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Does Colostrum Bovinum Supplementation Affect Swimming Performance in Endurance-Trained Males? A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Crossover Study
Background/Objectives: Colostrum Bovinum (COL) is recognized for its unique composition and potential ergogenic and immunological benefits. Unlike mature milk, COL is rich in immunoglobulins, lactoferrin, and various growth factors, making it one of the most potent natural immune stimulants. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of 12-weeks of COL supplementation on swimming-specific performance (SSP) and exercise adaptations in endurance-trained male athletes. Methods: Twenty-eight male triathletes and swimmers (age: 31.1 ± 10.2 years; body mass: 81.9 ± 9.0 kg; height: 1.82 ± 0.06 m) participated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo (PLA)-controlled crossover study and received 25 g∙day−1 of COL or PLA for 12 weeks. The study assessed the effects of COL on SSP (8 × 100 m performed at various intensities) and exercise adaptations [heart rate (HR) and blood lactate concentrations ([La−])]. Four main study visits were conducted—before and after COL (COLPRE and COLPOST) and PLA (PLAPRE and PLAPOST) supplementation. Results: COL had no significant effect on SSP. Still, the total time of the SSP test was about ~3.04 s shorter after COL supplementation, and ~7.13 s longer after PLA supplementation. Neither COL nor PLA supplementation affected HR during the SSP test. Post-exercise blood [La−] was significantly reduced after both COL and PLA supplementation. The analysis of SSP results in the consecutive study visits revealed possible existence of the practice effect. Conclusions: Colostrum Bovinum and high-quality milk protein (PLA) seem to be comparably effective in evoking exercise adaptation in endurance-trained male athletes. Long-term crossover supplementation protocols in athletes must consider the impact of possible practice effect when interpreting the outcomes related to exercise performance, but not biochemical or physiological markers of exercise adaptation.
The effect of 12-week high-dose Colostrum Bovinum supplementation on immunological, hematological and biochemical markers in endurance athletes: a randomized crossover placebo-controlled study
BackgroundBovine colostrum (COL) is assumed to be one of the strongest natural immune stimulants. Regular ingestion of COL may contribute to improved immune response in athletes exposed to high training loads.MethodsTwenty-eight endurance-trained males aged 31.1 ± 10.2 years (body mass 81.9 ± 9.0 kg; height 1.82 ± 0.06 m) completed this randomized double-blind placebo(PLA)-controlled crossover study aimed at investigating the effect of 12-week COL supplementation (25gCOL·day-1) on resting (REST), exercise-induced (POST-EX), and short-term post-exercise recovery (REC; 1 h after test exercise) changes in selected saliva and blood immunoglobulins (Ig), white blood cell (WBC) count and differential; as well as blood hematological, nutritional status and muscle damage indices. The protocol assumed 4 study visits – before/after supplementation with COL (COLPRE and COLPOST) and PLA (PLAPRE and PLAPOST). During testing sessions, incremental rowing test to exhaustion and swimming-specific performance test were introduced as exercise stimuli.ResultsAt COLPOST visit the secretory IgA (SIgA) concentration in saliva was significantly higher at POST-EX and REC compared to REST (p<0.05). COL supplementation had no effect on blood IgA, IgE, IgD, IgG, and IgM concentrations. Furthermore, after COL supplementation decrease of hematocrit at REC (p<0.05) was revealed.Conclusions12-week supplementation with 25 gCOL·day-1 in endurance-trained male athletes resulted in a favorable increase in post-exercise concentration of salivary SIgA. COL seems to be a potential stimulator of local immune defense after exercise-induced homeostasis disturbances. Nevertheless, the lack of effect on blood markers indicates the need for further research in the area of mechanisms underlying the effect of the supposed COL immunological capacity.