(NewsNation) — Colustrum, the “first milk” newborns drink, has muscled its way into adult diets, with TikTokers and Hollywood A-listers touting it as the secret sauce for supercharged workouts and TikTok gut health hacks.
An ice cream brand has released breast milk-flavored ice cream, which has “sprinkles of colostrum and features a distinct colostrum yellow tinge.”
What is colostrum?
Colostrum is nutrient-dense breast milk produced before and after a woman gives birth. It’s a thick, yellowish-white fluid released from the breasts by the third trimester of pregnancy.
It has more protein and less fat than mature breast milk, helping protect infants from infection and establishing a normal gut microbiome.
“Colostrum has an important role in providing immunity as well as nutrition to the newborn and helps in establishing a healthy gut microbiome, which can have long-term, beneficial effects,” according to researchers Felix Jozsa and Jennifer Thistle with StatPearls Publishing.
Known as “first milk,” colostrum is produced by all mammals — not just humans. Colostrum from cows has also hit the market, and dietitians are warning there isn’t enough research to know the full range of benefits.
Why are adults using colostrum?
Colostrum is designed to support the growth of newborns, but adults have been buying it in powder or capsule form, claiming its gut health benefits.
Colostrum supplements are a powdered version of the first milk a cow releases after giving birth, marketed as beverage mix-ins and taken multiple times a day, according to the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Some celebrities, such as Kourtney Kardashian and Sofia Richie, have opted to mix the ingredient into their smoothie recipes.
What are the risks of colostrum?
Colostrum supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, and researchers have said additional studies are needed.
People sensitive to dairy products may have a sensitivity to colostrum.