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As a team of health experts and fitness buffs, our testers couldn’t wait to start the search for the best colostrum supplements. But what is colostrum? And why is this the buzziest supplement of the moment?
Female mammals produce colostrum for the first five days after giving birth, also called “first milk”, which is more nutrient-dense than regular breastmilk. It also contains more antibodies, which is essential for newborns. It’s these characteristics that have made colostrum supplements rise in popularity on social media, being nicknamed “liquid gold,” thanks to its high nutrient density.
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Colostrum supplements are typically made from bovine colostrum. Bovine is different from human colostrum1 in that it contains more lactoferrin, which helps regulate your body’s iron status, along with more protein and immunoglobulins for immune support.
We had our team of testers personally try out some of the most popular brands of colostrum on the market to see what the fuss was about and report back. We compiled this list based on their feedback.
Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider.
The 6 Best Colostrum Supplements of 2025
Best Colostrum Supplement Overall: Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Colostrum
Best Unflavored Colostrum Supplement: Armra Colostrum
Best Budget Colostrum Supplement: Miracle Moo Bovine Colostrum
Best Colostrum Supplement with Collagen: Bloom Nutrition Colostrum and Collagen Peptides
Best Bovine Colostrum Supplement: Folqs Bovine Colostrum
Best Gluten-Free Colostrum Supplement: PerCoBa Colostrum Instant Powder
Best Colostrum Supplement Overall: Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Colostrum
Good for: Highly active individuals looking for colostrum from a trusted brand
Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Colostrum
Pros
Cons
Transparent Labs delivers a clean, potent colostrum supplement with third-party testing to back it up. It’s one of the best all-around options, especially for lifters who want trustworthy sourcing.
Best Unflavored Colostrum Supplement: ARMRA Colostrum
Good for: People who want a great-tasting colostrum without flavors
Pros
Cons
ARMRA offers a more lifestyle-focused take on colostrum with convenient stick packs and fun flavors. While it’s portable and tasty, it doesn’t offer as much protein as other powders.
Best Budget Colostrum Supplement: Miracle Moo Bovine Colostrum
Good for: Anyone looking for single serve packets of colostrum at an affordable price
Miracle Moo Bovine Colostrum
Pros
Cons
Miracle Moo is a straightforward, budget-conscious pick for pure bovine colostrum. While it’s basic and lacks third-party testing, it’s an accessible option for daily supplementation.
Best Colostrum Supplement with Collagen: Bloom Nutrition Colostrum and Collagen Peptides
Good for: Individuals looking for a multi-function colostrum supplement
Bloom Nutrition Colostrum and Collagen Peptides
Pros
Cons
If you’re looking for a supplement that supports joint and skin health while doubling as a protein boost, Bloom’s blend of colostrum and collagen delivers. Just know it’s flavored and not third-party tested.
Best Bovine Colostrum Supplement: Folqs Bovine Colostrum
Good for: Those who want a clean colostrum powder with minimal ingredients
Folqs Bovine Colostrum
Pros
Cons
PerCoBa’s colostrum is all about purity and performance, with a focus on preserving nutrients and skipping additives. It’s ideal for clean-label fans, but lacks third-party testing.
Best Gluten-Free Colostrum Supplement: PerCoBa Colostrum Instant Powder
Good for: Those with allergies who don’t want to have to pay more for a safer supplement
PerCoBa Colostrum Instant Powder
Pros
Cons
PerCoBa’s colostrum is all about purity and performance, with a focus on preserving nutrients and skipping additives. It’s ideal for clean-label fans, but lacks third-party testing.
Other Colostrum Supplements We Researched
- Cowboy Colostrum – Our testers didn’t love this brand and it got low ratings as a result. In addition to being expensive, the formulation is unclear regarding potency, and we received mixed feedback regarding the experience of use.
How We Picked and Tested the Best Colostrum Supplements
Here are a few things we looked at in order to narrow down the best brands of colostrum supplements on the market today:
Price
Taking colostrum supplements is notoriously pricey, which is the biggest concern many people have about taking it daily. So, we made an effort to choose colostrum products that have a favorable balance between value and cost. To help our readers compare products, we rated each according to their pricing to help them make a more informed decision.
Ingredients
Given many people take colostrum for its anti-inflammatory effect on the microbiome, it would be counterintuitive to choose one that has extra ingredients such as additives and preservatives that could adversely affect one’s gut health. For this reason, we looked for brands with as few extraneous ingredients in their formulation as possible.
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Taste
For those who have never taken colostrum supplements before, they may already be nervous about how the taste and texture will be as there isn’t really a whole food out there to compare to such a unique substance. Luckily, we tasted all of the colostrum products on this list so that you didn’t have to and only included the picks that achieved the best ratings from our testers.
Benefits of Colostrum Supplements
The potential benefits of colostrum have been somewhat overhyped in the media to justify the high cost, as most of the benefits to overall health aren’t thoroughly researched enough yet. Nevertheless, we did want to cover which health benefits have the most promising scientific backing at this time.
May Have Immune-Boosting Properties
The key difference between human and bovine colostrum is that the former contains IgA antibodies, while the latter contains IgG. While IgA antibodies provide more localized protection, IgG antibodies provide a more broad spectrum of protection2.
As a registered dietitian, I would be remiss to overstate the immune-boosting potential of colostrum. After reviewing the science, it appears that because colostrum is so nutrient-rich and contains antibodies in amounts that can’t be found in other foods, people believe it has a miraculous effect on the immune system.
This is something that has been of particular interest to the athletic population due to the fact that frequent and intense exercise has been known to lower the effectiveness of the immune system, thus leaving athletes more vulnerable to illness than other individuals. That said, in the studies done on colostrum and athletes’ immune function, colostrum’s impact on overall immune health was found to be negligible3.
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However, there’s been more promising research on colostrum and the risk of upper respiratory infections in athletes. During cardio exercise, the breaths passing through your airways can be drying, potentially causing damage to the mucus membranes, making them vulnerable to bacteria. A well-known property of colostrum is that it precipitates and improves healing processes, especially in epithelia4. However, these beneficial effects are seen in very high doses of colostrum, with a minimum of 10 grams of colostrum daily needed and most trials using 42-60 grams daily.
May Help Improve Gut Health
In both animal as well as human studies, it has been shown that bovine colostrum may result in the growth of intestinal cells, the strengthening of the gut wall, as well as the prevention of intestinal permeability, which results in substances leaking from your gut to the rest of your body. This can be a threat to both gut health and general wellness.
In addition to lactoferrin, colostrum also contains growth factors and other bioactive compounds that may contribute to these potential benefits5. In fact, one meta-analysis found that colostrum supplements boosted gut health by reducing this intestinal permeability6 through anti-inflammatory actions. However, to confirm the results, more randomized clinical trials considering different quality, dose, and duration are needed.
“[Colostrum is] rich in antibodies, growth factors, and proteins that may help strengthen the immune system and protect the gut lining,” according to Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM, GGR’s Chief Medical Advisor. “Some limited research shows it can reduce the risk of colds, help with diarrhea, and support recovery after intense workouts—though results vary and more studies are needed.”
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In the active population, it has been shown that intestinal permeability is increased in those who exercise vigorously which explains why prebiotic and probiotic culture has recently found its way into fitness spaces. Colostrum supplementation provided significant protection7 to the gut of athletes, according to one study. However, the authors noted that more research is needed in terms of the proper dose and long-term safety of colostrum for gut health.
May Enhance Muscle Recovery
It has been hypothesized that the antibodies and growth factors in colostrum can exert a healing action that can be applied to muscle cells8, resulting in more optimal muscle recovery. Though the findings in this regard have been mixed, there is a lot of anecdotal evidence that supports these results.
What is a little more promising in terms of the available scientific evidence is the role of colostrum in recovering from injury or immobilization that results in significant muscular atrophy9. These results applied to atrophy that resulted from disuse, however. Colostrum was not shown to be effective at ameliorating atrophy associated with aging.
Generally Safe for Lactose Intolerance
If you are usually sensitive to lactose and want to take a nutrient-rich supplement that’s sourced from dairy, colostrum could be a safe option. In newborn babies, they have not yet developed the enzymes that help to break down the sugar and fatty acids in regular breastmilk very early after birth.
Thus, this is why not only is colostrum contains bioactive compounds to aid digestion and it also happens to be low in lactose10, with some colostrum containing no lactose at all. So, for those who have digestive problems when it comes to dairy, colostrum can be a good option.
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That said, those with lactose intolerance have different thresholds, with some being more sensitive to smaller amounts of the milk sugar than others. So, if you are sensitive, it’s best to start with smaller amounts of colostrum if you are trying it for the first time, just to be safe.
Potential Side Effects
As will all dietary supplements, unlike prescription medications, colostrum is not regulated by the Food And Drug Administration (FDA). So, you should still consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about taking colostrum as well as ensure the brand you choose adheres to safe manufacturing practices.
The side effects reported from people taking colostrum have been relatively mild, with most reporting slight nausea, bloating, or gas. However, these side effects are not commonly reported and we were not able to find any mention of them in the customer reviews of the products that we tested.
This should be a given for all dietary supplements, but it’s particularly important for bovine colostrum supplements which are sourced from cows. Like regular cow’s milk, colostrum must be pasteurized before human consumption to prevent foodborne illness like salmonella, E. coli, or listeria.
Due to colostrum being a new supplement, we haven’t established all of the potential interactions it may have with prescription medications, so be sure to consult your doctor if taking medications or other supplements while supplementing with colostrum.
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Finally, it should be noted that colostrum should not be taken if you have an allergy to milk. While colostrum doesn’t technically qualify as milk in the traditional sense, it does contain a number of milk proteins that could trigger an allergic reaction in those with an allergy.
How Much Colostrum Should I Take Per Day?
The effect of colostrum on general well-being is still being studied, but the most effective dose of colostrum for wellness is not yet confirmed.
Despite this, it is generally accepted that you should take colostrum supplements that contain colostrum made up of at least 10-20% immunoglobulins for wellness and to support immune function. Regardless of the total colostrum content, it may also be optimal to take 40-60 grams of IgG per serving.
Buying Guide: What to Look for in the Best Colostrum Supplements
Aside from colostrum products being a relatively new supplement to the market, the science behind them is also still being explored. So, it can be difficult to know what to look for. However, here are some criteria you can use to start.
Proper Dosages
There is a general consensus that colostrum supplements should be enriched with at least 10-20% immunoglobulins in their total composition. Ideally, a solid colostrum supplement should contain 40-60 grams of IgG per serving. With this in mind, be sure to read your labels before purchasing a colostrum supplement.
The percentage may not always be explicitly listed and you may end up with grams of IgG and total grams of colostrum instead. In this case, divide the grams of immunoglobulins by the total content of colostrum to get the percentage.
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Finally, even if the proper percentage of immunoglobulins is present, you still want to be sure you’re getting a bang for your buck. Therefore, also look at the total grams of bovine colostrum. The more total grams for the price, the more value the product likely has.
Desired Benefits
When buying colostrum supplements, it’s important to have an idea of what kind of benefits you are looking to get out of taking it. If you are looking for a healthier microbiome, it would be great to find a colostrum supplement that also includes a prebiotic or a probiotic, if possible.
If you are taking colostrum to help support better immune health, clinical trials show that higher doses may be more effective to get these health benefits. Thus, a colostrum supplement that only contains 1 gram of colostrum per serving may not be what you’re looking for.
Flavors
Luckily, most of our testers enjoyed the taste of colostrum powder, even when they were unflavored or taken without water. However, some people may be offput by having colostrum in its pure form.
I know I was, which is why having the opportunity to try one that is chocolate flavored made trying colostrum for the first time much more comforting, and I ended up really looking forward to taking colostrum daily. Thus, looking for a brand with a flavored option, especially if you’re just starting out, could be a good idea.
FAQs About the Best Colostrum Supplements
What is the highest-rated colostrum supplement?
Our team came to the consensus that Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Colostrum is the best colostrum supplement available overall.
Do doctors recommend colostrum supplements?
Both doctors and dietitians urge the public to exercise caution when taking colostrum supplements due to the limited clinical trials to support the potential benefits.
What are the side effects of taking colostrum supplements?
For those without any existing health conditions, some have reported bloating, gas, and nausea after taking colostrum supplements, but this may not be the case for everyone.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.
References
- Ahmann J, Steinhoff-Wagner J, Büscher W. Determining Immunoglobulin Content of Bovine Colostrum and Factors Affecting the Outcome: A Review. Animals (Basel). 2021;11(12):3587. Published 2021 Dec 18. doi:10.3390/ani11123587
- Mehra R, Garhwal R, Sangwan K, et al. Insights into the Research Trends on Bovine Colostrum: Beneficial Health Perspectives with Special Reference to Manufacturing of Functional Foods and Feed Supplements. Nutrients. 2022;14(3):659. Published 2022 Feb 4. doi:10.3390/nu14030659
- Główka N, Durkalec-Michalski K, Woźniewicz M. Immunological Outcomes of Bovine Colostrum Supplementation in Trained and Physically Active People: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients. 2020;12(4):1023. Published 2020 Apr 8. doi:10.3390/nu12041023
- Baśkiewicz-Hałasa M, Stachowska E, Grochans E, et al. Moderate Dose Bovine Colostrum Supplementation in Prevention of Upper Respiratory Tract Infections in Medical University Students: A Randomized, Triple Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Nutrients. 2023;15(8):1925. Published 2023 Apr 16. doi:10.3390/nu15081925
- Conesa C, Bellés A, Grasa L, Sánchez L. The Role of Lactoferrin in Intestinal Health. Pharmaceutics. 2023;15(6):1569. Published 2023 May 23. doi:10.3390/pharmaceutics15061569
- Hajihashemi P, Haghighatdoost F, Kassaian N, et al. Bovine Colostrum in Increased Intestinal Permeability in Healthy Athletes and Patients: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. Dig Dis Sci. 2024;69(4):1345-1360. doi:10.1007/s10620-023-08219-2
- Dziewiecka H, Buttar HS, Kasperska A, et al. A Systematic Review of the Influence of Bovine Colostrum Supplementation on Leaky Gut Syndrome in Athletes: Diagnostic Biomarkers and Future Directions. Nutrients. 2022;14(12):2512. Published 2022 Jun 17. doi:10.3390/nu14122512
- Yalçıntaş YM, Baydemir B, Duman H, et al. Exploring the impact of colostrum supplementation on athletes: a comprehensive analysis of clinical trials and diverse properties. Front Immunol. 2024;15:1395437. Published 2024 May 10. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2024.1395437
- Timmer LT, Hoogaars WMH, Jaspers RT. The Role of IGF-1 Signaling in Skeletal Muscle Atrophy. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2018;1088:109-137. doi:10.1007/978-981-13-1435-3_6
- Bagwe S, Tharappel LJ, Kaur G, Buttar HS. Bovine colostrum: an emerging nutraceutical. J Complement Integr Med. 2015;12(3):175-185. doi:10.1515/jcim-2014-0039
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