It is the first milk a cow produces in the day or two after calving, before regular milk. It is concentrated in immune and growth factors, especially the immunoglobulin IgG, plus lactoferrin and growth factors. That is because it is what a newborn calf relies on before its own immune system is working. Bovine colostrum is what supplements are made from.

Does colostrum actually work?

The evidence is promising but early. The strongest research is for upper respiratory infections: a 2022 meta-analysis of seven trials found bovine colostrum cut the risk by about a third. But most of those trials were in athletes, so it is less clear for everyone else. Gut research is earlier still. Treat it as a supplement with some real evidence behind it, not a cure.

What is IgG, and why does the percentage matter?

IgG is immunoglobulin G, the main antibody in colostrum and the compound most of the researched benefit is tied to. A better colostrum states its IgG level, often around 20 percent or higher, so you know its strength. If a product does not state its IgG, you cannot tell how much of the active part you are getting, which is a small warning sign.

Is colostrum dairy? Can I take it if I am lactose intolerant?

Yes, colostrum is a dairy product, so it does not suit a dairy or milk allergy. It is not vegan. It is lower in lactose than regular milk, since it is colostrum rather than mature milk, so some lactose-intolerant people tolerate it. But if you react strongly to dairy, be cautious and check with your healthcare provider.

Does grass-fed sourcing matter for colostrum?

It is a marker of quality worth looking for. Grass-fed or pasture-raised sourcing tends to go with better farming and a cleaner product. Ideally the colostrum is collected without depriving the calf. It is not the only thing that matters, the IgG level and a clean single ingredient matter too, but sourcing is part of choosing well.

How do I take colostrum?

As a powder, in a small daily serve of a few grams, mixed into water, milk or a smoothie. It is a concentrated supplement, not a protein powder, so the serve is small. Consistency over weeks matters more than any single dose, since the research that shows an effect runs over weeks of daily use.

Who should not take colostrum?

Anyone with a dairy or milk allergy, and vegans and vegetarians, since it is an animal dairy product. It is not a treatment for illness and should not replace medical care. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, immunocompromised or managing a health condition, check with your healthcare provider first.

What colostrum is, the evidence and how to choose one

A newborn calf's first feed is not really milk. In the day or two after birth, before her milk comes in, a cow produces colostrum: a thick golden first food packed with antibodies to switch on an immune system that has not started working yet. Sell that in a tub for adults and the promise almost writes itself. The honest picture is more interesting than the marketing, because the evidence is genuinely good in one place, thin in others, and worth understanding before you spend. Here is what colostrum is, what the research actually shows, and how to tell a real one from a padded one.

The short answer

What colostrum actually is

What the evidence says, and what it does not

How to choose a good colostrum

How to take it

Who this is not for

Frequently asked questions

Disclaimer

The information on this page is written to help you make informed decisions about your health and nutrition. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Health decisions should always involve a conversation with your healthcare provider, especially before starting a new supplement or making changes to your routine.

Chief Nutrition supplements are intended to support everyday health and wellbeing. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.