Effects of Long-Term Supplementation of Bovine Colostrum on the Immune System in Young Female Basketball Players. Randomized Trial

Abstract

An intensive physical exercise program could lead to a decrease in immune system function. Effects of long-term supplementation of bovine colostrum on the response of immune function on physical exercise test in athletes were examined. Twenty-seven elite female basketball players (age 16–19) were randomly assigned to either an experimental group or a control group. Eventually, n = 11 athletes completed intervention in the experimental group (3.2 g bovine colostrum orally twice a day for 24 weeks), while n = 9 athletes in the control group were given a placebo. Before the supplementation, after 3 and 6 months, subjects performed the physical exercise stress test. Before, just after, and 3 h after physical exercise testing, blood was drawn and immune system indicators were examined. Plasma interleukin (IL)-1alpha, IL-2, IL-10, IL-13, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha, creatine kinase (CK MM), immunoglobulin G (IgG), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), and WBC, lymphocyte (LYM), monocyte (MON), and granulocyte (GRA) were measured. A statistically significant change in IL-10 in response to the exercise program during the supplementation period in both groups was observed (p = 0.01). However, the results of the rest of the comparisons were statistically insignificant (p > 0.05). Contrary to our initial hypothesis, there were no significant effects of bovine supplementation on the dynamics of immune system function indicators.

Recent Progress in Applicability of Exercise Immunology and Inflammation Research to Sports Nutrition

“…They undertook a rigorous physical activity regimen before supplementation, as well as three months and six months after supplementation. The findings of this investigation revealed that using bovine colostrum did not change the dynamics of immune function markers [88].…”

Diverse Immune Effects of Bovine Colostrum and Benefits in Human Health and Disease

“…Systematic reviews are challenging due to heterogeneity of the studies, and further well-designed randomized studies are required before reaching a clear consensus on the value of BC supplementation in sports medicine and health to improve immune function. Of relevance is a recent randomized controlled trial in young female basketball players to investigate the effects of long-term BC supplementation on the immune system [9]. In this study, elite female basketball players either received BC or placebo orally twice daily for 24 weeks.…”

“…A statistically significant change in plasma interleukin 10 levels in response to exercise program during supplementation period was observed in both groups, but other immune parameters such as interleukin (IL)-1alpha, IL-2, IL-13, TNF-alpha, insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1, creatinine kinase (CK MM), immunoglobulin G (IgG), white blood cells, lymphocytes, monocytes, and granulocyte counts did not change and showed no effect of BC supplementation. However, whether measuring serum cytokine levels is a robust indicator of subtle immune boosting effects is debatable [9].…”

Production of Bovine Colostrum for Human Consumption to Improve Health

“…Among these supplement products, bovine colostrum is also located a natural and healthy food source. Various studies have been shown that bovine colostrum impacts on the immune system ( Pyne et al, 2015 ; Jones and Davison, 2019 ; Skarpańska-Stejnborn et al, 2020 ) and muscle development ( Antonio et al, 2001 ) in athletes. Studies have shown that the use of colostrum in athletes is effective in hypertrophy, increase in muscle strength, and decrease in body fat ( Antonio et al, 2001 ).…”