Colostrum’s exact composition, as in the concentrations of specific antibodies, growth factors, and proteins, changes based on the species it’s coming from—though Manaker says all colostrum produced by mammals serves the same basic purpose of providing newborns with nutrients and immune protection. “These variations ensure that colostrum is tailored to meet the unique immunological and developmental needs of the offspring,” she says, “depending on the species.”
Colostrum supplements are typically made from bovine colostrum. Says Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York, “Products mostly use bovine colostrum due to its availability and rich composition of immune factors and growth factors that are beneficial for both humans and animals.”
Anate Brauer, MD, a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist at RMA New York in New York City, says that human and bovine colostrum contain antibodies (particularly the immunoglobulins IgA, IgG, IgM), proteins (lactoferrin and cytokines), and bioactive molecules, but that bovine colostrum has higher protein levels and more antibodies in general.
Bovine colostrum supplements typically come in capsule form and flavored or unflavored powders that are meant to be mixed with liquids for consumption. Armra’s colostrum powder, for example, comes in two flavors, blood orange and vine watermelon, and an unflavored option, all of which can be added to any cool beverage.
Does taking bovine colostrum powder have health benefits?
It makes sense that a baby calf needs bovine colostrum to thrive, but you may be wondering how the substance benefits an adult human. Turns out, that’s not totally clear just yet. The experts we spoke with say more scientific research is required to confirm that adding bovine colostrum powder to your smoothie is going to transform your wellness routine. “There is some scientific evidence suggesting that bovine colostrum can help with immunity, gut health, and athletic performance due to its high content of antibodies and growth factors,” says Dr. Brauer. “However, more research is needed to conclusively determine its efficacy in these areas.”
What about those claims from enthusiastic TikTokers praising powder bovine colostrum for glowy skin and accelerated hair growth? Says Dr. Murphy-Rose, the powder contains components that may promote hair and skin health (and possibly aid in collagen production) such as growth factors, proteins and amino acids, vitamins A, C, and E, minerals like zinc and magnesium, antioxidants, immunoglobulins, and omega fatty acids. Remember, though, just because a colostrum powder includes these components doesn’t mean the products will definitely provide the noticeable changes you desire. “Increasing the availability of certain essential building blocks in the body can help the body be able to use them when it needs them,” Dr. Murphy-Rose continues. “However, we cannot put nutrients in our body and expect our body to use them in the way we want it to.”