Can taking colostrum cause weight gain?

November 14, 2025 •

2 min read

While excessive calorie intake is the most common cause of weight gain, many people wonder about the effects of specific supplements like colostrum. The simple answer is that taking colostrum does not typically cause fat gain, but it may lead to an increase in lean muscle mass, which could be reflected on the scale.

Quick Summary

Colostrum supplementation is generally not a direct cause of fat gain. Instead, it can contribute to an increase in lean body mass, especially when combined with resistance training. Weight gain is influenced by overall diet and exercise, with colostrum's effects linked to muscle development rather than fat accumulation.

Key Points

Muscle-Centric Weight Gain: Any weight increase from colostrum is typically due to a gain in lean muscle mass, not an accumulation of body fat.
Supports Lean Body Mass: Studies have shown that supplementing with colostrum can increase bone-free lean body mass, especially when paired with resistance training.
Indirect Fat Loss Support: By improving gut health and influencing metabolism, colostrum may create a better internal environment for fat loss, rather than directly burning fat.
Calorie Management is Key: Like any supplement, excessive intake could contribute to an overall calorie surplus leading to weight gain; moderation within a healthy diet is crucial.
Consider the Protein Source: For muscle growth, colostrum has shown similar benefits to more affordable whey protein, so its value depends on your specific goals regarding immune and gut health.

Understanding Colostrum and Weight

Colostrum, often called "liquid gold," is the first form of milk produced by mammals after giving birth and is packed with immunoglobulins, growth factors, and other nutrients. Bovine colostrum, sourced from cows, is the most common form of supplement and is prized for its potential to support gut health, enhance immune function, and aid muscle recovery. Weight changes from colostrum often relate to muscle mass increases rather than fat gain.

Colostrum's Effect on Lean Muscle Mass

Increases in lean body mass are a primary reason the scale might show a change after starting colostrum. Colostrum contains growth factors like IGF-1, which can stimulate muscle protein synthesis, leading to muscle mass gains, especially with resistance training.

Promotes Protein Synthesis: IGF-1 in colostrum aids muscle repair and building.
Enhances Recovery: Improved recovery can support more frequent and intense workouts, boosting muscle growth.

Impact on Metabolism and Fat Loss

Colostrum may indirectly support fat loss or improve body composition.

Supports Gut Health: It can strengthen the gut lining, potentially improving metabolic health.

Understanding the Calorie Context

Weight gain from any source, including colostrum supplements mixed with other ingredients, depends on overall calorie intake. A calorie surplus leads to weight gain, so a balanced diet is important when supplementing with colostrum.

Comparison of Colostrum and Whey Protein


Feature	Bovine Colostrum	Whey Protein	Impact on Weight	Potential Drawbacks
Primary Function	Immune support, gut health, muscle recovery	Primarily muscle growth and repair	Indirectly supports lean mass gain; unlikely to cause fat gain	Significantly more expensive; may not offer superior muscle gain versus whey alone
Nutrient Profile	Rich in immunoglobulins (antibodies), growth factors, and other bioactives	Primarily protein with a high concentration of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs)	Provides a complete protein source for muscle building; some may contain added sugars if flavored	Less potent in immune and gut health factors compared to colostrum
Best for	Individuals focusing on gut health, immune support, and overall wellness	Individuals primarily focused on increasing muscle mass on a budget	Both can support lean mass growth when combined with exercise	N/A

Weighing the Risks: Side Effects and Considerations

Bovine colostrum is generally considered safe for short-term use. Those with dairy allergies should avoid it, and some may experience mild digestive issues. Consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement.

Conclusion

Any potential weight increase while taking colostrum is more likely due to an increase in lean body mass from muscle growth, especially with exercise, rather than fat storage. Overall diet and lifestyle remain the key factors in weight management. To understand the effects of colostrum on body composition more deeply, consider the research at {Link: NIH https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11312068/}.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, colostrum is not typically a direct cause of fat gain. It can increase lean body mass, which may show up as an increase on the scale, but it does not promote fat accumulation.

While not a direct weight-loss supplement, colostrum can indirectly support weight loss by helping to build lean muscle and potentially reducing inflammation linked to metabolic disruption.

Colostrum is rich in growth factors like IGF-1, which stimulate protein synthesis, speed up muscle repair, and increase lean tissue mass, particularly in individuals who engage in resistance training.

Mild side effects can include digestive issues like gas, bloating, or nausea. Individuals with a cow's milk allergy should avoid colostrum due to the risk of allergic reactions.

Take colostrum within a healthy, balanced diet. Be mindful of total caloric intake, especially with powdered forms mixed into other high-calorie liquids, and combine supplementation with regular exercise.

Research has shown that colostrum can aid muscle growth, but studies have indicated that it may not be superior to more cost-effective whey protein for this purpose alone. Its additional benefits relate more to immune and gut health.

People with a known dairy or cow's milk allergy should not take colostrum. It is also wise to consult a healthcare provider if you have underlying medical conditions or take medication, such as immunosuppressants.