If you’ve taken a look at WellnessTok recently, you’ve probably caught yourself wondering: What is colostrum? The supplement seems to be everywhere lately, with celebs like Kourtney Kardashian and Sofia Richie cosigning its major health benefits.
But exactly is this super powder—and where does it come from? It turns out, most people are already familiar with colostrum, dating all the way back to infancy.
“Colostrum is the first form of milk produced by mammals, including humans and cows, in the first few days after giving birth,” says Alexander Golberg, M.D., a.k.a. Dr. Hamptons, a double board-certified physician specializing in functional and aesthetic medicine. The milk is packed with goodies to help sustain new life. “It’s incredibly rich in antibodies, growth factors, and nutrients that help build and protect a newborn’s immune system.”
Sahar Berjis, RD, a functional nutritionist and founder of InnerHealthWellness, adds that colostrum is like “the original superfood,” and its purest form is “thick, golden, and packed with nutrients, antibodies, growth factors, and immune-boosting goodness.”
However, the colostrum supplements you’re familiar with look very different—and are sourced differently, too. To help break down everything you need to know about colostrum, we asked doctors and nutritionists to explain.
What is colostrum?
As mentioned above, colostrum is the first form of milk produced by mammals after giving birth. According to Nayan Patel, MD, a pharmacist and founder of Auro Wellness, it contains “immunoglobulins, growth factors, and bioactive compounds,” which are essential in early development of newborns.
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Armra Colostrum Immune Revival (30-Count)
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Heart and Soil Grass-Fed Colostrum
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Cowboy Colostrum Powder Bovine Colostrum Powder for Women & Men
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Sandhu’s Pure Bovine Colostrum
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What are colostrum supplements?
Most colostrum supplements are bovine-derived, meaning they’re sourced from cows. “The colostrum is typically collected within the first 24 to 48 hours after a cow gives birth, and it’s then pasteurized and freeze-dried to preserve its bioactive compounds,” says Dr. Golberg.
If you’re worried about stealing nutrients from baby cows, Berjis says high-quality producers usually prioritize ethical practices and only collect what’s not needed by the calf. “At InnerHealthWellness, we always encourage transparency and responsible sourcing when incorporating animal-based supplements into a holistic routine,” she adds.
What is the difference between colostrum and breast milk?
Although both are produced by the mammary glands, colostrum and breast milk serve different functions. “Colostrum is essentially the body’s immune blueprint,” says Dr. Golberg. “It’s thicker, more concentrated, and higher in proteins, antibodies, and immune-modulating compounds than mature breast milk. Breast milk has more fat and lactose.”
Most important: “While breast milk is designed to nourish a growing infant over time, colostrum’s job is to provide an initial immune shield and help establish gut integrity in those first critical days of life,” says Golberg.
Can adults consume colostrum?
Yes, colostrum isn’t just for newborns. “Many of my patients do,” says Dr. Golberg. “Bovine colostrum supplements can support gut health, immunity, and inflammation regulation in adults.In functional medicine, we often recommend it for patients with leaky gut, frequent infections, or those recovering from antibiotic use or chronic illness. The immune and growth factors in colostrum can help regenerate the gut lining, modulate immune function, and enhance nutrient absorption.”
What are the benefits of taking colostrum?
There is a pretty long list of benefits when it comes to taking colostrum supplements. According to Dr. Golberg and Berjis, these include:
- Helps restore gut lining integrity (great for leaky gut or IBS-like symptoms). “Colostrum contains compounds that help repair the intestinal lining, making it a go-to for those struggling with leaky gut or chronic bloating,” says Berjis.
- Supports immune resilience and balance. “It’s rich in antibodies and lactoferrin to help your body fight off pathogens,” says Berjis.
- Aids in nutrient absorption.
- Improves recovery from illness or antibiotic use.
- Possibly enhances skin clarity and reduce inflammation through its systemic effects.
- Athletic recovery. “Some studies show it can support muscle repair and reduce inflammation post-workout,” says Berjis.
Is colostrum vegan?
It goes without saying, but colostrum is collected from cows and therefore, is not considered vegan.
What are possible side effects of taking colostrum?
“Some people may experience mild digestive symptoms like bloating, nausea, or diarrhea when first starting, especially at higher doses,” says Dr. Golberg. As always, it’s best to consult your healthcare provider before introducing a new supplement to your diet.
Who should not take colostrum?
All experts agree that if you have a dairy allergy or are lactose intolerant you generally should not take colostrum or consult your healthcare provider beforehand. According to Dr. Golberg, conditions include:
- A known allergy to dairy proteins (casein or whey).
- Severe lactose intolerance.
- Those following a strict vegan or plant-based diet.
- Anyone with an autoimmune condition unless closely monitored by a physician. “Colostrum can stimulate immune activity, which may not be ideal in all autoimmune cases,” he says. “As with any supplement, it’s best to personalize based on your health history and goals, which is exactly what we do in our practice.”
Ariana Yaptangco is the senior beauty editor at Glamour.
The post What Is Colostrum? Everything to Know About the Trending Supplement appeared first on Glamour.
