They’re trending on TikTok but does that mean you should take them?
Often referred to as liquid gold, colostrum is the substance breasts produce before they begin making breastmilk.
Thicker and denser than breastmilk, colostrum contains highly concentrated nutrients and powerful antioxidants.
Photo:Getty Images
This liquid provides newborn babies with nutrition to boost their immune systems as they enter a world of unknowns.
The idea behind colostrum supplements is to provide this highlyconcentrated nutritionto people well after infancy.
Made with bovine (cow) colostrum, these supplements contain similar nutrients to human colostrum.
Still, colostrum supplements are relatively new to the market.
Advocates say colostrum canelevate brain function, prevent allergy symptoms, and a number of other things.
These potential benefits are the ones that have been most widely studied.
Some studies confirm that bovine colostrum could support immune health, but others arent so promising.
The researchers concluded that markers of an enhanced immune system were lacking in people.
We probably need more studies before we know exactly how effective colostrum is for immune health.
Plus, different colostrum supplements might have different effects, depending on their potency.
May Have Gut Health Benefits
Recentresearch on athletesfound that bovine colostrum mayboost gut healthby improving gut permeability.
Still, she says more studies are needed to be certain of this potential benefit.
Similarly, other research has linked colostrum supplementation to treating diarrhea.
Because manufacturers use pasteurization and sterilization processes, yes,colostrum supplements are generally safefor human consumption.
Then again, there are some groups of people who should steer clear.
Individuals taking immuno-suppressive therapies should discuss the use of colostrum supplements with their healthcare provider first, says Andrews.
This holds true for pregnant and breastfeeding people as well.
You’ll want to verify it wont interfere with any medications youre on.
If you have a milk allergy, you should opt out of bovine colostrum to avoid adverse reactions.
More potent colostrum has a higher IgG percentage.
Generally, experts indicate that good colostrum has anIgG concentration of 50 milligrams per milliliter.
Dosages can vary, but 1.5 (half a teaspoon) is fairly standard.
