Are Instagram/TikTok Wellness Products Worth the Hype? Our Take on Colostrum, AG1, and Seed

As health and wellness continue to trend on social media, many of our patients and clients come to us with questions about the latest products they see on Instagram and TikTok. From trendy supplements to claims of miracle cures, it's easy to get caught up in the hype. Today, we're diving into four of the most talked-about wellness products—Armra, Colostrum, AG1, and Seed—and sharing our honest take on whether they're truly worth the investment.

Colostrum: Armra and Cowboy Colostrum

What is Colostrum?
Colostrum is the first form of milk produced by mammals, including cows, right after giving birth. Packed with immune-boosting properties, growth factors, and antibodies, it plays a crucial role in the early development of newborns. Colostrum has become a popular supplement for its potential to aid in gut healing, improve immune function, and enhance athletic performance.

Our Take:
We do see value in colostrum for specific patients, particularly those dealing with leaky gut or autoimmune conditions. It can serve as a strategic approach to support gut health and promote healing. 

That being said, it does come with a hefty price tag, and the claims around it can sometimes be exaggerated (like helping with hair growth and skin health). If you’re taking it and feeling better, that’s great, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Also, keep in mind that colostrum is a dairy product, so if you're lactose intolerant or have a sensitivity to dairy, this may not be the right choice for you.

Athletic Greens (AG1)

What is AG1?
AG1 is essentially a supercharged multivitamin packed with a blend of vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and adaptogens designed to fill the gaps in your diet and improve overall health. It’s marketed as an all-in-one solution for better energy, gut health, immunity, and mental clarity.

Our Take:
While AG1 certainly has its fan base, we generally prefer other multivitamin options on the market that provide optimal nutrients and bioavailable ingredients without the elevated cost. Brands like Phytomulti by Metagenics and O.N.E. by Pure Encapsulations are great one-stop shops that cover all your nutrient needs for a fraction of the cost.

Multivitamins are a catch-all solution, and while they can be helpful for some, not everyone needs one. The best way to determine if you need a multivitamin is by working with a provider to run labs and assess your specific nutrient requirements. 

Seed

What is Seed?
Seed is a popular brand of probiotics that offers a range of products designed to support gut health, immunity, and overall well-being. Their flagship product is a daily symbiotic (a combination of probiotics and prebiotics) designed to balance the gut microbiome.

Our Take:
We think Seed can be a great option for some individuals, but with probiotics, it’s essential to understand that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Probiotics can be incredibly beneficial, but it's important to be strategic about which strains you use and when. At The Lanby, we often recommend cycling through different strains of probiotics every 3-4 months. Doing this introduces a variety of beneficial strains to promote a diverse and resilient gut microbiome while preventing adaptation or overgrowth of specific bacteria. It also allows you to address changing health needs and take advantage of seasonal benefits for optimal gut health.

If you’re taking Seed and noticing positive effects, then it’s clearly working for you—but remember that probiotics need to be tailored to your unique gut health needs. 

The Bottom Line

Wellness products from Instagram and TikTok can certainly be appealing, but it’s important to approach them with a discerning eye. Whether it's colostrum, AG1, or Seed, these products can be helpful for specific individuals, but they’re not magic bullets for everyone. If you’re curious the best thing you can do is give it a try and see how you feel. 

At the end of the day, it’s essential to work with a provider to assess your individual needs. Supplements should never replace a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle, and it’s important to ensure that you’re using products that align with your specific health goals. If a wellness product works for you, that’s fantastic, but don’t get swept up in the hype without doing your research first. Our Care Team can help with this and Just The Labs is a great place to start to get a baseline of your health.