Evidence supporting the use of: Colostrum
For the health condition: Exercise

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Colostrum, the first form of milk produced by mammals immediately following delivery, is sometimes used as a dietary supplement to support exercise performance and recovery. Scientific studies have explored colostrum's potential benefits for athletes, particularly due to its rich content of immunoglobulins, growth factors, and other bioactive compounds. The primary focus has been on its ability to enhance immune function, reduce gastrointestinal permeability (“leaky gut”), and possibly aid in lean body mass gain and improved recovery times. Several randomized controlled trials have found that bovine colostrum supplementation may reduce the incidence of upper respiratory tract infections in endurance athletes, who often experience transient suppression of immune function due to intense training.

Some research also suggests that colostrum supplementation can reduce gut permeability caused by prolonged and intense exercise, which could help prevent exercise-induced gastrointestinal distress. A few studies have reported small improvements in strength, sprint performance, and muscle recovery, but these findings are less consistent and not universally replicated.

Overall, while colostrum is not an essential exercise supplement, there is moderate scientific evidence supporting its use to bolster immune defenses and potentially protect gut health in athletes undergoing heavy training. As such, it is justified based on scientific rather than traditional use, with an evidence level of 3 out of 5, given that benefits are moderate and may not apply to all athletic populations.

More about colostrum
More about Exercise