Glowing skin, stronger bones, better gut health — and even immune system support.
These are just a few of the benefits linked to two of the internet’s most viral supplements: colostrum and collagen. Available in powders, liquids and even gummies, these supplements are gaining popularity among both men and women.
However, there are some key differences between colostrum and collagen. The challenge for many users is deciding which one is right for their health goals — or whether they should be taken together for broader benefits. The Post consulted Kelly Candela, a registered dietitian and coach at Parsley Health, for her insight into the ongoing wellness debate.
“Collagen and colostrum are completely different substances, but both happen to be popular supplements at the moment,” she explained.
In simple terms, Candela says that collagen offers structure and support, while colostrum focuses on immune modulation and tissue repair.
Collagen is a structural protein found in the human body. It’s one of the main building blocks of skin, joints, bones, tendons and ligaments. Candela adds, it’s like “the scaffolding that holds your body together.”
Clinical reviews have indicated that collagen supplementation can improve skin elasticity and reduce visible signs of aging over time by supporting the skin’s structural matrix.
There are dozens of different forms of collagen, but most collagen supplements are sourced from Type I, Type II and Type III collagen, which are mainly known for their bone and skin health benefits. Candela notes that some collagen is marketed for “gut health,” but the evidence there is much more limited.
Colostrum, on the other hand, isn’t structural — it’s immunological — and it offers several gut benefits. It’s the very first dense, nutrient-rich milk that mammals produce in the first few days after giving birth. In supplement form, colostrum is sourced from cows.
“It’s packed with immune compounds, including immunoglobulins, lactoferrin and growth factors. These compounds help regulate immunity, repair tissues and support gut integrity,” Canedela said.
Candela points out that colostrum has extensive clinical safety data across diverse populations and is generally well tolerated.
A 2021 review found that colostrum can strengthen the gut lining and reduce intestinal permeability, aiding in digestive health and immune function. Dual-arm clinical research on the brand ARMRA, specifically, found that after 12 weeks, 86% of users experienced less bloating and 78% noticed an improvement in their IBS symptoms.
“If someone is brand new to supplements and their primary goals are gut health or immune support, colostrum may be the more evidence-backed place to start,” she suggested.
On the other hand, if people are more concerned with skin elasticity or joint support, collagen may be the better choice. In either case, Candela says sourcing and quality are very important, especially for colostrum, where processing affects bioactivity.
She notes that both colostrum and collagen are generally safe when properly sourced. However, colostrum does contain lactose, so it’s not suitable for those with a cow’s milk allergy or lactose intolerance.
Select brands, such as ARMRA, do remove casein from their products as it is the most common dairy allergen, and does not contribute to the health benefits provided by colostrum.
FAQs on Colostrum vs Collagen
Do collagen and colostrum absorb the same way in the body?
Colostrum and collagen actually work very differently in the body, per Candela.
“When you take collagen, it gets broken down during digestion into smaller peptides and amino acids. Those peptides are absorbed and can stimulate your body’s own collagen production, especially in skin and connective tissue,” she shared.
Colostrum, on the other hand, works through a more complicated mechanism. The immunoglobulins help bind pathogens, lactoferrin has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects and the growth factors are believed to stimulate tissue repair and cell regeneration.
“Its bioactive compounds act both locally in the gut and systemically,” she explained. “Colostrum is naturally designed to resist breakdown in the digestive tract, so many of its active compounds stay intact long enough to reach the lower gut where they can support barrier repair and immune signaling.”
Does collagen or colostrum work faster?
There isn’t much research when it comes to which supplement works the fastest.
For colostrum, improvements in gut permeability and inflammatory markers have been observed within weeks in some clinical reviews.
Candela notes that visible improvements to the skin typically take longer to notice — ranging from several weeks to a few months. That timeline applies to both collagen and colostrum supplementation
“Like most supplements, neither is an overnight fix,” said Candela. “Results depend on your baseline health, dosing and what outcome you’re measuring.”
Can you take colostrum and collagen together?
The short answer, according to Candela, is yes. And, there’s more.
“Theoretically, they may complement each other,” she adds. “Colostrum provides immune-modulating compounds and growth factors. Collagen provides structural amino acids that support connective tissue.”
Some pre-clinical research conducted in 2024 suggests that combining colostrum and collagen may enhance tissue repair and gut protection. However, Candela warns not to get too excited.
“We don’t yet have large, high-quality human trials confirming clear additive benefits or defining optimal dosing for taking them together,” she pointed out.
From a clinical perspective, Candela says it’s okay to “stack” the supplements, although she notes it’s still important to consider an individual’s goals, budget and tolerance before taking them together.
This article was written by Miska Salemann, New York Post Commerce Writer/Reporter. As a health-forward member of Gen Z, Miska seeks out experts to weigh in on the benefits, safety and designs of both trending and tried-and-true fitness equipment, workout clothing, dietary supplements and more. Taking matters into her own hands, Miska intrepidly tests wellness products, ranging from Bryan Johnson’s Blueprint Longevity Mix to the viral Oura Ring to Jennifer Aniston’s favorite workout platform – often with her adorable toddler by her side. Before joining The Post, Miska covered lifestyle and consumer topics for the U.S. Sun and The Cannon Beach Gazette.
