Colostrum supplements are the latest hot dietary trend, with numerous brands and formulations flooding the marketplace in capsules, powders, and even coffee creamers. Pressed Juicery has a Cowboy Colostrum Bowl on the menu made in partnership with Cowboy Colostrum.
Colostrum is the concentrated, nutrient-dense “first milk” that is produced by the mammary glands after giving birth — essential for newborns, humans and animals alike. It is rich in vitamins, minerals, antibodies and antioxidants that help build a newborn’s immune system.
Bovine colostrum is now thought to have those same immune boosting health benefits for adults, and more: it can enhance performance and recovery; stimulate collagen production for better skin, stronger bones, and healthier hair; boost energy levels and improve mental clarity, among others.
According to Dr. Daryl Gioffre, Certified Nutritionist, Gut Health Specialist, and author of Get Off Your Sugar, what’s really fueling this trend is all of the benefits tied to gut health. Colostrum is “packed with natural immunoglobulins and growth factors that help seal the gut lining and calm inflammation, exactly where 70% of your immune system lives, while feeding your good bacteria. All of this equals less bloating, better digestion, and more energy. It’s becoming a secret weapon for people who’ve ‘tried everything’.”
But like any supplements, not all colostrum is created equal. According to Honest Buyer’s Guide here’s what to look for when choosing a brand:
First Day-Milking: Colostrum collected from the first-day milking after birth can be richer in immune-supporting compounds, growth factors, and essential nutrients.
Grass-Fed: Opt for colostrum sourced from grass-fed cows to help ensure a high-quality, nutrient-rich product, typically free from grains or antibiotics used in some conventional farming practices.
Low-Heat Processing: Look for colostrum processed at low temperatures to preserve its bioactive compounds, which may help maintain the natural nutrients and potential benefits.
Non-Skim, Full-Fat: High-quality colostrum can retain its natural fat content, preserving essential lipids and nutrients like phospholipids and growth factors that can contribute to gut health and immune support.
No Artificial Additives: Quality colostrum should be free from artificial additives, fillers, and sweeteners.
Third-Party Tested: Choose colostrum that has undergone third-party testing to verify its potency, purity, and safety.
Non-GMO and Hormone-Free: Look for products that are non-GMO and free from added hormones or antibiotics.
Optimal IgG%: Aim for colostrum with 20–35% IgG. Below 20% may indicate insufficient immune-supporting antibodies, while above 35% can suggest over-processing, potentially reducing valuable nutrients like growth factors and peptides.
Popular brands like Armra, Wondercow, and Cowboy check most or all of the boxes, but unfortunately for those with dairy sensitivities, bovine colostrum can have the opposite effect from what it is intended. Dr. Gioffre adds, “Dairy proteins and endotoxins can trigger inflammation, gut stress, and wreak havoc on the digestive system”, and offers a 100% dairy-free colostrum, Gut Punch, in his line of popular products. Alkamind.
Besides the implications of dairy sensitivities, timing is everything, says Dr. Gioffre. He advises taking colostrum on an empty stomach, first thing in the morning and right before bed. Why? “Your gut is what digests, absorbs, and delivers nutrients to your cells. These are the windows when your body is in prime repair mode and when your gut is most receptive.”
