The effects of bovine colostrum supplementation on body composition and exercise performance in active men and women

Nutrition. 2001 Mar;17(3):243-7. doi: 10.1016/s0899-9007(00)00552-9.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of 8 wk of bovine colostrum supplementation on body composition and exercise performance in active men and women. Subjects were randomly assigned to a placebo (whey protein) and colostrum group (20 g/d in powder form). Each subject participated in aerobic and heavy-resistance training at least three times per wk. Body composition was assessed via dual x-ray absorptiometry analysis. Treadmill time to exhaustion, one repetition maximum strength (bench press), and the total number of repetitions performed during one set to exhaustion at a submaximal load for the bench press (50% and 100% of body weight for women and men, respectively) were ascertained. The whey protein group experienced a significant increase (P < 0.05) in body weight (mean increase of 2.11 kg), whereas the colostrum group experienced a significant (P < 0.05) increase in bone-free lean body mass (mean increase of 1.49 kg). There were no changes in any of the other parameters measured. Thus, supplementation with bovine colostrum (20 g/d) in combination with exercise training for 8 wk may increase bone-free lean body mass in active men and women.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Absorptiometry, Photon
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Body Composition* / drug effects
  • Cattle
  • Colostrum*
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Exercise / physiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Milk Proteins / administration & dosage
  • Milk Proteins / pharmacology
  • Physical Exertion / drug effects
  • Whey Proteins

Substances

  • Milk Proteins
  • Whey Proteins