What Exactly Is Colostrum, The Popular Supplement? And Is It Good For You?

Is cow colostrum magic milk or just snake oil?

If your social media algorithms are related to the vitamin and supplement industry, chances are you've come across marketing for Cattle, a nutritional supplement that helps with immunity, digestion, sleep, muscle recovery, and even vaginal dryness.

But health professionals have mixed opinions about colostrum as a nutritional supplement. While they say it can definitely help with some issues, more research is needed to determine if it helps with others.

"Despite its reputation, colostrum is not a magic bullet," says nutritionist and celebrity chef Serena Poon. "Like any nutritional supplement, colostrum achieves best results when used in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle that includes a healthy diet, exercise, and mental and spiritual well-being."

What is colostrum?

Colostrum is the fluid produced by the mammary glands after pregnancy and before breastfeeding. Humans secrete colostrum, as do cows. Beef stalk is used as a food supplement.

Human and non-human colostrum contain antibodies and immunoglobulins that benefit the health of infants.

"We know that this colostrum has a lot of antibodies in both humans and other animals," says Dr. Anthony Rossi, board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “A mother can pass antibodies against certain bacteria or diseases to her newborn. "Cattle is a very similar idea because the antibodies that can help with some things are very high in milk."

What are the benefits of colostrum?

The use of whole beef jerky as a dietary supplement is currently being researched and tested; However, Rossi says its immune-boosting properties can help with the flu, diarrhea (especially rotavirus diarrhea), and respiratory illnesses caused by bacteria. It can also help people with weakened immune systems, he says.

However, there are no other health benefits, at least not yet. Because of this, he believes that cornstarch isn't the best solution if you're looking to use it for skin health, athletic performance, or anything else.

"It's all about cost-benefit analysis," he said. "If someone wants to invest that much money, they should look for a product with good clinical evidence."

Julie Keen, a board-certified clinical nutritionist in Los Angeles who recommends cow's milk to clients with chronic conditions, says the most promising benefits of the supplement are related to immune system and gut health.

"Think of this as a very concentrated protein boost that infants, human babies and cows need," Keane says. "What scientists have seen from this study is that this disease has a lot to do with the immune system."

Most people take vitamins every day. What do you need to know first?

I am interested in colostrum. What should I do before trying?

If you are interested in colostrum supplements, here are some things to consider:

• Consult with a specialist. For serious problems, talk to a professional first. "I don't think people with autoimmune diseases or serious gut problems should be dealing with this condition without a doctor," Keane says. “If they want to try it for basic reflux or to boost immunity, they can. I also always recommend starting with the lowest supplement dose.”
• Make sure your colostrum is of high quality. not all colostrum is created equal. Make sure you get it from a reliable and safe source. “There are a lot of diseases you can get from cows,” says Rossi, “so you have to be careful what's infected.
• Avoid if you have a milk allergy. "Allergic reactions have been reported. So if you have a milk allergy, you should avoid colostrum,” says Poon.
• Consider alternatives depending on the problem. "There are many herbal products that offer similar benefits, and I would personally follow them," says Poon. Vitamin C, for example, stimulates collagen production to increase skin elasticity and contains a blend of botanicals to support gut health.

Moreover. The TikTok health influencer is obsessed with magnesium. Health professionals actually agree with them.

Top 4 Reasons to Supplement with Colostrum (Backed by Science)