Colostrum is the first milk produced by mammals the first few days after giving birth. It’s especially nutrient-dense and packed with antibodies, growth factors, and nutrients that support the development of the newborn. Due to its rich nutrient profile and slightly yellow hue, colostrum is often referred to as “liquid gold”.
Today, many adults are turning to colostrum supplements for its unique nutrient composition — in a form that’s easier to get hold of. While colostrum is naturally produced by mammals for their newborns, the supplements on the market are derived from cows.
In this article, we’ll break down what colostrum contains and how you can incorporate it into your routine as a supplement.
What’s in Colostrum?
The nutrient composition of bovine colostrum is different from the milk that’s produced later. It’s higher in protein but lower in fat than regular milk, and contains a unique combination of compounds to support the newborn calf. While colostrum from cows isn’t identical to human colostrum, it shares many of the same key components — including antibodies and growth factors, as well as various proteins and fatty acids. Bovine colostrum is especially rich in:
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Immunoglobulins (especially IgG): Antibodies that help the immune system to fight off bacteria and viruses — crucial for the calf, which is born without a developed immune system
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Lactoferrin: A protein involved in immune response and iron regulation
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Growth factors (IGF-1, IGF-2): Hormones that stimulate growth and tissue repair
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Enzymes, amino acids, vitamins & minerals: Essential for overall nourishment and health
Together, these nutrients play a role in helping newborn mammals thrive during their earliest days.
Why Colostrum Is Popular as a Supplement
Many people who are interested in animal-based or ancestral diets are drawn to colostrum because of its rich nutrient profile. It’s also popular among people with active lifestyles who appreciate the naturally occurring proteins and growth factors.
Colostrum isn’t something you’ll usually find on grocery store shelves, and people often have to seek out farmers to get hold of fresh cow’s milk colostrum — the most common type consumed by adults. For people who want easier access to colostrum, a colostrum supplement can be a more convenient option. The supplements are often taken as a powder or in capsule form. The powder is a versatile option and can be blended into smoothies or stirred into yogurt, coffee, or other foods and drinks.
One common question that often comes up is whether it’s really ethical to take the milk from the calf and use it for human consumption. That’s why it’s important to make sure to choose colostrum from a brand that prioritizes animal welfare. DENSE only collects the surplus colostrum — meaning the extra milk produced after the calf has received what it requires. This ensures that the health and well-being of the calf are never compromised.
How DENSE Colostrum Is Made
DENSE Colostrum is made from the surplus first milk of grass-fed, pasture-raised cattle. It’s gently freeze-dried into a convenient powder that can be mixed into your favorite foods or beverages. This gentle drying method helps extend shelf life while retaining the nutrients. It has a concentration of 20% Immunoglobulin G (IgG), along with all other naturally occurring nutrients found in colostrum. One thing that our customers really appreciate is that we don’t add any fillers, preservatives, additives, or flow agents — all you get is 100% colostrum powder.
We recommend a serving size of 3 g of our colostrum powder. If you’re new to colostrum, you can start with a smaller amount and gradually increase the serving size to see how your body responds. As previously mentioned, the powder is easily mixed into foods and beverages. Since it’s a dairy-product, it pairs especially well with other dairy-based foods — like yogurt or milk — but many people also like to add it to smoothies or stir it into their morning coffee.
What It Tastes Like — and How to Store It
Colostrum has a mild, creamy flavor with a hint of natural sweetness. Thanks to its subtle taste, it won’t overpower the foods or drinks you mix it with. Since it’s freeze-dried, colostrum powder doesn’t need to be refrigerated to keep fresh. Just be sure to seal the jar tightly and store it at room temperature, away from direct sunlight.
Conclusion
Colostrum is the first food that newborn mammals receive, produced by the mother during the first few days after birth. It’s naturally rich in nutrients, like immunoglobulins, lactoferrin, and growth factors — all there to support the development of the newborn and its immune system.
Because of this unique nutrient profile, many adults choose to incorporate cow’s colostrum into their routines as a supplement. If you’re considering trying it, it’s worth choosing an ethical brand that prioritizes animal welfare — like DENSE. Our Pasture-Raised Colostrum is made from the extra milk that’s collected only after the calf has received what it needs. It comes in a convenient powder form with no additives, fillers, or flow agents — just 100% colostrum.