When it comes to supplements that support skin, muscle, and gut health, two names often come up: collagen and colostrum. While they share some benefits, they’re not the same and understanding their differences can help you decide what your body actually needs.
What Is Collagen?
Collagen is a protein naturally produced in the human body. It’s found in bones, muscles, tendons, skin, and hair. It provides structure, elasticity, and strength which is why collagen supplements have become popular for improving skin health, joint flexibility, and muscle recovery.
Collagen is typically taken as a powder or capsule and added to drinks, smoothies, or snacks.
What Is Colostrum?
Bovine colostrum is the first form of milk produced by cows within the first 12 hours after giving birth. It’s rich in antibodies, growth factors, and bioactive proteins that support gut lining repair, immune regulation, and muscle recovery.
Like collagen, colostrum can be taken as a powder or capsule but unlike many collagen supplements, colostrum is almost tasteless, making it easier to mix into foods or drinks without a strong flavor.
“Colostrum doesn’t have a strong taste directly associated with it… maybe grab it as a powder you can mix into smoothies, yogurt, guacamole, or hummus.” — The Manual
Key Difference: What They Actually Do
While both supplements support skin and muscle health, colostrum works more holistically, starting in the gut. According to Dr. Michael Roizen, Chief Wellness Officer at the Cleveland Clinic:
“Research on bovine colostrum shows it promotes and helps maintain a healthy immune and GI system, especially compared to the GI stress caused by NSAIDs like aspirin and ibuprofen.”
In other words, while collagen offers structural support, colostrum supports the environment that produces collagen naturally — making it a foundational supplement for total health.
Can Colostrum Stimulate Collagen?
Yes. A 2019 study published in the International Dairy Journal found that Milk Basic Protein (MBP), a component of bovine colostrum, helps regulate bone turnover and stimulate collagen production.
That means colostrum can actually enhance your body’s natural collagen output, giving you a two-in-one benefit for skin health, muscle growth, and long-term strength.
Why TBR Labs?
At TBR Labs, we source first-milking, whole bovine colostrum from USDA Grade A, grass-fed cows. Never fractionated and never stripped. That means you’re getting the full-spectrum benefits as nature intended: gut repair, immune balance, tissue recovery, and collagen support, all in one scoop.