Is Cow Colostrum Really 'Liquid Gold' When It Comes To Health Benefits?
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Whether it’s greens powders, Oatzempic, pre-workout, or psyllium husk, there are countless supplement products to choose from these days. Certain supplements and superfoods go viral overnight, and lately, it seems like everyone is suddenly hopping on the cow colostrum bandwagon.
Cow colostrum is a nutritious fluid produced by cows immediately after giving birth, says Laura Purdy, MD, a family medicine physician and the medical director and founder of SMed. And while it may sound questionable for humans to take it as a supplement, cow colostrum is often referred to as “liquid gold” or “miracle milk” thanks to its vitamins, minerals, disease-fighting proteins, growth hormones, and digestive enzymes, she adds.
You can take colostrum in capsule form or as powder to mix in with your favorite beverage or smoothie. But before you click “add to cart” and incorporate the supplement into your daily routine, there are a few things you should know about its safety, effectiveness, and supposed benefits. Ahead, doctors break it down.
Meet the experts: Shivani Amin, MD, is a Los Angeles-based functional medicine physician. Laura Purdy, MD, is a Miami-based family medicine physician and the medical director and founder of SMed.
What is cow colostrum?
Cow colostrum is the first form of milk produced by cows immediately after giving birth, says Shivani Amin, MD, a Los Angeles-based functional medicine physician. “The nutrient-rich fluid is high in antibodies, protein, and other beneficial compounds intended to support the newborn calf’s immune system and overall health.” In supplement form, the colostrum is pasteurized and dried into pills or powders that can be mixed into a liquid.
To back it up a step, all mammals (including humans!) produce colostrum right after giving birth, typically before their breast milk production kicks in, Dr. Amin says. It’s the initial form of breast milk packed with nutrients to help newborns fight infections and develop a healthy immune system, she explains.
Cow Colostrum Benefits
Before we dive into the benefits of cow colostrum, it’s important to understand that the benefits for human adults are still cloudy. In other words, keep in mind that these are potential benefits, and more scientific research is needed to back its effectiveness.
1. It may help boost immunity.
Colostrum is packed with antibodies and lactoferrin (a protein in human and animal milk), which can help strengthen the immune system and protect against infections and bacteria, says Dr. Amin.
2. It can support your gut health.
There isn’t one supplement that’ll magically improve your gut health overnight, but colostrum contains growth factors that support the development and repair of the gastrointestinal tract, in turn, promoting a healthy gut lining, says Dr. Amin. The supp may also strengthen your gut and fight infections that occur in the digestive tract, Dr. Purdy adds. Another gut-friendly perk? Colostrum may help encourage regular, healthy bowel movements to prevent constipation and treat diarrhea, says Dr. Purdy.
3. It's a good source of nutrients.
Colostrum is loaded with proteins, carbohydrates, and essential fats, so it packs a major (and comprehensive) nutritional punch, says Dr. Amin. It also has high levels of vitamins A, B, C, and E and contains calcium, iron, zinc, and magnesium which are key for immunity, muscle growth, and overall health and wellness, Dr. Purdy adds.
4. It may help reduce inflammation.
If you’re looking for a supplement with anti-inflammatory properties, Dr. Amin says colostrum may help reduce inflammation and calm chronic inflammatory conditions. In particular, studies show that lactoferrin is a powerful anti-inflammatory.
Risks Of Taking Cow Colostrum
First, it’s worth mentioning that any type of supplement is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so it’s especially important to shop from a reputable source to nix the chance of contamination or unknown ingredients, says Dr. Amin. In fact, improperly processed supplements might carry the risk of transmitting disease or harmful bacteria if the product is not sourced responsibly (more on that soon!), she adds.
People with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance should also avoid cow colostrum since there’s a risk of potential allergic reactions, says Dr. Amin. Those with a history of heart disease should also steer clear since colostrum has a high natural cholesterol content, she adds.
Side effects from taking cow colostrum are generally minimal, but some products may contain additives or fillers with other common allergens like soy or gluten, so it’s best to thoroughly read all labels and consult with your doc before starting a new supplement line-up, Dr. Purdy says.
Is it safe to take cow colostrum supplements?
Yes, as long as you shop from a reliable source, says Dr. Amin. Her suggestion? Look for products that are third-party tested, certified hormone-free, antibiotic-free, and preferably from grass-fed cows. Excessive fillers and additives should also be avoided.
It’s also crucial to run any new supplements (including cow colostrum) by a healthcare provider, especially if you take prescription medication, since it may negatively interact with other medications you take, says Dr. Amin.
In terms of when you should take colostrum, Dr. Amin recommends taking it on an empty stomach, 20 minutes before a meal, to maximize its absorption. If this causes stomach upset or nausea, you can also take it before bed, adds Dr. Purdy.
When it comes to cow colostrum capsules versus powder, it’s up to you, Dr. Amin says. Capsules are easier if you prefer a one-and-done situation, but powders are versatile for mixing into different liquids or even smoothies.
Cow Colostrum Supplements To Try
As with all vitamins and supplements, you should always buy colostrum from a trusted source, says Dr. Amin. In particular, choose products from reputable brands that have undergone third-party testing and provide transparent sourcing information.
If your doctor has given the thumbs up on cow colostrum, Dr. Purdy recommends ARMRA Colostrum Immune Revival. “It’s physician-founded and made from grass-fed, and calf-first sourced bovine colostrum made in the USA,” she says. It comes in powder form so you can mix it with a drink of your choice, and it’s also sugar-free, gluten-free, oil-free, soy-free, and contains no GMOs, glyphosate, hormones, or antibiotics. The website also notes ARMRA products are extensively third-party tested and manufactured in FDA-authorized facilities.
ARMRA Colostrum Premium Powder
This ARMRA superfood supplement contains bovine colostrum powder to help support your immunity, digestion, brain and gut health, and metabolism. It may also support healthy skin, hair growth, and enhance your athletic performance and recovery. To reap the benefits, pour one cup of the powder into your water, smoothie, or another cool beverage. (Note: Mixing colostrum powder with hot liquids may alter the efficacy of the ingredients, so you may want to steer clear of mixing it with your steamy cup of coffee.)
ARMRA Colostrum Premium Powder
Amazon
$124.99
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