What does fact checked mean?
At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.
Colostrum & Weight Loss
Colostrum, or “early milk,” is produced by all mammals shortly after giving birth to young. Colostrum provides antibodies and nutrition that aid in the fortification of developing immune systems. It is rich in high-quality protein, antibacterial substances, growth factors and bioactive components. Bovine colostrum is marketed as a source of quality protein, growth factors and immune-fortifying compounds. As a weight-loss supplement, colostrum can help to increase lean body mass, therefore increasing basal metabolic rate.
Recovery
Bovine colostrum is becoming popular among trained athletes to promote exercise performance.
Strength Performance
The Effects of Testosterone Boosters for Teens
Learn More
Twelve physically active men participated in a study to determine the effects of two weeks of bovine colostrum supplementation on muscle proteins, serum amino acids and strength performance 2. Participants received 20 mg of a placebo or bovine colostrum four times a day. Comparison of the bovine colostrum and placebo groups indicated that bovine colostrum supplementation did not result in an increase in training volume or markers of muscular strength. The authors concluded that two weeks of colostrum supplementation had no effect on strength performance or protein balance in young men 2. Future studies should examine longer periods of colostrum supplementation before dismissing colostrum as ineffective on strength performance.
Lean Body Mass
In the study there were two groups: a placebo/whey protein group and a bovine colostrum group. Participants in each group participated in aerobic and heavy-resistance training at least three times per week for eight weeks. After the eight weeks of exercise training, the bovine colostrum group experienced a greater increase in lean body mass in active men and women than the whey protein group 2.
Weight Loss
How Do I Take ZMA Anabolic Testosterone Booster?
Learn More
Colostrum supplementation has been shown to help increase lean body mass. Increased energy expenditure increases weight loss. Colostrum has a role to play in weight loss.
Dosage
Shing, et al., suggest that 20 to 50 grams a day of colostrum, combined with other high-quality proteins, such as:
- whey
- casein
- yield the greatest benefits
Related Articles
The Effects of Testosterone Boosters for Teens
Learn More
How Do I Take ZMA Anabolic Testosterone Booster?
Learn More
Health Benefits of Body Fortress Super Advanced Whey Protein
Learn More
OTC Testosterone Supplements
Learn More
Whey & Testosterone
Learn More
When to Consume Isopure Protein?
Learn More
Benefits & Side Effects of HMB
Learn More
Can Xyience Energy Drinks Help You Lose Weight?
Learn More
Creatine Vs. Nitro Tech
Learn More
What Are the Benefits of Increasing Testosterone?
Learn More
References
- “Sports Medicine”; Bovine colostrum supplementation and exercise performance: potential mechanisms; Shing, Hunter and Stevenson; December 2009
- “Nutrition”; The effects of bovine colostrum supplementation on body composition and exercise performance in active men and women; Antonio, Sanders and Gammeren; March 2001
- Mayo Clinic: Metabolism and Weight Loss: How you burn calories
- Antonio, J.; Sanders, M.; and van Gammeren, D. The Effects of Bovine Colostrum Supplementation on Body Composition and Exercise Performance in Active Men and Women. Nutrition. 2001 Mar;17(3):243-7.
- Cesarone, M.; Belcaro, G.; di Renzo A. et al. Prevention of Influenza Episodes With Colostrum Compared With Vaccination in Healthy and High-Risk Cardiovascular Subjects: the Epidemiologic Study in San Valentino. Clin Appl Thromb Hemost. 2007 Apr;13(2):130-6. DOI: 10.1177/1076029606295957.
- Duff, W.; Chilibeck, P.; Rooke, J. et al. The effect of bovine colostrum supplementation in older adults during resistance training. Int J Sports Nutr Exerc Metab. 2014 Jun;24(3):276-85. DOI: 10.1123/ijsnem.2013-0182.
- Elfstrand, L. and Florén, C. Management of chronic diarrhea in HIV-infected patients: current treatment options, challenges, and future directions. HIV AIDS (Auckl). 2010; 2: 219-24. DOI: 10.2147/HIV.S13191.
- Playford, R.; MacDonald, C.; Calnan, D. et al. Co-Administration of the Health Food Supplement, Bovine Colostrum, Reduces the Acute Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug-Induced Increase in Intestinal Permeability. Clin Sci (Lond). 2001 Jun;100(6):627-33.
- Saad, K.; Abo-Elela, M.; El-Baseer, A. et al. Effects of bovine colostrum on recurrent respiratory tract infections and diarrhea in children. Medicine. 2016 Sep;95(37):e4560. DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000004560.
- Shing, C.; Hunter, D.; and Stevenson, L. Bovine Colostrum Supplementation and Exercise Performance: Potential Mechanisms. Sports Med. 2009;39(12):1033-54. DOI: 10.2165/11317860-000000000-00000.
Writer Bio
Albert Bartolini has been a professional writer since 2008 and has worked in the sports performance field since 2001 designing strength and conditioning programs for sports teams including cross-country, basketball, football, soccer and track and field. Albert received a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and a Master of Science in kinesiology from California State University, Fullerton.