Fernes Colostrum Review: Does This “First Food” Live Up to the Hype?
Colostrum has gone from a little-known “first food” for newborns to one of the most talked-about supplements in wellness, performance, and longevity circles. Bodybuilders were some of the earliest adopters, chasing its naturally occurring IGF-1 and recovery-boosting effects. From there, it started popping up in the biohacking community, among athletes, and now in mainstream wellness as a gut- and immune-support powerhouse.
With claims that it can do everything from strengthen your gut lining to speed muscle repair and even improve skin, colostrum is trending hard. But is it really worth the hype, or just another overblown supplement fad? I tried Fernes® Colostrum, a first-day milking bovine colostrum, to see how it stacks up.
Fernes Colostrum Overall
Essential Nutrients: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Ingredient Quality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Health Benefits: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Price: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Value: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Overall: 4.5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Bottom Line
Fernes Colostrum is a high-quality, thoughtfully sourced supplement with a lot of potential upside. The pros: it’s nutrient-dense, clean, and supported by emerging research on gut health and immunity. The cons: it’s not cheap, and some of the claimed benefits (like performance or skin) still need stronger evidence. If you’re looking for a well-rounded supplement to support immunity, gut function, and recovery, it’s worth a try.
From The Manufacturer
“Experience whole-body wellness with Fernes® Colostrum, rich in natural immune and growth factors.*
Boost immunity*
Support gut health*
Aid muscle recovery*
Nourish skin, hair & nails*
365-Day Guarantee | Made in the USA”
Wait, What Exactly is Colostrum?
Colostrum is the nutrient-dense “first milk” produced by mammals in the first 24–48 hours after giving birth. Its biological purpose is to provide newborns with critical immune protection and growth factors before their own systems fully develop. Unlike mature milk, colostrum is much higher in antibodies, bioactive proteins, and signaling molecules.
Bovine colostrum (from cows) is structurally similar to human colostrum, which is why it is so popular for supplementation. It contains a wide range of immunoglobulins (e.g. IgG, IgA, and IgM) that act as the body’s front-line defense by binding and neutralizing pathogens. IgG is the dominant antibody in bovine colostrum and plays a key role in strengthening systemic immunity.
In addition to antibodies, bovine colostrum is rich in growth factors such as IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor-1), IGF-2, and TGF-β (Transforming Growth Factor-beta). These compounds regulate cell growth, repair epithelial tissue, and stimulate protein synthesis, which is particularly important for gut lining integrity and muscle recovery.
Beyond antibodies and growth factors, colostrum delivers over 400 bioactive compounds, including lactoferrin (an iron-binding glycoprotein with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects), proline-rich polypeptides (PRPs, which help modulate immune responses), and a complex matrix of peptides, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. Together, these components work synergistically to support gut health, immune function, and systemic resilience.
In recent years, colostrum has gained traction beyond clinical and wellness settings and entered the mainstream supplement world. Bodybuilders and athletes were among the first to widely adopt it due to its naturally occurring IGF-1 and protein synthesis-stimulating effects, which support lean muscle growth, faster recovery, and improved endurance. From there, interest expanded into the broader health and biohacking communities, where colostrum is now promoted not just for performance, but also for gut health, immunity, and longevity.
Fernes, specifically, uses first-day milking bovine colostrum, collected within the initial 24 hours post-calving. This early harvest is critical because it means the highest concentrations of immunoglobulins, lactoferrin, and growth factors, making it the most biologically active form of colostrum available.
Selling Points
First-Day Milking for Maximum Potency: Fernes Colostrum is sourced exclusively from the very first milking after calving, when nutrient density and bioactive compounds are at their peak, resulting in the highest concentration.
Whole Colostrum, Nothing Removed: Unlike some products that strip out fats or specific compounds, Fernes delivers the full nutrient spectrum (antibodies, growth factors, vitamins, and minerals) in the natural form.
Backed by Research: Evidence has shown that, while some claims are overstated at best, the two science-based benefits are:
Immune health: Bovine colostrum contains high levels of immunoglobulins, especially IgG, which help neutralize bacteria and viruses. Studies have shown that colostrum can reduce the incidence of upper respiratory tract infections in both children and adults, particularly athletes under stress.
Gut health: Research supports colostrum’s role in strengthening the gut barrier, reducing intestinal permeability (“leaky gut”), and supporting nutrient absorption. Compounds like lactoferrin, growth factors (IGF-1, TGF-β), and proline-rich polypeptides (PRPs) play central roles here.
Clean and Transparent Labeling: Made in the USA with a clean label, no unnecessary fillers, and third-party verified potency.
Long Shelf-Life and Easy to Use: Comes in a convenient capsule or powder form (depending on what you choose), with a long shelf life and simple dosing.
Drawbacks
Price Point on the Higher Side: Colostrum supplements tend to be more expensive, and Fernes is no exception. It’s not the most budget-friendly supplement on the market.
Human Research Still Emerging: While colostrum is well-studied in newborns and animals, some of the broader health claims (like skin, performance, or focus benefits) still need stronger clinical validation in adults and often rely on anecdotal testaments.
Not for the Dairy-Sensitive: Since it’s derived from bovine milk, those with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance may need to proceed with caution or avoid it altogether.
Who Do I Recommend It For?
For those who don’t eat so healthy: The standard American is eating the Standard American Diet (S.A.D.) on a daily basis. This means foods that are low in vitamins, minerals, fiber, protein, and antioxidants. While changing your diet is the optimal way to go, popping these high-quality vitamins is a good insurance policy.
And for those who do eat healthy (but you might need less than a full serving size): Even those who consume a high-quality diet often fall short of getting the minimum amount of vitamins and minerals needed in a day. This shortfall is due to several factors, including nutrient-depleted soil, extended transportation times from farm to table, and modern agricultural practices. While I eat a very clean diet, I still fall short but most days I only take half the dose (2 capsules) since I feel I don’t need the full amount given my diet.
Those with digestive concerns: Because colostrum has probiotics and enzymes, it can support gut health.
Tips
Take it on an empty stomach: Colostrum is best absorbed when your digestive system isn’t already busy. Aim for the first thing in the morning or at least 30–60 minutes before meals.
Consider half-dosing: This stuff ain’t cheap so consider half doses instead of the full dose to stretch it out for a longer period.
Cycle during peak training or high-stress periods: Instead of taking it every single day, consider using colostrum consistently during times of heavy training, travel, or immune stress for targeted support.
My Experience
I first came across colostrum about eight years ago when I was focused on putting on muscle. I gave it a try, and to its credit, I noticed an uptick in both size and strength. Then I ran out, shifted into summer endurance mode, and it faded from my routine.
Since then, research around colostrum has grown, especially on gut health and recovery, which got my attention again. I picked up a bag of Fernes Colostrum and started tossing it into my morning smoothie four or five times a week. Within a couple of weeks, digestion felt steadier, especially after heavier meals, and muscle soreness cleared up faster. That recovery piece has been the biggest difference; I’ve been able to increase weight loads on lifts quicker than usual. I can’t say how much of an impact it has had on my immune health, but I do feel good, and I haven’t gotten sick since using it. It’s tough to tell what is a placebo effect and what isn’t, since colostrum, ike every other supplement, is not a magic cure-all, but I can say I’ve noticed a difference and I feel better.
What I like most is the clean formula: just colostrum, no filler. The tradeoff is cost. It’s not a baseline supplement I’d take year-round, but more of a targeted investment. Overall, it feels like one of those quiet, foundational supports; not flashy, but working in the background to make training and recovery a little smoother.
The Final Verdict
Fernes Colostrum is a high-quality option if you’re looking to invest in gut and immune health with a clean, potent product. The sourcing (first-day milking, U.S. Grade A dairy farms) and the commitment to whole colostrum set it apart from lower-tier (and often totally fake) options. While it isn’t cheap and some of the claims (like performance or skin improvements) are far from robust when looking for evidence, the science behind immune and gut support is strong.
I see this as a supplement for people who want to shore up their health foundations, particularly their gut and immune system, with something natural and biologically aligned. If your budget allows, Fernes Colostrum is worth keeping in your stack, especially if you’re training hard, under stress, or dealing with gut imbalances. It may not be a miracle powder, but it’s a strong ally in building long-term resilience.
Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new supplements or making changes to your existing routine, especially if you have any pre-existing medical conditions or are taking medications.
The content provided is not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, treatment, or advice. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website or in any other related materials. Reliance on any information provided on this website is solely at your own risk.
Related:
