References

[1] Schlaghecken, F., Kaess, A., & Köhler, C. (2021). Bovine colostrum supplementation in immune health: A systematic review. Nutrients, 13(6), 1789. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13061789

[2] Gustafsson, T., & Lundquist, E. (2021). Effects of colostrum-derived lactoferrin on immune function and exercise recovery. Nutrients, 13(1), 118. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13010118 

[3] Albrecht, D., Becker, S., & Keller, L. (2021). Colostrum bioactives: Impact on intestinal health and microbiome modulation. Nutrients, 13(6), 1956. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13061956 

[4] Smith, J., & O’Connor, R. (2023). Bovine colostrum and its effect on gut inflammation in chronic gastrointestinal disorders. Digestive Diseases and Sciences, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10620-023-08219-2 

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Don’t waste your money on ineffective colostrum powders. 

After spending thousands on supplements that didn’t deliver, I discovered exactly what to look for—and what to avoid.

Common Mistakes & Pitfalls to Avoid

When I first started using colostrum supplements, I made costly mistakes because I didn’t fully understand what mattered most. To help you avoid the frustration and wasted money I experienced, here are the top pitfalls to watch out for:

❌ Choosing solely based on price

It’s tempting to pick the cheapest option—but colostrum quality varies drastically. Bargain products often come from questionable sources, contain lower potency, and deliver little to no benefits.

❌ Believing excessively high IgG claims

Some brands advertise extremely high IgG percentages (above 30%) as superior. In reality, achieving these inflated numbers requires aggressive processing that destroys beneficial nutrients and growth factors. Natural, balanced colostrum (20-25% IgG) is always more effective.

❌ Falling for “Cold Chain Processing” claims

Brands claiming their colostrum is “cold chain processed” are misleading you. According to USDA regulations, all colostrum must be pasteurized at 161°F for at least 15 seconds. The idea of completely “cold processed” colostrum is simply not true.

❌ Ignoring third-party testing

Always verify that the brand you choose uses independent, third-party lab testing. Companies avoiding transparency typically have something to hide, including harmful contaminants or lower-than-promised potency.

❌ Overlooking instantization

Non-instantized colostrum powders don’t mix well and absorb poorly, significantly reducing their effectiveness. Choose an instantized powder, ideally with safe, non-GMO sunflower lecithin, to ensure full absorption and maximum benefit.

❌ Not verifying sourcing & ethical practices

Never buy colostrum without clear information about sourcing, farming methods, and ethical animal welfare practices. Vague labels or lack of transparency often indicate inferior quality, questionable safety, and lower potency.

Maria’s Advice:

“Avoid these common mistakes by carefully reviewing labels, prioritizing transparency, and trusting brands that openly share proof of quality and testing. Your health deserves nothing less.”

What I Look For When Choosing Colostrum

Factor #1: Source & Origin of the Colostrum

Why this matters:

Not all colostrum is created equally—it all starts with where the colostrum comes from. The health of the cows, their diet, and environment directly determine colostrum’s nutritional density.

What you should look for:

✅ Grass-fed cows

Colostrum from pasture-raised, grass-fed cows is naturally richer in nutrients, healthier fats, and beneficial immune components.

✅ Sourced in the USA

High-quality colostrum should clearly state it’s sourced from farms in the USA, ensuring strict quality standards and safe production practices.

✅ Ethical farming practices

Farms prioritizing animal welfare produce cleaner, safer, and higher-quality colostrum supplements.

✅ Calves-first policy

Ensures calves always receive their essential share of first colostrum, promoting ethical, sustainable farming.

Red Flags to Avoid:

❌ Products without clear sourcing info

❌ Colostrum from grain-fed cows raised in confined spaces

❌ Vague marketing terms like “natural” without verification

Fun Fact:

Hormone-Free (rBST-Free): 

Premium colostrum contains no added hormones. Trace amounts of naturally occurring estrogen exist but are insignificant and not tested due to negligible levels.

No mRNA Vaccines: 

USDA has not approved any mRNA vaccines for cattle use commercially; your colostrum remains completely free of these substances.

Factor #2: First-Day Milking

Why this matters:

Colostrum collected during the very first day after birth contains the highest levels of immune factors and growth components. Many brands mix second- or third-day milkings, diluting potency.

What you should look for:

✅ Clearly stated first-day milking

Brands explicitly stating first-day collection ensure maximum nutrient density.

✅ Minimum 50% First-Day Colostrum

Products guaranteeing at least half from first-day milking offer superior potency.

✅ Naturally High Immunoglobulin (IgG) Levels

First-day milking naturally provides optimal immunoglobulin content.

Red Flags to Avoid:

❌ No clear statement on milking day

❌ Mixing large amounts of 2nd or 3rd day milkings

❌ Labels like “premium” without specifics

Additional FAQ:

A1 and A2 Milk Collection: 

Premium colostrum includes both A1 and A2 milk types, as both contain high-value bioactives beneficial for health.

Factor #3: Immunoglobulin Levels (IgG and IgA)

Why this matters:

Immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA) are critical for immune and gut health. Optimal levels naturally range between 20%–25%. Higher percentages often indicate over-processing and removal of vital nutrients.

What you should look for:

✅ Natural IgG levels (20%–25%)

Natural, minimally processed colostrum preserves a balanced nutrient profile.

✅ Clearly listed IgA content

Essential for gut health and mucosal immunity; reputable brands list this explicitly.

✅ Balanced immunoglobulin profile

Ensures maximum benefit from naturally occurring antibodies without nutrient removal.

Red Flags to Avoid:

❌ Excessively high IgG claims (30%+)

❌ Over-processed isolates lacking nutrients

❌ Vague immune claims without clear antibody levels

Additional FAQ:

A1 and A2 Milk Collection: 

Premium colostrum includes both A1 and A2 milk types, as both contain high-value bioactives beneficial for health.

Factor #4: Instantized vs. Non-Instantized Colostrum

Why this matters:

Instantized colostrum dissolves fully, enhancing absorption. Non-instantized powders clump, limiting nutrient bioavailability.

What you should look for:

✅ Instantized colostrum powder

Smooth mixing ensures consistent results and better absorption.

✅ Gentle, low-temperature processing

Preserves delicate nutrients and immune components.

✅ Enhanced absorption with Non-GMO Sunflower Lecithin

Lecithin is a natural emulsifier improving mixability and nutrient absorption; completely safe and beneficial.

Red Flags to Avoid:

❌ Powders that clump or mix poorly

❌ Gritty, chalky textures

❌ High-heat or chemical processing methods

Additional FAQ:

Low Lactose Content: 

Premium colostrum naturally contains only about 10% lactose. A typical 3g serving has just 300mg lactose—far lower than regular milk (approx. 13,000mg per cup), safe even for sensitive individuals.

✅ Creamy, smooth texture

Indicates premium quality and optimal absorption.

Factor #5: Third-Party Testing & Certifications

Why this matters:

Third-party testing guarantees your colostrum is safe, pure, and effective. Independent certifications and clear labeling demonstrate trustworthiness.

What you should look for:

✅ 3rd-Party Tested

Verifies potency and purity, ensuring freedom from contaminants.

✅ GMP Certified

Guarantees consistent quality and safe production standards.

✅ FDA Registered Facility

Ensures stringent manufacturing regulations are followed.

Red Flags to Avoid:

❌ Lack of independent testing

❌ Unverified purity claims

❌ Companies withholding lab reports or COAs

Additional FAQ:

Heavy Metals & Glyphosate Testing: 

Quality colostrum undergoes regular heavy metal testing, with glyphosate tests performed periodically, ensuring ongoing purity and safety. Always verify certificates of analysis (COAs).

✅ Clear Label

Transparent ingredient, sourcing, and nutrient labeling builds trust and accountability.

Factor #6: The Truth About “Cold Chain Processing”

Why this matters:

“Cold chain processing” claims by certain brands suggest superior quality by avoiding heat entirely. In reality, the USDA legally mandates heat pasteurization (161°F for 15 seconds) for all colostrum products to ensure safety.

What you should look for:

✅ Mandatory USDA Heat Pasteurization

All legitimate colostrum products must meet USDA pasteurization standards (161°F for 15 seconds) to eliminate harmful bacteria.

✅ “Cold-chain processing” is a marketing lie

Claims about entirely cold processing are false and misleading—heat pasteurization is legally unavoidable.

✅ Gentle, low-temperature drying preserves quality

The critical step post-pasteurization is careful drying, preserving nutrients without gimmicks.

Red Flags to Avoid:

❌ Brands marketing “cold-chain processing”

❌ Suggesting heat pasteurization is harmful or unnecessary

❌ Implying their colostrum avoids heat treatment entirely

Additional FAQ:

Heat Pasteurization as a “Disinfection” Process:

Pasteurization at 161°F for 15 seconds effectively removes harmful pathogens. This standard USDA dairy regulation eliminates the need for further disinfection processes.

 My #1  Recommended Colostrum Choice

I’ll be completely honest—after trying so many colostrum powders over the years, I was ready to write off colostrum supplements entirely as overpriced “snake oil.” Most brands just never delivered noticeable results.

Then, almost by accident, a friend who was heading overseas gave me two leftover bags of Folqs Premium Colostrum. They’d been sitting untouched in my pantry until one morning I decided to give colostrum one last chance.

After about two weeks of adding Folqs to my morning routine, something felt noticeably different. First, my energy improved—I was no longer crashing by mid-afternoon. Then, after a month, I realized my usual uncomfortable bloating had dramatically reduced. But the biggest surprise was how well my immune system held up: during the cold and flu season, I only caught a mild cold once, compared to the three or four times I’d typically get sick—especially with kids bringing home colds constantly.

For the first time ever, I felt I had found a colostrum supplement that actually delivered real, tangible results.

Folqs Premium Colostrum has now become my daily staple. It’s the only brand I confidently recommend because it truly meets every standard of quality and effectiveness:

✅ Grass-fed, pasture-raised cows from USA farms

✅ Minimum 50% first-day milking for optimal potency

✅ Natural, balanced immunoglobulin levels (20–25% IgG)

✅ Instantized powder for maximum absorption

✅ GMP-certified, 3rd-party tested, and produced in an FDA-registered facility

✅ Fully transparent labeling and ethical sourcing practices

If you’re tired of wasting money on colostrum that doesn’t work, 

Folqs is the real deal.