Colostrum Powder: How Effective Is It, Really?

As many people know, breastfeeding boasts a host of astounding benefits for both mother and baby—from reducing a woman’s risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer to decreasing a baby’s chances of developing diabetes and obesity1 later in life.

Colostrum is referred to as "liquid gold" or "first milk." That’s because it is the first round of milk that a mother’s body produces after giving birth. It’s literally available on demand once the placenta has been delivered, and it contains a complex concentration of healing and strengthening ingredients.

Colostrum ranges from a clear to a yellow hue and is packed full of immunoglobulins to help boost a newborn’s immature immune system, fight off microorganisms, and provide nourishing fats as well as other nutrients specifically tailored to that newborn.

As research continues to come out and reveal the unique properties of breast milk, trends are pushing adult athletes, health enthusiasts, and beauty mavens to seek out colostrum—of the bovine kind, that is—for themselves. Some claim that colostrum powder, often sourced from cows or goats, provides immunity, boosts energy levels, and promotes growth.

Babies have immature immune systems and depend on their mother’s milk for immunity. These antibodies are produced from exposure to the surroundings and passed through to the colostrum.

A mother’s colostrum actually helps fill the openings of the gut lining4 that babies are born with. This helps prevent intestinal irritations and diarrheal illnesses during the first year of life.

Adults, on the other hand, have fully formed gut linings that produce enzymes that may break down some of colostrum’s key properties.

As you may have gathered, colostrum derived from a mother’s milk is quite magical at protecting newborns and setting a strong foundation for a healthy life. At first glance, it may appear as if adults can reap these same benefits by simply consuming colostrum powder through supplements, but current science suggests that it’s not that simple. The wonders of colostrum are uniquely designed for the first fragile days of a newborn’s life, and adults may find that other supplements provide more lucrative results for their investment.