Colostrum supplement benefits exercise and body defense system

Department of Sport and Exercise Science, Aberystwyth University, Carwyn James Building, Penglais Campus, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion SY23 3FD, UK. 

Abstract

Oral supplementation with bovine colostrum (COL) has been shown to enhance immunity in human subjects. However, there is limited research on the use of bovine COL supplementation to counter exercise-induced immunodepression, as a model of stress-induced immunodepression, and previous research has focused primarily on salivary IgA. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of bovine COL supplementation on exercise-induced changes in innate immunity (neutrophil function and salivary lysozyme) in addition to salivary IgA. Twenty healthy, active men cycled for 2 h at approximately 64 % maximal oxygen uptake after 4 weeks of daily bovine COL (n 10) or placebo (PLA, n 10) supplementation. Blood and saliva samples were obtained before and after supplementation, before and after exercise. 

Exercise induced significant increases in markers of physiological stress and stress to the immune system (circulating neutrophils, neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio, immature granulocytes, atypical lymphocytes and plasma cortisol), but there were no differences between the COL and PLA groups. Significant group x time interactions (two-way mixed model ANOVA) were observed for neutrophil function (stimulated degranulation) and salivary lysozyme concentration and release (P < 0.05). Significant exercise-induced decreases were observed in these parameters, and bovine COL supplementation either speeded the recovery (neutrophil function) or prevented the decrease (salivary lysozyme) in these measures of innate immunity. 

These results suggest that 4 weeks of bovine COL supplementation limits the immunodepressive effects induced by an acute prolonged physical stressor, such as exercise, which may confer some benefits to host defence.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20030905

Pubmed - Oral immunoglobulin induces mononuclear cell apoptosis in patients suffering from idiopathic chronic pain syndrome: results from a pilot study

Department of Surgery I, Molecular Oncology and Immunology, University of Wuerzburg, Germany.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

The objective of this clinical pilot study was to examine the induction of apoptosis in mononuclear cells on treatment of patients with chronic pain syndrome with oral immunoglobulin produced from bovine colostrum (BCC).

DESIGN:

The 4 patients suffering from chronic idiopathic pain (idiopathic facial pain, CRPS or fibromyalgia) who were enrolled in the study had previously successfully been treated with BCC (varying individual doses). Mononuclear cells from peripheral blood were analyzed for representative cytokines in the serum as well as by TUNEL-assay to detect apoptotic cellular events 14 days after the last treatment with BCC and 14 days after restarting the treatment protocol with BCC. The clinical response (pain and quality of life parameters using a visual analogue scale (VAS)) were determined regularly in each patient.

RESULTS:

The findings showed a disturbed apoptosis homeostasis in 3 of the 4 patients. These results were accompanied by a relief of the pain symptoms. The 4th patient was found not to need any further analgetic treatment since she demonstrated only nonsignificant changes in her laboratory screening and immunological parameters and by the end of the study she was also completely free of pain (long-term treatment with BCC).

CONCLUSIONS:

In spite of the low patient number, the results were obtained with a sufficiently high degree of control because of the study design. The agreement of the clinical data with our laboratory measurements suggests that the induction of apoptotic events in mononuclear cells is the result of the dominant immunological effects of BCC treatment.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=colostrum%20fibromyalgia

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

University of Delaware, Sports Science Laboratory, Newark, Delaware 19176, USA. exphys@aol.com

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) andcolostrum 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 thecolostrum 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.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11312068

Pubmed - Antioxidants in colostrum and milk of sows and cows

Department of Animal Biochemistry and Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Agricultural University, Lublin, Poland.

Abstract

On account of the oxidative stress conditions that may appear during parturition, colostrum should provide with not only nutritional and immunological components but also antioxidative protection of newborn. 

There is evidence that apart from well-known antioxidative enzymes like glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase or low molecular antioxidants, proteins like lactoperoxidase (LPO), lactoferrin (LF) and ceruloplasmin (CP) may exert antioxidative properties in colostrum. The aim of present study was to determine and to evaluate LPO, LF and CP activities in colostrum and milk of sows and cows. Samples were collected from 16 healthy cows five times: immediately after parturition, 12, 24 and 48 h, and 7 days postpartum as well as from 14 healthy sows five times: immediately after parturition, 6, 12, 24 and 36 h later. Examined parameters were determined spectrophotometrically at 412, 560 and 540 nm respectively. 

LPO activity was higher in sows as in cows and increased significantly within examined time. LF ability to inhibit superoxide radical generation was higher in sows as in cows and increased significantly within examined time. CP oxidase activity was higher in cows as in sows and decreased significantly during experimental period. 

In conclusion, antioxidative defence system in colostrum shows dynamic changes that allow for providing with necessary protection from oxidative stress conditions, which may appear after parturition.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19642220

Pubmed - Therapeutic potentials of bovine colostrums

Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research Chandigarh, India. brthapa1@yahoo.co.in

Abstract

Colostrum is the first milk produced by mammals for their young ones. This transfers the passive immunity gained by the mother to the baby. The bovine colostrum (BC) can be obtained in large quantity and has properties similar to humancolostrum. It has been used for various disorders of the body. It has properties to stimulate immune system, contains growth factors and many bioactive substances needed for the body to combat with wear and tear. 

The BC has been used for various gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory tract infection, rheumatoid arthritis, healing injured tissues of body etc. There are not much double blind placebo-controlled trials to prove its efficacy, though a lot of experience about its good effects in various disorders is available in the literature. 

The dosage and duration of therapy need to be worked up. The BC has potential to treat as well to prevent certain diseases in the body. In future this will prove to be a very useful product to treat and control diseases in a natural way.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16272656

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

University of Delaware, Sports Science Laboratory, Newark, Delaware 19176, USA. exphys@aol.com

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) andcolostrum 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 thecolostrum 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.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11312068

Pubmed - Bovine colostrum supplementation attenuates the decrease of salivary lysozyme and enhances the recovery of neutrophil function after prolonged exercise

Department of Sport and Exercise Science, Aberystwyth University, Carwyn James Building, Penglais Campus, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion SY23 3FD, UK. gdd@aber.ac.uk

Abstract

Oral supplementation with bovine colostrum (COL) has been shown to enhance immunity in human subjects. However, there is limited research on the use of bovine COL supplementation to counter exercise-induced immunodepression, as a model of stress-induced immunodepression, and previous research has focused primarily on salivary IgA. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of bovine COL supplementation on exercise-induced changes in innate immunity (neutrophil function and salivary lysozyme) in addition to salivary IgA. 

Twenty healthy, active men cycled for 2 h at approximately 64 % maximal oxygen uptake after 4 weeks of daily bovine COL (n 10) or placebo (PLA, n 10) supplementation. Blood and saliva samples were obtained before and after supplementation, before and after exercise. Exercise induced significant increases in markers of physiological stress and stress to the immune system (circulating neutrophils, neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio, immature granulocytes, atypical lymphocytes and plasma cortisol), but there were no differences between the COL and PLA groups. 

Significant group x time interactions (two-way mixed model ANOVA) were observed for neutrophil function (stimulated degranulation) and salivary lysozyme concentration and release (P < 0.05). Significant exercise-induced decreases were observed in these parameters, and bovine COL supplementation either speeded the recovery (neutrophil function) or prevented the decrease (salivary lysozyme) in these measures of innate immunity. These results suggest that 4 weeks of bovine COL supplementation limits the immunodepressive effects induced by an acute prolonged physical stressor, such as exercise, which may confer some benefits to host defence.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20030905

The nutriceutical bovine colostrum truncates the increase in gut permeability caused by heavy exercise in athletes

Abstract

Heavy exercise causes gut symptoms and, in extreme cases, “heat stroke” partially due to increased intestinal permeability of luminal toxins. We examined bovine colostrum, a natural source of growth factors, as a potential moderator of such effects. Twelve volunteers completed a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover protocol (14 days colostrum/placebo) prior to standardized exercise. Gut permeability utilized 5 h urinary lactulose-to-rhamnose ratios. In vitro studies (T84, HT29, NCM460 human colon cell lines) examined colostrum effects on temperature-induced apoptosis (active caspase-3 and 9, Baxα, Bcl-2), heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) expression and epithelial electrical resistance. In both study arms, exercise increased blood lactate, heart rate, core temperature (mean 1.4°C rise) by similar amounts. Gut hormone profiles were similar in both arms although GLP-1 levels rose following exercise in the placebo but not the colostrum arm (P = 0.026). Intestinal permeability in the placebo arm increased 2.5-fold following exercise (0.38 ± 0.012 baseline, to 0.92 ± 0.014, P < 0.01), whereas colostrum truncated rise by 80% (0.38 ± 0.012 baseline to 0.49 ± 0.017) following exercise. In vitro apoptosis increased by 47–65% in response to increasing temperature by 2°C. This effect was truncated by 60% if colostrum was present (all P < 0.01). Similar results were obtained examining epithelial resistance (colostrum truncated temperature-induced fall in resistance by 64%, P< 0.01). Colostrum increased HSP70 expression at both 37 and 39°C (P < 0.001) and was truncated by addition of an EGF receptor-neutralizing antibody. Temperature-induced increase in Baxα and reduction in Bcl-2 was partially reversed by presence of colostrum. Colostrum may have value in enhancing athletic performance and preventing heat stroke.

2011 the American Physiological Society

 http://ajpgi.physiology.org/content/300/3/G477.abstract 

Bodybuilding and Colostrum since 2001

"I've read good things about it colostrum in 3 different magazines. I'm considering buying some, but before I do, I was wondering what you all think about it. Has anyone tried it? Does it help your gains at all or is it just another useless supplement hyped up by muscle magazines"?


http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=923&page=1

Colostrum Supplements Bodybuilding

In the field of health that concerns bodybuilders, researchers have proven that colostrum supplements can help in bodybuilding and other athletic activities.   Colostrum is the milk that mammals produce during the final stage of pregnancy and after labor or birth.  It is full of essential nutrients and antibodies that keep the infants healthy. A medical breakthrough has claimed that colostrum supplement can be used by bodybuilders in their bodybuilding programs.


http://www.bodybuildingnewsarticles.com/bodybuilding-diet/supplements-articles/medical-breakthrough-colostrum-supplements-for-bodybuilding.html

Pubmed - Effect of human colostrum on interleukin-2 production and natural killer cell activity (Immune Booster)

Neonatology Unit, Golda Medical Center, Hasharon Hospital, Petah-Tiqva, Tel Aviv University, Israel.

Abstract

The effect of human colostrum on the production of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and on natural killer (NK) cell activity by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) was investigated in 50 healthy women. At concentrations as low as 0.5%, human colostrumstimulated IL-2 production; at a higher concentration (10%), IL-2 secretion was inhibited. A time and dose dependent inhibitory effect of colostrum on NK cytotoxicity was also observed. This inhibition could be reversed by the addition of human recombinant IL-2 (hrIL-2). The stimulation of IL-2 production induced by human colostrum might compensate for its inhibitory effect on NK cell activity. These findings suggest an additional mechanism by which breast feeding may affect the neonatal immune system.

PMID:

 

7583615 

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7583615

Use of the 'nutriceutical', bovine colostrum, for the treatment of distal colitis: results from an initial study

Department of Gastroenterology. Leicester General Hospital. Liecester, UK.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Bovine colostrum is a rich source of nutrients, antibodies and growth factors.

AIM:

To examine the efficacy of colostrum enemas in the treatment of distal colitis using a randomized, double-blind, controlled protocol.

METHODS:

Fourteen patients (eight female), with a mean age of 45 years (range, 16-75 years) and mild to moderately severe distal colitis (Powell-Tuck scoring system), received colostrum enema (100 mL of 10% solution) or placebo (albumin solution) b.d. for 4 weeks. Both groups also received mesalazine (1.6 g/day) or, if already taking it, had a dose increment of 1.6 g/day. Disease activity was documented at 0, 2 and 4 weeks.

RESULTS:

After 4 weeks, the colostrum group showed a mean reduction in symptom score of - 2.9 (95% confidence interval (CI), - 5.4 to - 0.3), whereas the placebo group showed a mean response of + 0.5 (95% CI, - 2.4 to +3.4). The histological score improved in five of the eight patients in the colostrum group (mean response, - 0.9; 95% CI, - 1.69 to - 0.03), whereas the histological scores only improved in two of the six patients in the placebo group (mean response, 0.2; 95% CI, - 2.4 to +2.6).

CONCLUSIONS:

Bovine colostrum enema shows potential as a novel therapy for left-sided colitis with additional benefits over using mesalazine alone. Further studies appear to be warranted.

PMID:

 

12390100 

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12390100

The influence of bovine colostrum supplementation on exercise performance in highly trained cyclists

School of Human Movement Studies, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, Qld 4072, Australia. 

Abstract

PURPOSE:

The aim of this experiment was to investigate the influence of low dose bovine colostrum supplementation on exercise performance in cyclists over a 10 week period that included 5 days of high intensity training (HIT).

METHODS:

Over 7 days of preliminary testing, 29 highly trained male road cyclists completed a VO(2max) test (in which their ventilatory threshold was estimated), a time to fatigue test at 110% of ventilatory threshold, and a 40 km time trial (TT40). Cyclists were then assigned to either a supplement (n = 14, 10 g/day bovine colostrum protein concentrate (CPC)) or a placebo group (n = 15, 10 g/day whey protein) and resumed their normal training. Following 5 weeks of supplementation, the cyclists returned to the laboratory to complete a second series of performance testing (week 7). They then underwent five consecutive days of HIT (week 8) followed by a further series of performance tests (week 9).

RESULTS:

The influence of bovine CPC on TT40 performance during normal training was unclear (week 7: 1+/-3.1%, week 9: 0.1+/-2.1%; mean+/-90% confidence limits). However, at the end of the HIT period, bovine CPC supplementation, compared to the placebo, elicited a 1.9+/-2.2% improvement from baseline in TT40 performance and a 2.3+/-6.0% increase in time trial intensity (% VO(2max)), and maintained TT40 heart rate (2.5+/-3.7%). In addition, bovine CPC supplementation prevented a decrease in ventilatory threshold following the HIT period (4.6+/-4.6%).

CONCLUSION:

Low dose bovine CPC supplementation elicited improvements in TT40 performance during an HIT period and maintained ventilatory threshold following five consecutive days of HIT.

PMID:

 

16825268

 

PubMed

Bovine colostrum modulates immune activation cascades in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells in vitro.

Division of Biological Chemistry, Biocenter Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria.

Abstract

Bovine colostrum (BC) is the thick yellow fluid a lactating cow gives to a suckling calf during its first days of life to support the growth of the calf and prevent gastrointestinal infections until the calf has synthesized its own active immune defense system. BC contains a complex system of immune factors and has a long history of use in traditional medicine. In an approach to evaluate the effects of bovine colostrum (BC) on the T-cell/macrophage interplay, we investigated and compared the capacity of BC containing low and high amounts of lactose and lactoferrin to modulate tryptophan degradation and neopterin formation in unstimulated and mitogen-stimulated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). The present study shows significant immunomodulatory effects of these BC preparations in human PBMC, either by enhancing or suppressing the occurrence of a Th-1 type immune response. The amount of lactose present in BC seems to diminish the activity of BC in our test system, since BC with higher amounts of lactose attenuated the stimulatory as well as the suppressive activity of BC.

PMID:

 

20518274

Colostrum and Body Building

Click here for the best colostrum

One of the problems faced by body builders is fat overlapping their muscle. This will sure cause much distress as the fat will hide those masses down under. Other than doing cardio, nutritional factors can play a huge role.

So what can we use to help lose fat and inches? It's called Colostrum. Colostrum is an all natural first milk of pre-milk fluid from the bovine (or cow) that has an enormous amount of vitamins and vital nutrients. Colostrum contains substances like IGF-1 which builds lean muscle, increases nutrient uptake, energizes the body, elevates the mood, and increases bone mass. It also contains leptin, which increases thermogenesis which generates energy and elevates the metabolism, it shrinks fat cells, promotes fat loss, and suppresses the appetite.


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