Fresh goat's milk and Long-term aerobic exercise improve bone health in Athletes

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the effect of fresh goat's milk intake and long-term aerobic exercise on serum calcium and its relationship to bone resorption in male athletes. Methods: This research was an experimental study using a pretest-posttest design with a control group design. Subjects were 29 gymnastics athlete volunteers: trial group (n=19) and control group (n=10), male, aged 19-26 years. The treatments were fresh goat milk (1x250ml/day, given from 07.00 p.m to 08.00 p.m) and aerobic exercise (3-5 times/week, medium intensity, duration 50-60 minutes), for 90 days. Results: The results showed that serum calcium levels in the trial group were significantly higher than in the control group (9.58±0.26; 9.87±0.32 vs. 9.74±0.42; 9.37±0.38: p=0.001) after consumption of goat milk and long-term regular physical exercise. The results also showed that there was a significant decrease in CTx-1 levels in the trial group compared with the control group (0.603±0.25; 0.45±0.16 vs. 0.73±0.32; 0.76±0.30: p=0.001) after goat milk intake and regular aerobic exercise. Conclusion: Consumption of fresh goat's milk and long-term aerobic exercise increased calcium levels and decreased CTx-1 levels. Therefore, the combination of both therapies reduces bone resorption, and fresh goat's milk is allowed to be consumed regularly as a sports nutrition to reduce the risk of premature osteoporosis in athletes.