Is Colostrum Good for You? A Dietitian's Review of the Best Colostrum Supplements

To answer the burning question of “Is colostrum good for you?” We’ve dove into the research and provided a list of the best colostrum supplements to try. 

This article was created in partnership with Naked Nutrition. As always, thoughts, opinions, and research are my own, as writing transparent, honest, and trustworthy reviews is my number one priority!

If you’ve seen colostrum supplements on store shelves or social media lately, you may have some questions. For decades, colostrum has been referred to as “liquid gold” for newborns, as this first milk delivers potent levels of immune-boosting antibodies, protective compounds, and nutrients. But, as it turns out, the first milk from other animals may also provide human health benefits. 

Bovine colostrum supplements are said to support gut health and strengthen immunity, but as with all newer supplements, it’s important to separate the hype from the research. As a registered dietitian, I’m always eager to review the research and learn more about how new products and supplements may support a healthy lifestyle. 

If you’re wondering whether or not you should try colostrum supplements, I put together this guide to help you understand what colostrum is, what the current research says about its potential benefits and risks, and how to find a high-quality product if you do decide to give it a try. 

I’m also sharing my top picks for the best colostrum supplements in 2025, including my honest thoughts on form, ingredients, price, and overall value.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if you click and purchase from the link (at no cost to you!). See full privacy policy, disclosure, and affiliate information here.

What is colostrum?

Colostrum is the first milk produced by all lactating mammals (humans, cows, and otherwise) during the first few days after birth. Humans typically stop producing colostrum after 48 hours, while cows' milk begins transitioning around days 3 and 4.

Colostrum’s composition is very different from mature milk, as it’s rich in antibodies, immune factors, gut-supporting oligosaccharides, and essential nutrients to give a newborn mammal a healthy head start. 

In select cultures, liquid bovine colostrum has historically been used as a health food for children or sick adults. In recent years, the US and EU have come on board, creating and marketing commercially dried bovine colostrum supplements as a health-promoting supplement. 

What to look for in a colostrum supplement

Third-party testing

Supplements are not regulated in the same way as medications in the USA, and numerous studies have been done finding huge discrepancies in what a supplement says it contains versus what it actually contains. 

This makes it incredibly important to purchase supplements from reputable brands, and ideally, ones that use third-party testing to verify the final product is accurate and free from contaminants. 

Immunoglobulin content

Processing colostrum to kill pathogens also has the potential to kill the beneficial bioactive compounds, so ensuring that the product you’re using has been tested to actually contain immunoglobulins (IgG) provides assurance that the supplement actually contains the beneficial compounds, not just powdered milk.

Form and dose

Even the best supplement won’t do you any good if you don’t want to or can’t take it. Colostrum supplements are available as powders, liquids, and pills. 

Price

While paying for quality is a real thing, not all expensive supplements are high-quality, and not all low-cost supplements are subpar. If you want to try a colostrum supplement, choose one that fits your budget, uses quality ingredients, and emphasizes safety and testing. 

8 Best colostrum supplements in 2025

Naked Colostrum

Pros: 

• Single ingredient
• Third-party tested to confirm 20% IgG 
• No growth hormones, fillers, sweeteners, or flavors
• 100% grass-fed

Cons: 

• Doesn’t completely dissolve in water when stirred or shaken

Every scoop of Naked Grass-Fed Colostrum Powder contains one gram of bovine colostrum with 400 functional nutrients, and nothing else. You get an impressive 150 servings in every container, along with a guarantee that it’s free from gluten, GMOs, soy, sweeteners, fillers, and preservatives. 

Naked Colostrum Powder is third-party tested to verify 20% IgG content, so you know you’re getting exactly what you’re paying for. And at $0.53 per scoop, it’s the lowest-cost high-quality colostrum supplement on the list. 

As it’s unflavored and non-sweetened, you can mix it with everything from yogurt to your protein shake or a glass of water or milk without altering the flavor. However, when shaken or stirred with a thin liquid, be aware that it doesn’t completely dissolve. While it’s not gritty or chalky, you’ll get a smoother consistency by using a blender or frother. 

• Form: Powder
• Dose: One (1 gram) scoop
• Price: $0.53/serving

Armra Colostrum

Pros: 

• Third-party tested
• Unflavored or 2 flavors to choose from
• Free from sugar, gluten, corn, and soy

Cons: 

• Doesn’t completely dissolve in water 
• Pricey compared to others
• Includes a proprietary blend

Armra Colostrum Powder is a popular high-end colostrum powder supplement that comes in unflavored, blood orange, or vine watermelon flavors and two sizes. Each serving contains 1 gram of a proprietary blend of bovine colostrum concentrate and is sweetened with stevia extract. Many reviewers report improved digestion and note that it tastes good, but does not completely dissolve. 

I appreciate that it’s been third-party tested and is free from major allergens like soy, corn, and gluten. However, I’m not a fan of its proprietary blend due to the lack of transparency. 

• Form: Powder
• Dose: One (2-gram) scoop
• Price: $1.08/serving (unflavored) $1.55/serving (flavored)

Cymbiotika Liquid Colostrum

Pros: 

• Extensive third-party testing
• Liquid form may enhance absorption
• Higher amount of colostrum per serving than many other supplements
• Do not need water to take

Cons: 

• The most expensive supplement on the list

Cymbiotika liquid colostrum comes in a packet of sweet, vanilla-flavored liquid that some reviewers compare to sweetened condensed milk. Offering 1.5 grams of minimally processed colostrum per serving and extensive third-party testing on IgG content, identity, purity, and quality, there’s no question that it’s a quality product. However, it does cost $4.19 per serving, which is 3 to 4 times as much as other high-quality colostrum supplements. 

• Form: Liquid
• Dose: One 5-mL packet
• Price: $4.19 per serving 

Bloom Colostrum and Collagen Peptides

Pros: 

• Contains additional skin and gut-supporting ingredients
• Third-party tested
• Available in 3 flavors

Cons: 

• No mention of IgG presence

Bloom Colostrum and Collagen Peptides powder combines 1g bovine colostrum, 3.7g collagen, 2 billion CFU of Lactobacillus casei, and 150% DV of vitamin B12 to support skin and gut health. So if you’re looking for just colostrum, this one isn’t it, but it may offer more bang for your buck if you’re looking for a more comprehensive supplement. You can choose from 2 flavors or unflavored, and even travel-sized packets of the unflavored supplement, which adds extra convenience. 

While this supplement is third-party tested, there is no mention of the amount of IgG present, which is an important indicator that the colostrum still contains beneficial compounds that are prone to destruction via processing. 

• Form: Powder
• Dose: 1 (4.7 gram) scoop
• Price: $1.20/serving

Wondercow Colostrum

Pros: 

• Multiple sizes and flavors
• Single ingredient (unflavored)
• Third-party tested

Cons: 

• Does not mix well 

Wondercow colostrum powder comes unflavored, or in chocolate, elderberry, matcha, or vanilla. The unflavored variety is single-ingredient, while the flavors include natural flavoring, stevia, and monk fruit for sweetness. The biggest complaint amongst users is that the powder does not mix well, and that a blender or frother is really needed to be able to drink it. 

In one serving of this third-party tested supplement, you get 2 grams of colostrum and a guarantee that it’s free from gluten, fillers, soy, dyes, antibiotics, and GMOs. Their claim to differ from other supplements is that you’re getting pure colostrum that hasn’t been altered, providing the exact ratio of nutrients you’d find in the real deal. 

• Form: Powder
• Dose: 2 (2.4 gram) scoops
• Price: $1.08 to $2.00/serving

Vital Protein Colostrum

Pros: 

• 40% IgG claim
• Gluten-free

Cons: 

• Not third-party tested

Vital Protein Colostrum supplements come in capsules with 1,350 mg colostrum per serving, with a claim that it’s been standardized to contain 40% IgG. One serving is 3 capsules, which may be a better option for people who do not want to have to drink a liquid, but less than ideal for people who do not love swallowing pills. While Vital Proteins is a reputable brand that’s been around for quite some time, and claims to do its own quality testing, this product does not undergo third-party testing to verify contents and potency by an outside source. 

• Form: Capsule
• Dose: 3 capsules
• Price: $1.50/serving

Sports Research Colostrum

Pros: 

• Single ingredient
• Dissolves easily 

Cons: 

• Purity testing is not clear

Sports Research Colostrum powder delivers 2 grams of colostrum, including 30% IgG, or 600 mg. Each container contains 75 servings. Although it is third-party tested for GMOs and gluten, and Informed Sport tested to ensure it’s free from banned substances (essential for competing athletes), the product and site do not mention purity and potency testing. A big plus is that almost all reviewers comment on how well it dissolves, so if that’s a concern, this may be a good choice. 

• Form: Powder
• Dose: 1 (2-gram) scoop
• Price: $0.72/serving

Transparent Labs Grass Fed Colostrum

Pros: 

• 20 grams of colostrum per serving 
• Third-party tested
• Includes 12 grams of protein

Cons: 

• Several added ingredients 
• Expensive

Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Colostrum is a protein powder and colostrum supplement all in one, offering the most colostrum per serving than any other supplement on the list. At 20 grams per serving, this is closer to the amount that clinical studies are using versus what’s often recommended for general health maintenance. 

This powder also includes milk protein, stevia, cocoa powder, and milk powder, and has 90 calories and 12 grams of protein. It may be ideal if you’re looking to combine protein and colostrum together, but it is unnecessary for those hoping to just add colostrum to their routine. 

• Form: Powder
• Dose: 1 (23,2 gram) scoop
• Price: $3.00/serving

Benefits of colostrum supplements

As bovine colostrum is rich in numerous beneficial compounds and nutrients, many potential benefits have been studied over the past several years. These are the current most promising benefits of taking colostrum supplements, according to the research. 

It could boost your immune system

One small study looked at how colostrum affects the immune system after intense exercise. Men who took colostrum daily for eight weeks showed better immune responsiveness compared to those on a placebo. In other words, colostrum seemed to help the body recover its defenses after prolonged exercise, which may explain why some people report fewer colds or infections while supplementing with it. 

Colostrum’s effect on the immune system has been seen without the added stress of exercise as well. In a 12-week study of adults ages 50–69, those who drank colostrum-enriched milk had lower levels of inflammation compared to those who drank regular milk.

Researchers found changes in certain metabolic pathways, which suggests that colostrum may play a role in supporting a healthy immune system with aging. However, it’s not clear whether these types of results would translate to powdered supplements. 

It may support healthy digestion

Some research shows that colostrum may have a positive effect on the digestive system by protecting against microbial growth in the digestive tract, enhancing the gut microbiome, and stimulating the growth and repair of intestinal tissue to restore gut permeability. 

However, much of the research has been done in vitro or with animal studies, meaning high-quality clinical trials are needed for more quality evidence. 

It may impact strength and recovery

Some early research suggests that colostrum may help with body composition and exercise performance when paired with training, but study results are mixed. 

In a small study of soccer players, those who took a low daily dose (3.2 grams) of colostrum for six weeks recovered faster after intense exercise compared to those who took the same amount of whey protein. The colostrum group showed less inflammation, lower markers of muscle damage, and quicker return of explosive power, suggesting colostrum may help reduce exercise-induced muscle damage and support performance during heavy training periods.

Potential risks of taking colostrum

As with all supplements, colostrum supplements do come with some potential risks and may not be appropriate for all people. 

It could cause digestive side effects

Colostrum supplements contain dairy and could cause digestive side effects like diarrhea, constipation, gas, and bloating in people with lactose intolerance. 

It could cause an allergic reaction

Avoid taking colostrum if you have a dairy allergy. 

It’s not appropriate for anyone with a hormone-sensitive cancer

If you have a hormone-sensitive cancer, including breast, endometrial, ovarian, or uterine, discuss with your doctor before taking colostrum, as it contains estrogen. 

Bottom line: Are colostrum supplements good for you? 

Colostrum supplements show promise for supporting immune health, gut function, and even exercise recovery, thanks to their unique mix of antibodies, growth factors, and nutrients. But research is still limited, and results are mixed depending on the dose, form, and study population. 

If you’re interested in trying colostrum, choose a high-quality supplement that’s third-party tested and fits your health needs and budget. As always, check with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you have allergies, lactose intolerance, take medications, or have a medical condition.