Colostrum
Bovine colostrum in powder and capsules, from grass-fed sourcing to a declared IgG content. We explain how the two forms differ, what the figures on the label really mean and how to use colostrum daily.Read more →
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Bovine colostrum: forms, IgG content and how to choose
Colostrum is the first milk a cow gives in the days after calving. Its make-up differs from ordinary milk: more protein, more immunoglobulins (the antibody proteins a newborn calf takes from its mother), plus lactoferrin, and far less lactose. Supplements use bovine colostrum, dried into a fine powder. That powder is sold loose or filled into capsules, and sits in our wider range of food supplements.
What the label actually tells you
Two details separate one tub from the next. The first is the declared IgG content. IgG stands for immunoglobulin G, the most common antibody in colostrum. A 500 mg capsule standardised to 30% IgG is a different product from 500 mg with no figure at all. Check whether the percentage refers to dry matter or to protein, because the same colostrum can look stronger on paper depending on which is used.
The second is how the colostrum was dried. These proteins are sensitive to heat. Freeze-dried or low-heat processed powder keeps more of them intact than a batch dried hot and fast. Most colostrum sold here comes from New Zealand or European grass-fed herds and is collected in the first hours after calving.
- A declared IgG percentage, and what it is measured against
- Drying method: freeze-dried or low heat
- Whether the powder is defatted or whole
- Milk allergen statement, always present with colostrum
How we choose the colostrum we stock
We look at three things: the form, the dose you can actually reach, and whether a combination makes sense. We prefer colostrum with a stated IgG percentage over a vague milligram number, because that is the only way you can compare two products fairly. We favour low-heat or freeze-dried powder, since harsh drying costs you the very proteins you are paying for. We carry both powders and capsules, because a 3 g serving is awkward to swallow as capsules. Labels pass our compliance team first, and we test batches ourselves while independent labs spot-check them. Read how we select our brands.
Who colostrum suits, and what to expect
We are direct about the evidence. The European food safety authority (EFSA) reviewed health claims for bovine colostrum and approved none of them. So we describe what is in the product rather than promise a result. Where a product qualifies as a source of protein, the approved wording is that protein contributes to the growth and maintenance of muscle mass. Nothing more.
In practice, people reach for colostrum as a daily routine supplement: around training blocks, during travel, or in the winter months. It is often used next to live bacteria supplements, and some readers prefer the isolated protein instead and go straight to supplements with lactoferrin, which is one of the proteins colostrum naturally contains.
Two honest points. Colostrum is a dairy product, so it is not suitable if you have a cow's milk protein allergy. And it is not a quick fix: give it four to eight weeks of consistent daily use at a sensible dose before you decide whether it earns a place in your routine. If you want the higher IgG grades, expect to pay more per gram. That premium only makes sense if the percentage is actually printed on the pack.
Frequently asked questions
What is colostrum and where does it come from?
Colostrum is the first milk a mammal produces in the days after giving birth. Supplements almost always use bovine colostrum, which comes from cows and is collected in the first hours after calving. It is then dried into a powder. Compared with ordinary milk it contains more protein and more immunoglobulins, the antibody proteins a calf needs, plus lactoferrin and less lactose. Most colostrum on the UK market is sourced from grass-fed herds in New Zealand or Europe.
Should I choose colostrum powder or capsules?
It depends on the dose you want and how you like taking supplements. Powder lets you scale up or down with a scoop and mixes into water, milk or a smoothie. Capsules are fixed and easy to take on the road, but reaching a gram-level serving can mean several of them.
| Form | Dosing | Suits |
|---|---|---|
| Powder | Flexible, by scoop | Larger daily servings |
| Capsules | Fixed per capsule | Travel and convenience |
| Combined formulas | Fixed, with added nutrients | One-product routines |
When is the best time to take colostrum?
Most labels suggest taking it on an empty stomach, so first thing in the morning or before bed, with water. The reasoning is simple: less food in the stomach means less dilution and a shorter stay in a strongly acidic environment. That said, consistency beats timing. A daily dose you actually remember to take is worth more than a perfect schedule you skip twice a week. With powder, many people simply stir it into their morning drink.
Can I combine colostrum with other supplements?
Yes, and it is common. Colostrum is often used alongside live bacteria supplements, and it mixes easily into a protein shake because it is a milk protein itself. People also compare it with collagen powders, but the two are not interchangeable: collagen supplies specific amino acids, colostrum supplies whole milk proteins including immunoglobulins. If you take several powders, keep the total dairy protein reasonable and space doses if your stomach is sensitive.
How long before I notice anything?
Plan on four to eight weeks of daily use before you judge it. Colostrum is a nutritional supplement, not a fast-acting product, and single doses tell you very little. We would rather say that clearly than suggest a result in a week. Keep the dose steady over that period, since changing the amount every few days makes it impossible to tell what did anything. If nothing changes after two months, it is fair to stop.
Is colostrum suitable if I am lactose intolerant?
Colostrum contains less lactose than ordinary milk, and many people with mild lactose intolerance manage a normal serving without trouble. Some products are further reduced in lactose, so check the nutrition panel rather than assuming. A milk protein allergy is a different matter: colostrum is a dairy product and must carry a milk allergen declaration, so it is not suitable for you. If you are unsure which of the two applies to you, speak to your GP or pharmacist.
Can children, pregnant or breastfeeding women take colostrum?
Several manufacturers advise against colostrum for very young children because of the risk of a milk protein allergy, and dosing for children is not standardised. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, we would not use a supplement like this without asking your midwife or GP first. This is not because colostrum is known to be a problem, but because no UK authority has set an intake reference for it. When guidance is missing, checking with a professional is the sensible route.
What does the IgG percentage on the label mean, and does a higher figure always mean better?
The percentage tells you how much of the powder is immunoglobulin G, the main antibody in colostrum. It is the only figure that lets you compare two products, because a big milligram number with no percentage says nothing about strength. Read it carefully: standardising against dry matter and standardising against protein give different figures for the same raw material. Higher grades cost more per gram, and that is worth paying only when the percentage and the drying method are both printed on the pack.
