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Colostrum supplements, which are made from the milk produced immediately after a cow gives birth, are said to boost immunity, aid muscle recovery, support gut health and improve athletic performance.
A TikTok user claims that the so-called “liquid gold” reduced her swelling, While another said They reported that taking the powdered drink for 30 days improved digestion and reduced cramps. The third one said The supplements resolved her uncomfortable stomach issues, which “really changed my life.”
“An increase in the number of influencers talking about colostrum supplements has contributed to the surge (in consumption) over the past year,” said Caroline Thomson, a Virginia-based dietitian and diabetes educator. told CNN last week,
Newborns need their mother's colostrum because it's rich in nutrients, vitamins and antibodies, but experts say there's not enough scientific evidence to show that colostrum supplements benefit adults.
Human studies have been limited in scope and population size.
“Some research suggests that colostrum supplementation might help reduce abdominal pain in people with ulcerative colitis, and one small study found it reduced recurring diarrhea in children compared to a placebo,” the registered dietitian added. Amy Bragagnini recently told Good Housekeeping“But I would like to see much larger trials and more robust research before I recommend it to my patients.”
Other research shows that dietary supplements show promising results in cancer treatment. upper respiratory infection And leaky gut syndrome in athletes.
“Further studies are needed, and more robust data must be collected, before a clear recommendation on use can be made,” he added. Wellness Dietitian Lindsay Wolford MD Anderson Cancer Center's Dr.
Supplements can cost anywhere from $15 to $200 per bottle, and it's preferable to get colostrum from grass-fed, pasture-raised cows because their milk contains more protein and beneficial nutrients, CNN reports.
Dr. Peter Cohen, Dr. Ted Lang, an internist at the Cambridge Health Alliance and an associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, said consumers have no way of knowing how much colostrum is in a supplement or whether it's of high quality.
“The [Food and Drug Administration] “The FDA is responsible for regulating dietary supplements, but as a subcategory of food — not a drug,” Cohen told Good Housekeeping. “A product can contain a small amount of cow colostrum mixed with a lot of other things, like whey protein powder, and that's perfectly legal.”
Those considering taking colostrum should consult a doctor. Supplements, which come in the form of pills, powders, liquids and even enemas, are generally not recommended for people with milk allergies, children and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Dr. Lisa Young, a registered dietitian and assistant professor of nutrition at New York University, told CNN, “While colostrum may offer some health benefits, it is not a magic bullet, and more research is needed to fully understand its effects and long-term safety.”
