Immunological Outcomes of Bovine Colostrum Supplementation in Trained and Physically Active People: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Bovine colostrum (BC) is a promising natural product applied to improve immunological functions. However, there is very little evidence on the true benefits of BC treatment on the immune function of trained and physically active people; moreover, there is no consensus on the supplementation strategy. For this reason, the aim of this meta-analysis was to quantify the effects of BC supplementation on immunological outcomes in physically active people. Data from 10 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effect of BC supplementation in athletes and physically active adults were analysed, involving 239 participants. The results show that BC supplementation has no or a fairly low impact on improving the concentration of serum immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG), lymphocytes and neutrophils, and saliva immunoglobulin (IgA) in athletes and physically active participants. Previous research has shown BC to reduce upper respiratory tract infections; nevertheless, there is a gap of scientific knowledge on the mechanisms underlying these effects. Future RCTs are needed to focus on finding these mechanisms, as well as on preparing a clear consensus on a BC supplementation strategy in trained athletes and the physically active population.

Physical Activity and Nutritional Influence on Immune Function: An Important Strategy to Improve Immunity and Health Status

“…It has been shown that uptake of bovine colostrum (60 g/day) for 8 weeks with resistance training increases the leg press strength and decreases the bone resorption in older adults, male and female, compared to older adults taking whey protein supplements (Willoughby et al, 2018). A similar finding has been reported in physically active young males and females with bovine colostrum supplements (20 g/day) for 8 weeks (Główka et al, 2020). The decrease in body mass while taking colostrum could be attributed to the burning of fat.…”

Diverse Immune Effects of Bovine Colostrum and Benefits in Human Health and Disease

“…However, a recent useful systematic review and meta-analysis specifically analyzed the immunological outcomes of BC supplementation in trained and physically active people, and reported that BC supplementation has no or a fairly low impact on improving the concentration of serum immunoglobulins (IgA and IgG), lymphocytes and neutrophils, and salivary immunoglobulin (IgA) [8]. This apparent lack of efficacy is even more stark given that the doses used in the included studies were 10-25 g/day, whereas commercial suppliers often advise a daily recommended dose of between 500 mg and 1 g/day.…”

The Use of Bovine Colostrum in Sport and Exercise

“…Overall, the findings on ex vivo markers in blood and/or saliva are quite varied. A recent meta-analysis [ 65 ] concluded that colostrum has little to no impact on such ex vivo immune or immune-related markers. However, as previously mentioned, in vitro (and ex vivo) markers of immune function may provide some mechanistic insight to accompany clinically relevant markers and outcomes but are low value in their own right in the context of URTI risk.…”