Does Colostrum Affect Muscle Growth? Exploring the Scientific Evidence

November 24, 2025 •

4 min read

Some clinical studies have reported that supplementing with bovine colostrum alongside a resistance training program can lead to improvements in lean body mass. But does colostrum affect muscle growth consistently, and how do these effects compare with other popular protein sources?

Quick Summary

Studies suggest colostrum can support muscle growth, strength, and recovery by providing key growth factors and enhancing gut health. However, research indicates it offers comparable, but not necessarily superior, benefits to the more affordable whey protein for building muscle.

Key Points

Supports Lean Mass Gains: Some studies show that colostrum, combined with resistance training, can promote modest increases in bone-free lean body mass.
Enhances Recovery and Repairs Tissue: Bioactive compounds like growth factors and lactoferrin help reduce oxidative stress and accelerate the repair of muscle tissue post-exercise.
Boosts Immune System Function: Colostrum helps combat the immune suppression that often follows intense training, reducing the risk of illness that can disrupt progress.
Improves Gut Health: By repairing the gut lining, colostrum can enhance nutrient absorption, creating a more anabolic environment for muscle synthesis.
May Improve Power and Performance: Research has indicated colostrum supplementation can lead to improved power outputs, such as in cycling and vertical jump tests.
Cost-Benefit Trade-off: For the sole purpose of muscle growth, colostrum's effectiveness is similar to whey protein, but at a significantly higher price point.
Mechanism Still Being Explored: While the effects are noted, the precise mechanisms for how orally ingested colostrum consistently delivers systemic benefits are still under investigation.

The Science Behind Colostrum and Muscle Growth

Bovine colostrum is a nutrient-dense fluid produced by cows immediately after giving birth. It contains bioactive compounds like growth factors and immune factors that differ from standard dairy proteins such as whey. These components are thought to drive colostrum's benefits for muscle development and recovery.

Key Bioactive Components in Colostrum

Insulin-like Growth Factors (IGFs): Bovine colostrum contains IGF-1, which supports muscle growth and repair. IGFs in colostrum assist the liver's natural release of IGF-1, promoting cell proliferation and tissue regeneration after exercise.
Transforming Growth Factors (TGFs): Colostrum includes TGF-A and TGF-B, important for regulating cellular migration and proliferation involved in muscle and cartilage repair.
Lactoferrin: This protein helps with iron metabolism and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can aid in reducing oxidative stress and improving recovery from exercise.
Proteins and Amino Acids: Colostrum is a source of amino acids necessary for muscle protein synthesis.

Colostrum's Impact on Muscle Recovery and Performance

Colostrum's benefits extend to muscle recovery. Intense exercise causes damage and inflammation, which colostrum's compounds can help reduce. By lowering markers of muscle damage and oxidative stress, colostrum may facilitate faster recovery. A study involving soccer players found that a low dose of colostrum (3.2 g/day) for six weeks improved the recovery of explosive power after intermittent exercise. This enhanced recovery capacity can significantly contribute to long-term athletic adaptation and performance.

Colostrum vs. Whey Protein: A Performance and Cost Analysis

Both colostrum and whey are dairy proteins, but they have distinct compositions and costs. The following table compares their features:


Feature	Bovine Colostrum	Whey Protein	Conclusion	Citations
Primary Function	Supports muscle growth, enhances immune function, improves gut health, and accelerates recovery.	Primarily focuses on fast-digesting protein for muscle repair and synthesis.	Colostrum offers broader health benefits, while whey is more focused on muscle building.
Key Bioactives	High levels of IGF-1, TGFs, immunoglobulins, and lactoferrin.	Contains high-quality amino acids, particularly branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), but lower concentrations of other growth and immune factors.	Colostrum contains a richer array of bioactive compounds.
Direct Muscle Gain	Studies show comparable muscle and strength gains when combined with resistance training.	Studies show comparable muscle and strength gains when combined with resistance training.	For muscle gain alone, neither is conclusively superior based on available data.
Cost-Effectiveness	Significantly more expensive per serving due to sourcing and processing.	Generally more affordable and widely available.	Whey protein is the more cost-effective choice for those solely focused on muscle gain.

For those prioritizing muscle growth on a budget, whey protein is a more economical choice. However, if enhanced recovery, improved gut health, and immune support are valued, colostrum might be a beneficial, though pricier, supplement.

How Colostrum Boosts Muscle Growth Indirectly

Colostrum also aids muscle growth and performance indirectly through its positive effects on gastrointestinal (GI) health. Intense exercise can impair the gut lining.

Improved Nutrient Absorption: Colostrum can help repair the gut lining, leading to more efficient absorption of essential nutrients for muscle recovery and growth. One study found that colostrum supplementation reduced exercise-induced increases in gut permeability.
Enhanced Immune Function: Strenuous training can suppress the immune system. Colostrum contains immunoglobulins and lactoferrin that can help regulate the immune system, potentially lowering the risk of upper respiratory infections. Maintaining health and training consistency is crucial for long-term muscle building progress.

Considerations for Optimal Colostrum Supplementation

Optimal colostrum supplementation involves considering product quality, dosage, and timing. The composition of commercial colostrum can vary. Choose a high-quality product from a reputable source. Study dosages have ranged from 500 mg to 60 grams daily. For strength and performance, doses of 20 to 60 grams per day for several weeks are often used. Taking it post-workout, possibly with a fast-absorbing protein like whey, may offer synergistic benefits.

Navigating the Controversy and Scientific Gaps

There has been some discussion regarding colostrum's IGF-1 content and its implications for anti-doping regulations, although colostrum is not on WADA's prohibited list. Evidence suggests orally ingested IGF-1 is mostly broken down during digestion and does not significantly increase systemic levels. Inconsistent results in some older studies may be due to methodological issues. More research is needed to fully understand optimal dosages, long-term effects, and specific mechanisms of action, especially given variations in products.

Conclusion

Scientific evidence suggests that bovine colostrum can impact muscle growth and athletic performance by improving recovery, immunity, and gut health. While it contains anabolic growth factors, its direct muscle-building effects are often comparable to less expensive options like whey protein. The decision to use colostrum should consider its broader benefits for recovery and health versus its higher cost. When combined with resistance training, colostrum may enhance performance and resilience for those who can afford it.

For more information on the use of bovine colostrum in sport and exercise, you can explore resources like the National Institutes of Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

For the specific goal of building muscle mass, studies have shown similar gains between colostrum and whey protein, especially when combined with a resistance training program. The primary difference lies in cost and added benefits; colostrum offers immune and gut health advantages, but whey is far more budget-friendly.

Colostrum contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents, such as lactoferrin, that help reduce the oxidative stress and damage caused by strenuous exercise. This protective effect accelerates muscle repair and helps decrease recovery time, allowing for more consistent training.

The research is mixed on whether orally supplementing with colostrum can significantly increase systemic IGF-1 levels. While colostrum contains IGF-1, it is mostly broken down during digestion. Studies that reported increases have been questioned due to potential confounding factors, while others with better controls showed no systemic increase.

The optimal dose is not standardized and varies across studies. Clinical trials that showed positive effects on body composition and performance typically used daily doses ranging from 20 to 60 grams over several weeks. However, some studies have noted benefits with smaller doses.

Bovine colostrum is generally safe for consumption, particularly for healthy individuals without a dairy allergy. As it is dairy-based and contains lactose, those with sensitivities may experience digestive issues like bloating or stomach upset. Consulting a healthcare provider is recommended, especially for those with health conditions or competing in regulated sports.

Yes, research indicates that colostrum can improve athletic performance in other areas, such as enhancing endurance and power output, especially during periods of high-intensity training. Its immune-boosting properties also help athletes stay healthy, preventing training interruptions caused by illness.

To support muscle growth and recovery, many people take colostrum in powder or capsule form daily. A common practice is to consume it post-workout, sometimes combined with other protein sources like whey, to capitalize on its various growth and recovery-promoting properties.