Colostrum: The ‘Cruel’ Wellness Trend Explained [Video]

Taking bovine colostrum supplements—the powdered form of the golden milky liquid that cows produce for their newborn calves—is ethically cruel and scientifically unfounded, according to a prominent nutrition scientist.

This particular wellness bandwagon has sparked the interest of celebrities. Actor Gwyneth Paltrow discussed the trend on her podcast with the founder of a company selling colostrum products while reality TV star Kourtney Kardashian Barker’s lifestyle site features experts praising its benefits. Model Sofia Richie even launched a colostrum smoothie in Los Angeles earlier this year.

It has been promoted for its health-boosting properties, believed to be beneficial for gut health, immunity, performance, and skin health.

An industry report estimates that the colostrum market grew from $2.95 billion in 2023 to $3.27 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach $5.93 billion by 2030.

However, Professor Dr. Tim Spector, co-founder of nutrition science company ZOE, told Newsweek: “From both an ethical …