Liquid Gold: Are Colostrum Supplements the Next Health Trend?
Colostrum, often called “liquid gold,” is gaining popularity as a supplement for adults, with claims of boosting immunity, improving gut health, and promoting glowing skin. While colostrum is vital for newborns due to its concentrated nutrients and antibodies, scientific evidence supporting its benefits for healthy adults remains limited. Small-scale studies suggest potential gut health benefits in specific contexts, such as reducing intestinal permeability, but everyday alternatives like prebiotic-rich foods found in Maltese cuisine are more reliable. Similarly, colostrum’s immune-supporting properties are well-established for infants but less relevant for adults, as a healthy immune system typically doesn’t require boosting. Marketing terms like “full body wellness” lack scientific backing, and many of the claimed benefits can be achieved through trusted, research-supported sources like vitamin D and the Mediterranean diet. Malta’s culinary traditions, rich in fresh produce, olive oil, and seafood, offer a natural and proven way to maintain health, making the island’s food culture a better alternative
The Truth About the ‘Liquid Gold’ Supplement That Claims to Boost Your Immune System
When it comes to health trends, few ingredients have captured attention quite like colostrum, often referred to as “liquid gold.” This nutrient-rich substance, produced by mammals in the first days after giving birth, is packed with antibodies, proteins, and nutrients that are vital for newborns. It’s easy to see why colostrum enjoys its glowing reputation in infant health. But now, wellness brands are promoting colostrum-based supplements for adults, claiming benefits for gut health, immunity, and even glowing skin.
One of the most prominent endorsements comes from celebrity Kourtney Kardashian Barker, whose Lemme product range includes colostrum in the form of sweet gummies, sugar-free liquid supplements, and creamers. But are these claims backed by science, or is this just another wellness fad? Let’s unpack the facts to understand whether colostrum supplements truly live up to the hype.
What Makes Colostrum Special
For newborns, colostrum is invaluable. Their digestive and immune systems are still developing, and colostrum provides concentrated nutrients and antibodies to help protect them in their earliest and most vulnerable days. It’s thick, yellow, and designed specifically by nature to meet the needs of infants whose tiny stomachs can hold only small amounts of food.
However, adults are very different from newborns. They have fully developed immune and digestive systems, eat a wide variety of foods, and can absorb nutrients from diverse sources, including Malta’s abundant fresh produce, Mediterranean cuisine, and seafood. While colostrum is undeniably critical for babies, the benefits for adults are far less clear.
Colostrum for Adults: Fact or Fiction?
Colostrum-based supplements marketed to adults are usually derived from cows (bovine colostrum) and processed into powders, liquids, or gummies. Brands like Kardashian Barker’s Lemme range often use persuasive language to promise benefits like improved digestion, enhanced immunity, and overall wellness. But scientific evidence supporting these claims is limited.
Gut Health and Digestion
Some small-scale studies suggest that bovine colostrum may help reduce temporary intestinal permeability, also known as “leaky gut.” This condition sometimes arises after intense exercise or the use of certain medications like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which can irritate the gut lining. While these findings are intriguing, they are preliminary and based on specific contexts rather than the everyday lives of healthy adults.
For those in Malta looking to improve gut health, there are far better-researched options. Foods rich in prebiotic fibres, such as onions, garlic, leeks, bananas, and chicory root — staples in Maltese cooking — have been shown to support beneficial gut bacteria and promote digestive health. These fibres are also widely available in standalone supplements, and you don’t need colostrum to access them.
Immune System Support
Colostrum’s immune-supporting properties are undisputed for newborns, but the idea that it can “boost” an adult’s immune system, as claimed by some wellness brands, is misleading. A healthy adult immune system doesn’t typically need boosting, and overactivation can even be harmful, potentially leading to autoimmune disorders.
In Lemme’s products, references to immune support rely heavily on vitamin D. It’s true that vitamin D plays a crucial role in regulating the immune system and maintaining bone health, especially in individuals who may have limited exposure to sunlight — a concern during Malta’s cooler months when people spend less time outdoors. But vitamin D is widely available as a standalone supplement and doesn’t need to be consumed via colostrum-based products.
“Full Body Wellness”
This phrase, often seen on wellness product websites, lacks a scientific definition and is essentially a marketing term. While vitamin D contributes to healthy bones and teeth, this benefit is not unique to colostrum-based supplements. Similarly, claims of “glowing skin” have no clinical backing and should be taken with a grain of salt — or perhaps a drizzle of Malta’s iconic olive oil, which is far better researched for its skin and health benefits.
How Language Influences Trust
Colostrum supplements often use phrases like “clinically studied,” which sound scientific but don’t equate to proven efficacy. Research shows that such terms can mislead consumers, creating an impression of credibility without solid evidence to back up the claims.
For food and health-conscious individuals in Malta, this highlights the importance of scrutinizing wellness products and focusing on trusted, research-backed sources of nutrition. Colostrum may be appealing for its natural and pure image, but at present, there’s no strong evidence from large-scale studies to suggest that it offers significant benefits for healthy adults.
What Malta’s Food Culture Offers
Instead of chasing trends like colostrum supplements, why not turn to Malta’s rich culinary traditions? The Mediterranean diet is globally recognized for its ability to support gut health, boost longevity, and promote overall wellness. With its focus on fresh vegetables, whole grains, olive oil, and lean proteins like seafood and rabbit, Maltese cuisine offers a balanced and delicious way to maintain your health naturally.
For vitamin D, Malta’s abundant sunshine makes it easy to soak up this vital nutrient during outdoor activities like hiking or dining al fresco. Pair this with nutrient-rich foods like fatty fish, eggs, and mushrooms, and you’ll meet your health needs without relying on expensive wellness products.
Final Thoughts
Colostrum supplements may sound tempting, but their benefits for adults remain unproven. While some ingredients like vitamin D and prebiotic fibres are scientifically supported, these are readily available in other foods and supplements. For those in Malta, embracing the island’s vibrant food culture and natural lifestyle is a far better way to achieve wellness than chasing the latest health craze.
So, the next time you’re considering a supplement marketed as “liquid gold,” why not opt for Malta’s real treasures — fresh, local ingredients and the Mediterranean way of living? After all, true health starts with what’s on your plate.