The Use of Bovine Colostrum in Sport and Exercise

Abstract

There has been a great deal of interest in bovine colostrum within sports nutrition over the last 25 years. Studies have investigated the effects on body composition, physical performance, recovery, gut damage and permeability, immune function, and illness risk. This narrative review considers available evidence in each of these areas. Although some studies have shown protection against performance decrements caused by periods of intensified training, there is limited evidence for effects on body composition and physical performance. There is stronger evidence for benefit on gut permeability and damage markers and on immune function and illness risk, especially during periods of intensified training. The balance of available evidence for gut permeability and illness risk is positive, but further research is required to fully determine all mechanisms responsible for these effects. Early suggestions that supplementation with bovine colostrum products could increase systemic IGF-1 levels are not supported by the balance of available evidence examining a range of doses over both short- and long-term periods. Nevertheless, dose–response studies would be valuable for determining the minimum efficacious dose, although this is complicated by variability in bioactivity between products, making any dose–response findings applicable only to the specific products used in such studies.

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

“…Many of the effects of colostrum, especially BC in healthy adults, have been explored in the context of sports nutrition. These include immune effects and influences on intestinal permeability, as has been reviewed in detail by Davison in this series [3]. In athletes, upper respiratory tract infections are common and may be indicative of impaired immune responses related to prolonged heavy training and exertion.…”

“…However, not all studies have been able to detect changes in secretory IgA concentrations after colostrum supplementation [7]. Davison has provided a comprehensive description and analysis, and sometimes conflicting evidence, in his article on colostrum supplementation in sports medicine [3].…”

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

“…In recent years bovine colostrum has been studied in relation to nutrition and immunology for its role to confer immunity and good health. Recently, Davison (2021) in his review elaborated in detail about the immune properties of colostrum such as boosting immune functions or activating the immune cell by increasing neutrophil, oxidative burst and degranulation, as well as cytokine production by neutrophils and peripheral blood mononuclear cells. In addition, the low molecular weight fractions of bovine colostrum consumption supplement the phagocytic activity of monocyte and polymorphonuclear, along with momentary changes in the number of NK cells in gut mucosa (Jensen et al, 2012).…”

“…• Good source of other bioactive components such as growth factors like epidermal and platelet-derived growth factors, cytokines, vitamins like A, B, C, D, E, K and antimicrobial factors like antioxidant enzymes (McGrath et al, 2016). • Boost immune functions or activating the immune cell by increasing neutrophil, oxidative burst and degranulation, as well as cytokine production by neutrophils and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (Davison, 2021).…”

The Use of Bovine Colostrum in Medical Practice and Human Health: Current Evidence and Areas Requiring Further Examination

“…This Special Issue of Nutrients , “The Use of Bovine Colostrum in Medical Practice and Human Health” contains five review articles covering various aspects of the potential use of BC, including its main constituents and uses [ 1 ], use in gastrointestinal health and disease [ 2 ], sports nutrition [ 3 ], pediatrics [ 4 ], and immune support [ 5 ]. It also includes a systematic review of its clinical use [ 6 ] and an original research article examining its effects on enteric bacteria [ 7 ].…”