What to Know About Colostrum Supplements

3. Colostrum Supplements Usually Come from Cows

Most colostrum supplements come from cows. This cow colostrum (also called bovine colostrum) is typically collected within the first 24 hours after a calf is born, then pasteurized and dried into a powder. That powder is used to make capsules, drink mixes, or flavored blends that are sold online or in health stores.

Cow colostrum is used because it shares many of the same immune-supporting compounds found in human colostrum — including antibodies, growth factors, and enzymes. However, the concentration of these compounds can vary widely depending on when it was collected and how it was processed.

Terms like “first milking” or “high IgG content” are often used in marketing, but they aren’t regulated. That makes it harder for consumers to know exactly what they’re getting without third-party testing or transparency from the manufacturer.