Can Colostrum Cause Weight Gain? The Truth About Supplements and Body Mass

October 6, 2025 •

3 min read

Studies have shown that while colostrum is rich in immune-boosting and growth factors, its impact on body weight is not a straightforward matter of causing fat accumulation. The question, 'can colostrum cause weight gain,' requires a nuanced answer that addresses its effects on lean body mass and overall diet.

Quick Summary

Colostrum primarily causes an increase in lean body mass, especially when combined with resistance training, not fat accumulation. Its effect on total body weight depends on diet, exercise, and dosage, with potential side effects like bloating for those with dairy sensitivities.

Key Points

Muscle, Not Fat: Colostrum-related weight gain is primarily an increase in lean body mass, especially with resistance training, not an accumulation of fat.
Lifestyle Matters: The effect of colostrum on weight depends heavily on overall diet, exercise, and dosage. Excessive intake with a sedentary lifestyle could contribute to general weight gain.
Growth Factors at Play: Key components like IGF-1 stimulate protein synthesis, promoting muscle growth and repair, which is the main driver of body composition changes.
Gut Health Connection: By improving gut health and reducing inflammation, colostrum can indirectly support metabolic function, which is beneficial for weight management.
Consider the Alternatives: While effective for muscle gain, colostrum is more expensive than whey protein. Those focused solely on building muscle might find whey more cost-effective.
Be Mindful of Side Effects: Potential side effects include mild digestive issues like bloating, especially for those sensitive to dairy. People with milk allergies should avoid it.

Understanding Colostrum and Its Nutritional Profile

Colostrum is the highly concentrated "first milk" produced by mammals after giving birth, packed with powerful nutrients, antibodies, and growth factors. Bovine colostrum, sourced from cows, is the most common form used in supplements and is rich in proteins, immunoglobulins (like IgG and IgA), and growth factors, most notably insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). These components are what drive many of its purported health benefits, including immune support and tissue repair.

The Direct Influence on Body Composition

When assessing if colostrum can cause weight gain, the crucial distinction is between gaining fat and gaining lean muscle mass.

Lean Muscle Gain: Research indicates that when paired with resistance training, bovine colostrum supplementation can lead to greater gains in lean body mass compared to a placebo. The growth factors, particularly IGF-1, stimulate protein synthesis and muscle growth, which can increase the number on the scale due to added muscle, not fat. A study involving resistance-trained men and women showed that an 8-week course of 20g/day of bovine colostrum resulted in a significant increase in bone-free lean body mass.
Fat Loss Support: Some research suggests colostrum may indirectly support fat loss by regulating metabolism and promoting fat loss while preserving lean muscle mass. It is not, however, a standalone fat-burning supplement.

The Role of Context: Diet, Exercise, and Dose

The effect of colostrum on weight is heavily influenced by how it's used within a person's lifestyle. For someone with a sedentary lifestyle and an imbalanced diet, excessive colostrum intake, which can add calories, could lead to weight gain, similar to any other calorie source. However, in an athletic context, the goal is often to use the supplement to enhance performance, muscle growth, and recovery, where the resulting weight increase is primarily muscle.

In a specific clinical setting, colostrum has been used to intentionally increase weight. A study on patients recovering from femur fractures showed that colostrum supplementation significantly accelerated weight gain and improved appetite, demonstrating its use in addressing malnutrition. This highlights that context and intent are critical in understanding its effect on body weight.

Colostrum vs. Whey Protein: A Comparison for Body Composition

For individuals focused on body composition, particularly muscle gain, it's helpful to compare colostrum to other popular supplements like whey protein. Both are dairy-based and can promote muscle growth when combined with resistance training.


Feature	Bovine Colostrum	Whey Protein
Primary Function	Immune support, gut health, muscle recovery/growth	Muscle protein synthesis, rapid amino acid delivery
Key Components	Immunoglobulins, IGF-1, lactoferrin, proline-rich polypeptides	High concentration of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs)
Cost	Generally more expensive due to complex processing and sourcing	More affordable, making it a cost-effective protein source
Effect on Body Composition	Promotes lean body mass, especially with resistance training	Promotes muscle growth and repair
Immune Support	Strong immune-boosting properties due to high immunoglobulin content	Minimal immune support; benefits are primarily from amino acids
Gut Health	Repairs intestinal lining and reduces gut permeability	Can be beneficial for digestion but lacks colostrum's reparative factors

Side Effects and Usage Considerations

While generally considered safe for most adults, colostrum supplements can have side effects, particularly for those with dairy sensitivities or lactose intolerance.

Digestive Issues: Some people may experience mild gastrointestinal discomfort, such as bloating, nausea, or gas.
Dairy Allergies: Individuals with known cow's milk allergies should avoid bovine colostrum due to the risk of allergic reactions.
Dosage: Effective doses for athletes seeking muscle gain have been noted in research, with some studies showing benefits at 20-60 grams per day. However, the optimal dosage can vary, and it's important to start small and monitor your body's response.

Conclusion

So, can colostrum cause weight gain? Not in the way most people fear. The weight gain associated with colostrum supplementation, especially in active individuals, is typically an increase in lean body mass, not fat. The powerful growth factors help build muscle when combined with exercise, which can increase overall body weight. For weight management, colostrum is not a magic bullet, and overall diet and lifestyle remain the most significant factors. However, its benefits for immune support, gut health, and muscle recovery make it a valuable supplement for many, particularly athletes. Always consult a healthcare professional before adding any new supplement to your routine, especially if you have existing health conditions or dairy allergies. PMC Article on Colostrum in Sport

Frequently Asked Questions

No, studies do not show that colostrum causes fat gain. The weight increase often seen is from an increase in lean body mass, particularly when combined with a consistent exercise program, not fat accumulation.

Colostrum is rich in growth factors like IGF-1, which stimulate protein synthesis and promote muscle tissue repair and growth. This makes it a valuable supplement for athletes and bodybuilders seeking to increase muscle mass and recover faster.

While both can promote muscle growth, some studies show similar outcomes between colostrum and whey protein when combined with training. Colostrum offers additional benefits for immune and gut health, but it is typically more expensive.

Colostrum is not a dedicated weight loss supplement. However, by supporting gut health, reducing inflammation, and building lean muscle mass (which boosts metabolism), it can indirectly support overall weight management efforts as part of a healthy lifestyle.

The weight gain effect, specifically lean muscle mass gain, is dose-dependent and typically occurs at higher doses (e.g., 20-60 grams/day) combined with training, as noted in studies. However, excessive intake of any calorie source, including colostrum, without exercise can contribute to weight gain.

The most common side effects are mild digestive issues like bloating, gas, or diarrhea, which can occur with any dairy product, particularly in sensitive individuals. These effects are generally not related to weight gain but can cause temporary discomfort.

Anyone with a known cow's milk allergy should avoid bovine colostrum. If weight gain is a serious medical concern or you have a sedentary lifestyle, consult a doctor to ensure that any potential increase in caloric intake from supplements is managed appropriately.