Colostrum: The "Liquid Gold" Supplement Trend - Is It Worth the Hype?

Baby, “Liquid Gold” is trending everywhere right now, but is it worth the cost?

What is colostrum?

Colostrum is the “liquid gold” that is the first milk from a mammal after giving birth. It’s bright yellow milk is high-packed with nutrients, antibodies from the mother, antioxidants, and so much more. These antibodies and antioxidants are used to build up a newborn baby’s immune system after being welcomed into life. It helps to establish a healthy gut that can help keep harmful bacteria from being absorbed. This thick liquid lasts roughly for the first 3-4 days after the baby is born.

Let’s dive deeper into the different kinds of nutrients in colostrum? 

Colostrum is high in protein and low in both fat and sugar. It contains antibodies such as immunoglobulin A that help boost the baby’s immune system. Leukocytes which are white blood cells can be found in the early days of breastmilk. Proteins that stimulate cell growth and help prevent infection are also high in colostrum. The nice rich yellow color comes from carotenoids, a fancy name for vitamin A antioxidants, which help the baby’s vision, skin, and immune system. 

So why are people obsessing over cow colostrum?

New year, new trend? Well within the last year, bovine or cow colostrum companies have been booming in advertising on social media. These companies are promoting bovine colostrum in a powder form as a supplement for humans with claims that it can help improve the immune system, improve digestive health, and enhance exercise recovery. 

However, what does the research say?

In a study from the Journal of Tropical Pediatrics in 2020, a double-blind randomized control trial was used on 160 children with recurrent diarrhea with bacterial causes. The group that received the bovine colostrum experienced a lower amount of vomiting and diarrhea compared to the placebo group. However, this study was done on small children (aged 1-8 years old) and not adults. In fact all of these children were experiencing symptoms such as diarrhea BEFORE taking the bovine colostrum.  This indicates that if you have an infant with recurrent diarrhea and nothing is stopping it, well maybe ask your doctor as it will not promise a cure for your child? 

Can adults benefit from bovine colostrum? 

Great question, honestly.  There is quite literally little to no research on if bovine colostrum can truly benefit ANYONE. Is it just a marketing play to try and get you to spend money on their product…. probably so. With the high levels of antibodies in the colostrum, it COULD help maintain the healthy bacteria in your gut, but it could also make no difference. Like mentioned before, there is really no evidence at this moment in time to suggest or recommend bovine colostrum supplements for any population. 

So final line, check your references before you buy a product that some tik tok influencer is promoting! 

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Written by Emma Sommers

Hey, I'm Emma!

I'm currently a Senior at Purdue University studying Nutrition and Dietetics. I love everything about nutrition and have a passion towards helping people learn to love food and all the science behind it!  Learn more about the HSH offerings here.