Colostrum Supplements: Quick Summary
Colostrum supplements, which are sourced mainly from bovine colostrum, have become increasingly more popular. Many people tout their ability to help support gut health, immunity, recovery, and more. Packed with antibodies, growth factors, and bioactive compounds, they often come in powdered or capsulated form.
High-quality colostrum supplements are normally:
• Sourced from grass-fed cattle
• Processed at lower temperatures
• Contain a high concentration of immunoglobulins
• Third-party tested
Colostrum can help support:
• Gut lining strength and digestion
• Immune function
• Recovery
Many people also report benefits for their hair, skin, and nails. However, sufficient research hasn't been done yet to support these claims.
Lately, there's been a whole lot of buzz in the supplement world around colostrum. Chances are, that's why you're here ... To see what all the hype is about. Many of us wonder if this is just another trend or something that will be around to stay.
Don't worry. In this article, I'm going to clear the air around the subject.
First things first, colostrum isn’t new. In fact, a lot of people say that it’s nature’s original superfood. It is quite literally the first nutrient-rich “milk” mammals produce to support immunity, growth, and recovery.
Now, supplement companies have found a way to bottle those benefits up for humans, and people are taking notice. But with so many products out there, how do you know which ones are worth it?
That’s just one of the many things that you’ll learn here today.
In This Article:
• What Colostrum Supplements Are
• The Top Health Benefits of Colostrum
• Powder vs. Capsule Forms
• How to Spot High-Quality Colostrum Products
• Why Grass-Fed Sources Make a Huge Difference
• Frequently Asked Questions about Colostrum
Overview of Colostrum Supplements
Colostrum is the “first milk” produced by mammals right after birth. It’s packed with antibodies, growth factors, and bioactive compounds to help support gut health, immunity, and recovery.
In supplement form, colostrum is typically sourced from cows because it’s biologically similar enough to provide benefits for humans. This is called bovine colostrum.
You can find colostrum supplements in a couple of different forms. Most often, though, you’ll find colostrum in powders and capsules. But what are the benefits that colostrum has to offer?
Health Benefits of Colostrum
Here’s where things get exciting. Research and real-world experience both suggest that colostrum can be quite beneficial.
The four that stick out the most include:
1. Gut Health
Your gut is the control center for everything from digestion to immunity. Colostrum contains compounds that help strengthen the gut lining, which is critical for preventing “leaky gut” and improving nutrient absorption (1). Many people report feeling less bloating and better digestion with consistent use.
2. Immune Function
Colostrum is rich in immunoglobulins (antibodies) that act like your body’s front-line defense (2). This makes it especially useful during cold and flu season, when traveling, or any time your immune system is under stress.
3. Recovery & Athletic Performance
Athletes are turning to colostrum supplements because they’ve been shown to reduce inflammation, help muscle tissue repair, and even improve endurance (3). Faster recovery means you can train harder without feeling wrecked the next day.
Before moving on, I wanted to touch on a common misconception with colostrum:
Many people assume colostrum is “just for babies.” But that's not the case. Adults can actually benefit from using colostrum just as much, if not more than babies!
Forms: Capsules vs. Powder
When it comes to colostrum capsules vs. colostrum powder, it’s not a matter of right or wrong … it’s about what is a better fit for you.
Capsules: Convenient, travel-friendly, and tasteless. Perfect if you just want to swallow and go.
Powder: More versatile. Mix it into smoothies, protein shakes, yogurt, or even coffee. Some people believe the powder form absorbs faster, too.
Criteria for Choosing Quality Supplements
Not all colostrum supplements are created equal. Here’s what separates the best from the rest:
Source Matters
Always go for grass-fed, pasture-raised cows. This can help ensure a higher nutrient density.
Processing
Low-temperature drying can help preserve the heat-sensitive bioactive compounds in colostrum. This is something I always recommend looking for in a high-quality colostrum supplement.
Immunoglobulin Content
You'll find that colostrum supplements have varied concentrations of immunoglobulins. Some are as low as 10%, while others can be as high as 40%.
Go for those with higher concentrations ... The brands that have nothing to hide will proudly display the concentration on the label. If the label doesn’t list immunoglobulin (IgG) content, you might not be getting a meaningful dose.
Transparency
Look for brands that provide third-party testing results for quality and safety. Some brands will even go as far as to produce their products in FDA-inspected facilities.
Does Grass-Fed Really Matter?
This point deserves its own spotlight.
Grass-fed colostrum isn’t just about marketing hype. Cows raised on open pasture produce more nutrient-rich colostrum compared to conventionally farmed cattle. That means more growth factors and fewer contaminants.
Plus, grass-fed sourcing usually means higher animal welfare standards and sustainability. I'd consider that a win-win for your health and for the cows!
Frequently Asked Questions About Colostrum Supplements
Q: Are Colostrum Supplements Safe?
Generally, yes. Most people tolerate them well, but if you’re lactose intolerant or allergic to dairy ... It may be best to avoid colostrum altogether.
Q: How Much Colostrum Should I Take Daily?
Most studies suggest anywhere from 500 mg to 3,000 mg per day, depending on your goals. Always follow any instructions provided on the label.
Q: Are Colostrum Capsules or Colostrum Powder Better?
Neither is “better,” but powders allow for easier mixing and dosage control, while capsules tend to be more convenient.
Colostrum Supplements: Are They Worth It?
Colostrum supplements aren’t just another wellness fad … They can be a powerful tool that can help support gut health, immunity, recovery, and overall well-being.
Are colostrum supplements worth it? I'd say yes. But at the end of the day, there’s no single “magic” supplement that will transform your health overnight.
When you combine colostrum with proper nutrition, training, and recovery habits ... It certainly could make a difference. Even still, the supplements that will help you most will come down to your goals and what you struggle with.
Looking for a high-quality colostrum supplement to try out? You're in luck. At 1st Phorm, our mission is to help real people earn real and long-term results. We know you don't take any shortcuts when it comes to your goals. That's why we don't take any shortcuts when it comes to the products to help you reach them.
Our colostrum is no exception to that rule. In fact, it's a 100% grass-fed bovine colostrum supplement with an impressive 40% standardized immunoglobulin concentration! It is also low-heat spray dried and is collected exclusively from the first two milkings, when nutrient concentrations are the highest.
Give 1st Phorm Colostrum a try today, and I know you won't be disappointed!
If you have any additional questions or need any help in the meantime, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We have a full team of NASM Certified Personal Trainers and Nutrition Coaches right here in St. Louis, Missouri.
Just give us a call at 1-800-409-9732 or send us an email at CustomerService@1stPhorm.com. We're available Monday through Friday from 6 AM to 8 PM Central and Saturday & Sunday from 9 AM to 7 PM Central. We'll be more than happy to help in any way we can!
References:
(1) Halasa M, et al. Oral Supplementation with Bovine Colostrum Decreases Intestinal Permeability in Athletes at Increased Risk. Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology. 2017;63.
(2) Hurley WL, Theil TS. Perspectives on Immunoglobulins in Colostrum and Milk. Nutrition Reviews. 2011;69(6):7-12.
(3) Kotsis Y, et al. A Low-Dose, 6-Week Bovine Colostrum Supplementation Maintains Performance and Attenuates Inflammatory Indices Following a Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Test in Soccer Players. European Journal of Nutrition. 2018;57(2):673-681.
(4) Yalçıntaş YM, et al. Revealing the Potency of Growth Factors in Bovine Colostrum. Nutrients. 2024;16(14):2359.
