called lactoferrin\u2014all which can help prevent infections<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n

Vogue\u2019s Favorite Colostrum Supplements:Featured in this article\"Image<\/a>Best Overall<\/p>\n

Armra Colostrum\u2122 Powder<\/p>\n

See More<\/a>\"Image<\/a>Best Liquid<\/p>\n

Cymbiotika Liquid Colostrum<\/p>\n

See More<\/a>\"Image<\/a>Best Capsule<\/p>\n

Pure Encapsulations Colostrum<\/p>\n

See More<\/a><\/p>\n

These incredible benefits are now being looked at for adults. \u201cWhile limited, there is some scientific research suggesting that bovine colostrum can support immunity, gut health, and athletic performance due to its concentrated content of immunoglobulins, antibodies, and growth factors,\u201d explains registered dietitian Isabel Smith,<\/a> MS, RD, CDN.<\/p>\n

We asked the experts to lay out everything you need to know about colostrum supplements to help narrow down our list to the five best colostrum supplements on the market, below:<\/p>\n

In This Story:Best Overall: ARMRA Colostrum PowderWhy We Love It: ARMRA colostrum was developed by a double board-certified pediatric neurologist after experiencing her own personal health crisis\u2014and is one of Dua Lipa<\/a> and holistic nutritionist Chelsey Wilkens<\/a>\u2019s top choices. \u201cI recommend a colostrum supplement like ARMRA that\u2019s hormone-free, from the first day milking, and pasteurized at low heat to preserve nutrients,\u201d says Wilkens, who has been taking a scoop of morning colostrum for the past seven months. \u201cIt\u2019s amazing because of its quality sourcing and its liposomal delivery to help increase absorption.\u201d The brand uses a proprietary Cold-Chain BioPotent Pasteurization Technology to ensure the colostrum\u2019s 400-plus bioactive nutrients remain entirely bioavailable. The formula is made from the surplus production of colostrum (which is typically considered a waste product in the dairy industry) sourced from grass-fed cows on family-owned dairy farms in the U.S. using an upcycling method. According to the brand, cows, unlike humans, produce colostrum in surplus so baby calves only consume about 50% of the colostrum that the mothers produce. And results from the brand\u2019s clinical trials<\/a> showed 86% of participants experienced less bloating after taking it daily over the course of three months, and 80-87% reported feeling an improvement in their muscle building, endurance, and recovery. For Vogue\u2019s Kiana Murden, who put the viral colostrum supplement to the test for six months, its immunity benefits were most impressive. \u201cI tell all my friends and colleagues who ask me about the supplement that I literally never get sick anymore\u2014a very important point given I usually catch a terrible cold during the frigid, germ-prone New York City winter. But this year, nothing,\u201d she wrote in her review<\/a>. Proportedly, colostrum\u2019s immune-supporting components (think: immunoglobulins and gut protective properties) theoretically helps reduce the frequency of infections, as board-certified dermatologist Dr. Murphy-Rose shared with Murden. The supplement comes in both a larger jar and individual sachets and has delicious flavors\u2014like vine watermelon or blood orange\u2014as well as unflavored.Key Ingredients: Proprietary ARMRA Colostrum concentrate (bovine)Best For: Gut health, digestion, immune support, elevated mood, improved skin and hairFlavors: Unflavored, vine watermelon, blood orange, peach persimmon, valera pineappleServings: 1 stick (or one scoop)Best Liquid: Cymbiotika Liquid ColostrumWhy We Love It: Formulated in a liposomal delivery system to enhance absorption and bioavailability, one of these gel packets a day delivers a dose of colostrum, making it incredibly easy to take\u2014and perfect for arming your gut and immune system while traveling (or during incredibly jam-packed days.) \u201cI frequently recommend colostrum for people who are traveling, to help prevent traveler\u2019s diarrhea, but it\u2019s also great for the gut in general,\u201d says Smith. \u201cEmerging studies have been done not only on colostrum\u2019s support of gut lining health and healing, but also immune function, regarding the immunoglobulins and antimicrobial peptides colostrum contains, which is said to help enhance immune cell activity and promote anti-inflammatory cytokines.\u201dKey Ingredients: Whole bovine colostrum, Icelandic sea salt, organic almond butterBest For: Supports hair, skin, nails, gut lining, and immune functionFlavors: Sea salt vanillaServings: 1 packetBest Capsule: Pure Encapsulations ColostrumWhy We Love It: A favorite of Smith\u2019s, Pure Encapsulations is known for its clean, safe, efficacious products and rigorous testing for quality assurance across the board. \u201cI love that Pure Encapsulations is hypoallergenic, high-quality, and made without any filler ingredients,\u201d says Smith, who seeks out colostrum for a myriad of reasons. In capsule form, the formula also boasts a high, standardized dose\u2014 40%\u2014of the antibody Immunoglobulin G (IgG), something which Smith says is one of the top things to look for in a good colostrum supplement. \u201cThe amount of IgG in a product is a measure of its potency,\u201d explains Endemann. \u201cIgG varies in colostrum because of environmental factors, nutrition, genetics, and the number of hours that have passed since the cow gave birth.\u201dKey Ingredients: Bovine colostrumBest For: Immune supportFlavors: N\/AServings: 2 capsulesBest Powder: Cowboy ColostrumWhy We Love It: You may have heard of Cowboy Colostrum from Sofia Richie\u2014it was one of the star ingredients in her much-obsessed-over Erewhon Market smoothie<\/a> collaboration. Beyond tasting delicious, this powder packs three grams of bovine colostrum without unnecessary additives. \u201cThis is a high-quality option that is grass-fed, hormone-free, first day milking, and pasteurized at low heat to preserve nutrients,\u201d says Wilkens. It blends seamlessly into cold drinks and the unflavored option is perfect for mixing into a morning iced coffee or smoothie.Key Ingredients: Bovine colostrum, organic monkfruit extract, sea saltBest For: Gut health support, immune support, hair growth supportFlavors: Unflavored, chocolate, vanillaServings: 1 sachet or scoopBest With Collagen: Bloom Nutrition Bovine Colostrum PowderWhy We Love It: For those who want to streamline their wellness routine, Bloom\u2019s super powder pairs colostrum with vitamin B12, probiotics, and bovine collagen (type I and III) for an incredible morning boost. The benefits of collagen are many\u2014and they can improve skin, hair, nails, joints, bones, and gut health\u2014and this powder combines two ingredient powerhouses. The powder formula dissolves into with no clumping and tastes amazing\u2014like a strawberry dessert. It is worth noting that it\u2019s manufactured in a facility that processes milk, soy, egg, wheat, fish, sesame, and tree nuts so if you have any serious allergies, it may not be the best option for you.Key Ingredients: Bovine collagen, bovine colostrum, vitamin B12Best For: Gut health, immune support, hair, skin, and nail supportFlavors: Unflavored, orange, orange cream, strawberry, strawberries & creamServings: 1 scoopEverything You Need to KnowAccordionItemContainerButton<\/p>\n

Colostrum is the first milk that mammals produce the first few days after giving birth\u2014it\u2019s thicker and yellower than the breast milk that comes in later, which is part of what earned it the \u201cliquid gold\u201d nickname. \u201cIt contains high concentrations of polyunsaturated fats, antibodies, protein, growth factors, vitamins, minerals, and more that helps establish an infant\u2019s immune system,\u201d Smith explains. Bovine colostrum supplements, of course, are sourced from a cow\u2019s first milk, but there are other types too. \u201cMost colostrum supplements come from cows, but goat and sheep products are also commercially available,\u201d says Endemann.<\/p>\n

Are colostrum supplements worth it?<\/p>\n

AccordionItemContainerButton<\/p>\n

Colostrum supplements can be worth it depending on what results you\u2019re looking for. Some studies have demonstrated benefits for pre-term infants<\/a> that have been given their mother\u2019s colostrum. \u201cHowever, the situation is not quite as clear for commercially available colostrum supplements, primarily bovine, that are being used to support immunity and gut health,\u201d explains Endemann. \u201cBut it\u2019s an appealing prospect\u2014that we can easily buy concentrated antibody supplements that may help fight infections.\u201d As with anything, it should be used as a boost instead of a fix-all.<\/p>\n

What are the benefits of colostrum supplements?<\/p>\n

AccordionItemContainerButton<\/p>\n

Colostrum has been touted for many benefits, including strengthened immunity, hair-growth<\/a> support, glowier skin, decreased bloating, and improvement over other gastrointestinal diseases but further studies need to be conducted for any irrefutable evidentiary support.<\/p>\n

Promising research<\/a> is building that short-term supplementation of bovine colostrum may reduce gastric symptoms in those with celiac disease and colitis, and can decrease intestinal permeability<\/a> (also known as leaky gut). One 2024 review<\/a> suggests it may help have a positive effect on immunity (although it\u2019s worth noting that the study was sponsored by a Chinese biotech company.)<\/p>\n

It\u2019s also been used by athletes for leaky gut, stomach distress, and immune support. \u201cColostrum supplements have been studied<\/a> for supporting GI health, athletic performance, and preventing diarrhea and upper respiratory tract infections,\u201d says Endemann. \u201cHowever, colostrum has been shown to be helpful in some research, and not in other cases<\/a>.\u201d Ultimately more carefully controlled studies are needed to draw any concrete conclusions.<\/p>\n

Are there any downsides to taking colostrum?<\/p>\n

AccordionItemContainerButton<\/p>\n

Although colostrum has widely been regarded as safe for consumption, it\u2019s essential to remember that, as with all supplements, the dietary supplement industry is widely unregulated by the FDA, so you should exercise a level of caution for any supplements (and look out for those claiming to prevent or treat medical conditions). \u201cThere is a moderate downside to taking colostrum because it\u2019s not regulated by the FDA,\u201d says Wilkens. \u201cBut it\u2019s not really a product that has been misproduced as it\u2019s still so new on the market.\u201d As with starting any new supplement, if you are pregnant, nursing, taking any medications, or have any medical condition, consult your healthcare professional before use.<\/p>\n

What to Look for in Colostrum Supplements<\/p>\n

AccordionItemContainerButton<\/p>\n

Transparency is essential when it comes to all supplementation. \u201cLook for one that has no (or limited) additive ingredients and is manufactured at an approved GMP-certified and FDA-certified facility,\u201d says Smith. \u201cIt should also have high IgG content, low heat or cold-processed manufacturing, which help retain most of the benefits, and be grass-fed and antibiotic-free.\u201d<\/p>\n

There is also the question of ethics and sourcing. \u201cSome people suggest that by harvesting colostrum, which is only produced for about 1-4 days before milk comes in, the calves who are meant to receive it aren\u2019t receiving the essential nutrients they need when they\u2019re first born,\u201d explains Wilkens. Dr. Sarah Rahal, a double board-certified pediatric neurologist and the founder and CEO of ARMRA, previously told Vogue: \u201cARMRA upholds a commitment to calf-first sourcing. This means ARMRA only collects overflow colostrum: the surplus remaining after the calves are fully fed and receive all the vital nutrients they need. Typically, this surplus is discarded as an industry waste product; instead, ARMRA upcycles it to ensure the calves\u2019 needs come first and no colostrum goes to waste.\u201d<\/p>\n

Who should not take colostrum?<\/p>\n

AccordionItemContainerButton<\/p>\n

Colostrum supplements are generally considered safe for most people, but there are differences between the cow and human versions of most molecules, which is true for components of colostrum, too. \u201cDairy colostrum appears to be safe for human consumption, but the benefits and safety are still being established,\u201d explains Endemann. \u201cIt is similar, but not equivalent to human colostrum, with much higher casein and antibody levels<\/a> than the human version. Like human colostrum it contains lactoferrin and growth-promoting and immune regulating cytokines, including epidermal growth factor (EGF), TGF-\u03b1, TGF-\u03b2, and IGF-1.\u201d<\/p>\n

Those with true dairy allergies or lactose intolerance may want to avoid them, especially because it\u2019s a bovine-derived dairy product and has levels of lactose and casein. \u201cThose who are immunocompromised, have histamine intolerances, or autoimmune conditions should also heed caution because it may stimulate the immune system,\u201d says Smith.<\/p>\n

AccordionItemContainerButtonGerda Endemann<\/a>, PhD is a nutrition and health expert with over 20 years of experience analyzing scientific research on nutrition, supplements, and health. She holds a BS in nutrition from the University of California at Berkeley and a PhD in nutritional biochemistry from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and has conducted scientific research<\/a> on heart disease, fat metabolism, and nutrition in academic laboratories and in biotech, and she has served as an adjunct faculty member at Stanford University.Isabel Smith, MS RD CDN is a registered dietitian, host of The Wellfuel Podcast<\/a>, and CEO and founder of Isabel Smith Nutrition<\/a>.Chelsey Wilkens<\/a> is a holistic nutritionist, cook, and personal trainer based between Austin and Charleston.