The Best Colostrum Supplements, According to a Dietitian

We Also Considered

Mt. Capra Goat Milk Colostrum (view at Amazon): Marketed as being “better tolerated than cow colostrum,” goat colostrum intrigued me, particularly for those sensitive to cow’s milk, but this may not be necessary. “Bovine colostrum is much more similar to that of humans than goat,” says Marshall, suggesting that part of the benefits of bovine colostrum stem from those similarities. She also points out that because cow colostrum is very low in lactose, it is often very well tolerated by those with lactose intolerance or a dairy sensitivity, so sourcing it from another animal likely isn’t necessary. In addition, this popular goat colostrum indicates it’s collected within the first 48 hours (rather than 24 hours) after birth, and while third-party testing is done on some of the product line, this colostrum does not appear to be included. You can buy it for $30 for 17 doses, or $0.61 per g. 

Heart & Soil Grass-Fed Colostrum (view at Amazon): The Heart & Soil brand focuses on animal products as the best source of nutrients and compounds severely lacking in today’s diet, and it emphasizes regenerative farming practices to promote the health of both the animals and land. This colostrum product undergoes third-party testing and is free from hormones, antibiotics, and pesticides. However, the timeframe that the colostrum was collected in isn’t indicated—something I felt was important to know first considering the higher price: $74 for 30 doses ($0.82/g).

The Bottom Line: The Best Colostrum Supplements

Life’s First Naturals Colostrum Powder (view at Amazon) is our top choice because of its high-quality sourcing from Grade A grass-fed cows and collection within the first 24 hours after birth. We also like that the company uses both third-party and in-house testing and costs less per gram than many competitors. A very close runner-up is Armra Immune Revival Collagen (view at Amazon). Similar to Life’s First, Armra offers a high-quality product that’s collected within the first 24 hours and cold-processed to ensure the integrity of immune-boosting immunoglobulins. While Armra has a higher price compared to many others, the powder supplement has a slightly granulated texture that not only mixes well in both thick or thin liquids but can also be placed directly on the tongue and swallowed. 

Choosing a Colostrum Supplement

Regardless of the form, Marshall says there are two main things to consider when selecting a colostrum supplement. First, you want a product that indicates the colostrum was collected within the first 24 hours of production, when the levels of immunoglobulins and bioactive compounds are highest. 

The second is to select a product that indicates the colostrum was processed using a low-heat or cold treatment to preserve the immunoglobulins and other bioactive compounds. High temperatures will destroy colostrum’s good microbes, immune factors, and bioactive components. 

Here are a few other factors to keep in mind when purchasing a colostrum supplement:

Label Details

Look for a mention of the colostrum coming from cows at Grade A dairies—that’s a good indicator that it’s coming from healthy, happy cows. Another factor to consider is if the colostrum is sourced from grass-fed cows, which usually consume a more nutrient-dense diet (and, thus, possibly make more nutrient-dense colostrum) compared to non-grass-fed cows. It’s helpful when colostrum brands provide these details on their label or website, but not seeing these details doesn’t always mean these practices weren’t followed.  

Third-party testing

Because supplements aren’t well-regulated by the government, look for supplements that have been tested by a third-party lab. This can verify that the supplements contain what the label claims and/or are free from harmful contaminants. The quality of third-party testing can vary greatly by company, so it is recommended that you choose a supplement that is tested or certified by a highly reputable company or organization such as NSF, USP, UL or Consumer Lab. If third-party testing isn’t available, check to see if the manufacturer conducts regular in-house testing. Some manufacturers may even go so far as to have certified in-house labs, which suggests an exceptional commitment to quality. 

In the case of colostrum supplements, it's important to realize that third-party testing only provides assurance that the product is contaminant-free. It does not consider when the colostrum was collected and how it was processed—two factors that Marshall considers most important when selecting a quality colostrum supplement. It’s also good to know that unlike other dietary supplements that typically boast “third-party” testing on the label, we found that colostrum brands often don’t include this on the label and often not even on their website. We had to contact the colostrum manufacturers to inquire about third-party and in-house testing for most brands.   

Dosage

We found that many colostrum supplements on the market come in doses of 1 g. Measured out this is about ½ to ¾ teaspoon of powder, or two to three capsules. A few colostrum supplements come in doses of 2 to 5 g. 

Ingredients 

Read the ingredient list and make a choice that aligns with your dietary goals. Many powders are pure colostrum, but some contain small amounts of an emulsifier like sunflower lecithin to keep the powder from caking. Capsules will contain gelatin in the ingredient list. If purchasing a flavored colostrum supplement, check the label carefully to determine what is used to provide that flavor and sweetness. Look for ones that use natural fruit and vegetable extracts for flavor and coloring, and ones that provide sweetness through a minimal amount of added sugar or plant extracts (such as stevia or monk fruit), rather than artificial colors or artificial sweeteners such as sucralose. 

Our Search for the Best Colostrum Supplement 

We researched numerous brands of colostrum supplements and interviewed a naturopathic doctor and epidemiologist who has an extensive background in consulting within the dietary supplement industry when it comes to quality ingredient sourcing and efficacy of products, including colostrum. The products on our list all contain colostrum that the manufacturer cites as being collected within the first 24 hours of production. We prioritized colostrum products that specified the colostrum was collected from grass-fed cows, free from antibiotics and was cold or low-heat processed. Many of the products on our list are produced in a CGMP facility and have undergone third-party and/or in-house testing. 

Common Questions

How much colostrum should I take? 

Research studies show that colostrum can provide beneficial health effects from as little as 0.5 g per day to as much as 60 g. However, benefits don’t necessarily appear to increase with larger dosages, and there’s strong evidence to suggest that just 0.5 to 1 g per day is adequate for health improvements. Marshall recommends a dose of 1 g, most days of the week, for people in good health. If you have a chronic condition or acute illness, she suggests taking 2 to 5 g several times a week until symptoms improve and then dropping down to a 1 g dose for maintenance. 

What are the benefits of colostrum supplements? 

Over 6,000 studies examining the benefits of colostrum supplementation have been published with the first one dating back as far as the 1960s. This may seem like a lot, but it’s considered a limited body of evidence from a research perspective. With that being said, there were loads of positive effects and outcomes. Some of the more compelling findings from recent human clinical trials were these: 

• Reduced gut permeability. A 2017 study found that bovine supplementation of 0.5 g for 20 days significantly reduced gut permeability and thus decreased “leaky gut,” which is associated with inflammation, allergies and numerous other health conditions.
• Shortened bouts of diarrhea and vomiting in kids. A 2020 controlled trial examined the effects of colostrum supplementation in children with acute vomiting, diarrhea and fever. Those receiving the colostrum significantly lowered the frequency of these episodes within 48 hours and the severity of diarrhea appeared to be lessened, compared to kids who received a placebo.
• Lessened inflammation. A 2023 study in older adults suggested that 12 weeks of bovine colostrum supplementation reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators to deter inflammation and improve immune function.
• Fended off the flu. An older study (from 2007) examined colostrum supplementation during flu season. Subjects who supplemented with colostrum during flu season had significantly fewer cases of flu compared to subjects who got the flu vaccine, and the number of days that subjects had the flu was three times higher in those who didn’t supplement with colostrum.
• Improved inflammatory bowel disease. A 2021 paper reviewing current research on colostrum supplementation for irritable bowel disease, infectious diarrhea and other digestive issues found “substantial evidence” for its usage in managing symptoms.

How are colostrum supplements made?  

Supplements are made by collecting bovine colostrum and drying it to create a powder (that can be stirred into food and drinks) or packaged into capsules. Most colostrum supplements are sold as powders that can be mixed or stirred into a smoothie, yogurt or thicker liquid such as orange juice or milk. The one thing not to mix them with is hot liquids or foods whose heat can destroy the bioactive components in the colostrum.

What is the best time of day to take colostrum? 

According to Marshall, there’s no “best” time to take colostrum, but she advises against taking it solo so that you can enhance its absorption. “[Colostrum] is better digested with proteins and fats, so I often suggest mixing it with something like a smoothie or yogurt.” 

Our Trusted Expertise

Carolyn Williams, Ph.D., RDN is a registered dietitian, tenured college professor and freelance journalist who’s written on a host of nutrition and health topics. The relationship between diet and chronic inflammation is an area in which she specializes, and she co-hosts the podcast Happy Eating, which explores the connection that mental wellness has to diet and lifestyle. After researching colostrum supplements, Williams immediately added one to her supplement routine. 

Keri Marshall, M.S., ND, is a highly experienced naturopathic doctor and epidemiologist, who has helped patients attain optimal health with natural solutions for over two decades. Marshall is an expert in women's medicine, pediatrics, and chronic disease management. She operates an integrative medical practice in Wilmington, North Carolina, is CEO and co-founder of Virtu Health Solutions and Chomp Gums, and provides nutrition and research consulting services. She’s been taking colostrum supplements for over 20 years. 

This article was edited and reviewed by Brierley Horton, M.S., RDN, Senior Commerce Editor, who has 15 years of experience reporting, writing, and editing nutrition and health content.