I usually write about supplements that I test and recommend. However, writing educational articles about supplements, which I disagree with, and highlighting their issues is also essential.Â
I get excited when I see a new superfood or supplement on the market. I love to research, so when I came across Colostrum supplements, I was intrigued by all the benefits they promise.Â
When I clicked on one of the most popular Colostrum brand’s pages and saw all the fantastic benefits, including immune support, gut health, athletic recovery, and anti-aging benefits, I started researching whether all the benefits are proven and what exactly bovine colostrum is.
So, what is colostrum?Â
Colostrum is the first form of milk produced by mammals (including humans) during the first 24–48 hours after giving birth to newborns. It is a thick, yellowish fluid rich in antibodies, proteins, growth factors, and nutrients, designed to support a newborn’s immune system and development. It is often called ‘the elixir of life’ or ‘liquid gold.’Â
As it is intended to boost a newborn’s immune system and help it grow, it has abundant nutrients and vitamins. While colostrum is meant for newborns, bovine colostrum (from cows) is used in supplements for adults.
3 Reasons Why I Will Never Take ColostrumÂ
1. Ethical
Bovine colostrum is taken from cows shortly after birth, which raises ethical concerns about whether calves get enough for themselves. (1)Â
Some brands claim ‘ethical sourcing,’ ensuring calves get their share first, but verifying this is onerous—and that concerns me.
Calves, as well as human babies, might need different amounts of colostrum. They might be of various weights and strengths. Can we guarantee that every individual calf has the exact amount it needs? Â
Each cow might produce different amounts of colostrum, and some might not have enough for their babies. Â
If colostrum gains popularity, can we ensure calves receive their share first? Or will their immune system be compromised so you can add it to your daily routine? What will be a priority, a cafe’s health or a profit?Â
In general, even if there are proven benefits, don’t you think it is weird to drink something meant to feed a newborn calf?
2. Weak Scientific EvidenceÂ
Some studies show that bovine colostrum can benefit our health. Only a few small randomized controlled trials support these claims(2).  Â
After 12 weeks of taking 25 grams of Colostrum daily, endurance-trained male athletes showed an increase in a key immune protein (SIgA) in their saliva after exercise. This suggests that Colostrum supplementation might help protect against immune issues and reduce the risk of colds or infections caused by intense training. However, the Colostrum did not change levels of other immune proteins in the blood, meaning more research is needed to understand how it affects the immune system.(3)
Some scientists state that Colostrum supplementation can benefit other animals, but more good quality studies on humans are needed to understand the effects on our health; there are also a lot of gaps in the studies, and research on its long-term effects in adults is still ongoing. (4)
In some cases, individuals with immune disorders could benefit from using Colostrum instead of medication with side effects. But should we drink it daily because of potential, not yet proven benefits? There are many other ways to boost our immune system and improve gut health through good nutrition and exercise, but the sacrifice is not worth it.
3. CostÂ
When something is called ‘life elixir’ or ‘liquid gold’ in the wellness industry, you know it will come with a price tag. The third reason is that Colostrum is a new TikTok trend that is not cheap. It costs anywhere from $50 to $120. You can activate the same benefits with way cheaper supplements that are studied more and invest this money in fresh, nutritious food.
ConclusionÂ
I get frustrated seeing celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow and Kourtney Kardashian (who is supposed to be vegan) promoting Colostrum on their platforms; that was an ad on both platforms as it was promoting the same brand and brushing away the suffering it causes, as well as the lack of scientific evidence on claimed benefits.Â
If you would like the proposed benefits of colostrum without taking the food away from the calves as soon as they are born, you can achieve them in other ways.Â
Eat a healthy and varied diet to support your immune system. Incorporate fermented foods to help your gut health. If you want to supplement, I recommend shilajit probiotics, L-glutamine, or medicinal mushroomsto support your immune system and creatine to support your athletic performance.Â
We, as consumers, should use critical thinking and research to understand if a new supplement is worth our money and other’s suffering.Â
Do you agree with my view, or would you be willing to try anything if it promises benefits? Or maybe you tried Colostrum supplement and wreaked the benefits?Â
Comment below; I would love to hear from you.
References
- https://www.peta.org/living/food/bovine-colostrum/
- Yalçıntaş, Y., Duman, H., López, J., Portocarrero, A., Lombardo, M., Khallouki, F., Koch, W., Bordiga, M., El-Seedi, H., Raposo, A., De Brito Alves, J., & Karav, S. (2024). Revealing the Potency of Growth Factors in Bovine Colostrum. Nutrients, 16. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16142359.
- Durkalec-Michalski, K., Główka, N., Podgórski, T., Woźniewicz, M., & Nowaczyk, P. (2024). The effect of 12-week high-dose Colostrum Bovinum supplementation on immunological, hematological and biochemical markers in endurance athletes: a randomized crossover placebo-controlled study. Frontiers in Immunology. https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2024.1425785.
- Ghosh S, Iacucci M. Diverse Immune Effects of Bovine Colostrum and Benefits in Human Health and Disease. Nutrients. 2021 Oct 26;13(11):3798. doi: 10.3390/nu13113798. PMID: 34836054; PMCID: PMC8624701.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8624701/
Silvija Meilunaite PN1-NC, is a certified nutrition coach and a writer in the nutrition and self-improvement field with a passion for exploring science-based knowledge focusing on holistic health and plant-based nutrition.
Featured in the Wellness on Time magazine.
