What’s the Deal with Colostrum Supplements?
Lately, colostrum supplements have been popping up everywhere, claiming to boost the immune system and improve gut health. But let’s take a step back—what is colostrum, and is it something adults actually need?
What Is Colostrum?
Colostrum is the very first milk produced by mammals (including humans) after giving birth. It’s packed with nutrients, immune factors, and—most importantly—high levels of insulin and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) to help newborns grow as quickly as possible. That’s why pediatricians closely monitor a baby’s weight gain in those first few weeks—colostrum is biologically designed to support rapid growth.
It also contains antibodies and other immune-supporting compounds that help protect newborns, whose immune systems are still developing. For a baby, colostrum is essential. But for a fully grown adult? That’s a different story.
Why Are Adults Taking Colostrum Supplements?
The rise of colostrum supplements isn’t based on a new scientific breakthrough—it’s simply a byproduct of the dairy industry. Instead of discarding excess colostrum that isn’t needed for feeding calves, companies have found a way to package and market it as a health supplement.
Most colostrum supplement claims focus on immune support, gut health, and muscle recovery. While colostrum does contain immune factors, the idea that it dramatically enhances adult immunity is speculative at best. And when it comes to muscle growth, let’s not forget that colostrum is naturally designed to promote rapid growth—through insulin and IGF-1.
The Insulin and IGF-1 Problem
Colostrum isn’t just any dairy product—it has the highest insulin and IGF-1 content of all milk products. That’s because newborns need these growth signals to develop properly. But for adults, chronically stimulating insulin and IGF-1 can be problematic.
High IGF-1 levels are linked to increased risks of certain cancers, accelerated aging, and metabolic issues. And if you’re already dealing with insulin resistance or PCOS, adding a high-insulin supplement to the mix is the last thing you need.
Bottom Line: Colostrum Is for Babies, Not Adults
Colostrum has a biological purpose—to support newborn growth and immunity. But just because it benefits a baby doesn’t mean it belongs in an adult supplement regimen. It’s yet another example of the supplement industry turning a waste product into a health trend, without real evidence that it provides meaningful benefits for the average person.
If you’re looking to support your immune system and gut health, there are plenty of ways to do so without taking a supplement designed for newborns. Prioritize real food, a nutrient-rich diet, and an overall lifestyle that keeps insulin levels in check. That will do far more for your long-term health than any powdered dairy byproduct ever could.
References
Blum JW, et al. Insulin-like growth factors (IGFs), IGF binding proteins, and other endocrine factors in milk: role in the newborn. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2008. Read more
Knuppel A, et al. Circulating Insulin-like Growth Factor-I Concentrations and Risk of 30 Cancers: Prospective Analyses in UK Biobank. Cancer Res. 2020. Read more
