Colostrum and collagen are both popular daily supplements in Australia, but they are very different things. Colostrum is the first milk a cow produces after calving. Collagen is a structural protein taken from animal skin, bones or fish scales. Here's how they compare, side by side.
What is colostrum?
Bovine colostrum is the thick, creamy first milk a cow makes in the first few days after giving birth. It is much richer than regular milk in protein and contains naturally occurring immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA and IgM), lactoferrin and other whey proteins. It's dried into a fine powder and sold as a powder or in capsules.
MUUU Colostrum Powder is 100% pure bovine colostrum from grass-fed New Zealand cows, with nothing added.
What is collagen?
Collagen is the main structural protein in skin, bone, tendons and connective tissue. Collagen supplements are usually hydrolysed collagen peptides, made from bovine hide, pig skin or fish skin and scales. Collagen is especially high in the amino acids glycine, proline and hydroxyproline.
Colostrum vs collagen at a glance
| Colostrum | Collagen peptides | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | The first milk a cow produces | Protein from animal skin, bones or fish |
| Source | Dairy (cows) | Bovine hide, pork or marine |
| Key components | Immunoglobulins, lactoferrin, whey proteins | Glycine, proline, hydroxyproline |
| Complete protein? | Yes, contains all essential amino acids | No, collagen is low in tryptophan |
| Typical serve | 2g powder (1 teaspoon) or 2 capsules | 10g or more of powder |
| Contains milk? | Yes | Usually no (check the label) |
| Taste | Mild, creamy and milky | Usually neutral |
The main differences
1. Where they come from
Colostrum is a milk. Collagen is extracted from connective tissue. That makes colostrum a dairy food, while most collagen powders are dairy-free.
2. What's inside
Colostrum is valued for its naturally occurring immunoglobulins and lactoferrin, which aren't found in collagen. Collagen is valued for its high levels of glycine and proline, the building blocks of the body's own collagen.
3. How much you take
Colostrum is concentrated, so a serve is small: 1 teaspoon (2g) of MUUU powder or 2 capsules. Collagen serves are usually much larger, often 10g or more.
Can you take colostrum and collagen together?
Yes, many people do. Both powders mix into coffee, smoothies or water, so you can stir them into the same drink. Follow the directions on each label, and check with your health professional if you have a medical condition or take medication.
Which should you choose?
- Choose colostrum if you want a single-ingredient, whole-food dairy supplement with naturally occurring immunoglobulins.
- Choose collagen if you're specifically after collagen peptides and want a dairy-free powder.
- Take both if they suit your routine. They are different products and don't replace each other.
Ready to try colostrum? Shop MUUU Colostrum Powder or Colostrum Capsules, delivered Australia-wide with free shipping over $59.
This article is general information, not medical advice. MUUU is a dietary supplement. Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Contains milk.
