Written by Founder Rob Diepersloot
Quality is Everything
When it comes to choosing a supplement for you or your family, quality is everything, and that’s especially true for bovine colostrum. This natural “first milk” from cows is loaded with immune-boosting and gut-healing benefits, but not all colostrum products are created equal.
In fact, this is the reason we decided to start our own colostrum company. When we started out, I ordered every colostrum brand that was on the shelf at that time. Of all the brands, there was only one that tested high in all of the bioactive molecules in colostrum.
I was so disappointed by the results and the quality of the colostrum on the market, that I began to do some research myself.
As a dairy farmer and a dairy scientist major who researched colostrum in college, I had a pretty good idea on what good quality colostrum is and how to measure the bioactive molecules to prove it. So I connected with multiple industry experts and manufacturers until I found the best source: 100% pure, whole, bovine colostrum. Sourced here in the U.S. from sustainable dairy farms who care for their animals.
Before you buy, it’s important to know where your colostrum comes from, because the source makes a huge difference in how safe, clean, and effective it is.
What Does “Knowing the Source” Really Mean?
Basically, it means looking into how and where the colostrum was collected, how the cows were raised, and how the product was processed. Just like with your food, the quality of the ingredients matters.
Here’s why that’s important:
1. Animal Welfare Affects Quality
High-quality colostrum usually comes from healthy cows that are treated well and fed a healthy, well-rounded diet. When cows are stressed or kept in unhealthy environments, the quality of the colostrum can suffer.
Look for brands that say their cows are:
- Sourced from cows here in the USA
- Free from hormones and antibiotics
- Raised on family-owned or ethical farms
Watch out for brands that say their cows are:
-
Sourced outside of the US
- Quality standards are much different in other countries. If it is sourced from another country, do some research on the country of origin and how the colostrum is processed.
Also important: Ethical colostrum is collected only after the calf gets its full share. No calf should go without!
2. Clean Farming = Cleaner Supplement
You don’t want traces of chemicals, pesticides, or antibiotics sneaking into your colostrum supplements. That’s why it's important to choose colostrum from farms that follow clean, sustainable practices.
Some helpful labels to look for:
- Third-party tested for purity
- Sourced from sustainable dairy farms in the U.S.
3. Why Colostrum Processing Matters
Once colostrum is collected, it has to be dried and processed into a supplement. Low-quality processing can destroy the very nutrients that make colostrum so powerful.
Better brands use gentle, low-heat processing to keep all those good immune factors, bioactive molecules, and proteins intact. It’s a good sign if a company is open about how their colostrum is made and tested.
Shelf-stable Liquids and Chews
Most of the time, in order to get colostrum into these forms, the processing techniques involve high heat, which destroys the bioactive molecules that are naturally in the colostrum. Make sure they are still intact!
What does skimmed colostrum mean?
Skimming is when specific components of colostrum are removed during processing. Some companies will remove the fat and/or casein from the colostrum powder. We choose not to, as these components are what make colostrum so wonderful.
Here's a few components that get removed when colostrum is skimmed:
- Colostrum Fat: The fat acts as a protective coating around bioactive molecules so they can survive digestion and actually reach the gut intact, where they can support immunity, gut lining repair, and overall health.
- Milk Fat Globular Membranes (MFGMs): Studies have shown MFGM supports brain development, strengthens the gut barrier, and even helps beneficial gut bacteria thrive.
- Casein: These proteins break down into bioactive peptides during digestion. These peptides can support the immune system, strengthen the gut lining, and even act like natural antimicrobials to defend against pathogens.
4. Transparency Builds Trust
Reputable companies will proudly share:
- Where their colostrum is sourced from
- How their cows are treated
- How the supplement is made
- If there is anything added or removed from their colostrum
Watch out for brands that:
- Won’t tell you the source
- Use a “proprietary” blend
If you can’t find this info easily, that’s a red flag.
Final Thoughts
Bovine colostrum is a powerful natural supplement, but just like with food, quality starts at the source.
Choosing a product from a trustworthy, transparent brand helps ensure you’re getting all the benefits—without any unwanted extras. And if you’ve followed along at all here at WonderCow, you’ll know that there are so many benefits to experience!
So before you grab just any bottle off the shelf or online, take a few minutes to check out the brand. Your body (and your peace of mind) will thank you!
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