If you’re wondering, yes, colostrum is the first milky substance available in mammals to feed their young. It contains nutrients for cell growth and antibodies to boost the immune system. It’s not surprising that athletes want to add this rich ingredient to their supplements.
Let’s uncover all there is to know about colostrum and its impacts on athletes. As always, we’ll explain how it works, its many benefits, and what colostrum supplements are best for athletes.
Colostrum’s Function
Colostrum, the milky substance found in the milk of mammals to feed their young, contains the following ingredients.
- Immune-enhancing compounds
- Immunoglobins or antibodies
- Lactoferrin, a protein with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties
All of these compounds work together to build a robust immune system. Babies grow and develop with these substances and the colostrum’s growth factors while staying healthy. Colostrum’s ability to promote cell regeneration and repair is a critical player in why athletes look to this substance in their supplements. Replacing dying cells or repairing them means quicker recovery for muscles. It also supports nutrient absorption and is known for increasing endurance, all significant factors for athletes.
Colostrum’s Benefits for Athletes
Quick recovery times are one of the most vital assets for colostrum for athletes. It promotes cell regeneration throughout the body, increasing recovery time and allowing athletes to work back from injuries faster.
One study showed after eight weeks of taking bovine colostrum (the first milk from cows) and performing resistance training three days per week, there was an improvement in strength and a reduction in bone loss.
Another study indicated that bovine colostrum supplementation increased the explosive power recovery in soccer players. In the study, colostrum helped repair muscles after heavy physical activity, leading to faster recovery and improved performance.
Replacing unwanted body fat with lean muscle mass is one of the top priorities for athletes. Colostrum has four times the amount of protein and 50% less sugar than cow’s milk. Protein helps facilitate muscle growth by repairing muscles with the amino acids it contains. The more lean muscle mass you have, the more calories you burn at rest, leading to better overall health.
Colostrum contains multiple antibodies and immune-building support to facilitate better immunity against viruses and diseases. Athletes can tell sickness to get the heck out of here!
Better gut health means increased performance. If your body works hard to treat your gut, it can’t focus on your athletic performance. Colostrum helps your gut with lactoferrin which has anti-inflammatory properties. While pain-relief medicines offer anti-inflammatory effects, but often cause stomach issues like acid or ulcers when taken too much. Colostrum repairs that damage for those with sensitive guts, thereby increasing athletic performance.
Colostrum Dosage for Athletes
Before embarking on any supplementation, ask a physician or sports nutritionist what they suggest. They will know the correct dosage based on your body type and physical activity.
All brands have different dosages, so check the brand you use to see what they recommend. The research generally noted differences in athletic performance after taking supplements with colostrum for 12 weeks, ranging from 20g to 60g per day. Taking 5g before your workout and after and then with your morning and evening shakes works best. Adding colostrum to a balanced diet with exercise is the best formula for increasing athletic performance.
Finding the Best Colostrum Supplements
Colostrum is the nourishing fluid produced by mammals as food for the newborn in the few days after birth‚ before milk production begins.
- Corn Free
- Egg Free
- Gluten Free
- GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) Certification
- Made in the USA
- Wheat Free
- Yeast Free
- Crustacean Shellfish Free
High-quality colostrum powder is made from grass-fed cows and has no preservatives or additives. Look for colostrum from cows in a pesticide-free environment with antibiotic-free Grade A. Only choose colostrum from a licensed dairy food manufacturer and ensure it is thoroughly tested for its beneficial ingredients.
Competitive Athletes and Colostrum
While Colostrum isn’t a banned substance in the competitive sports industry, it does contain IGF-1, insulin-like growth factor 1. This growth hormone could appear on an anti-doping test, leading to expulsion from a particular sport. The World Anti-Doping Agency does not recommend taking colostrum for this reason if you are a competitive athlete. It’s too risky.
Side Effects of Colostrum
There aren’t many side effects of colostrum other than bloating or gas discomfort. Ask a physician before incorporating colostrum into your diet, especially if you take other medications.
FAQS
Is Colostrum supplementation safe for children?
Yes. Colostrum is safe for children in the recommended dosages. However, asking a physician before giving your child any supplements is best.
How long before you see colostrum’s benefits?
Research shows that colostrum benefits come within six to eight weeks. Athletic performance increases around that time.
Does colostrum support weight loss?
Colostrum is not a weight loss supplement. It increases lean muscle mass, which changes body composition, but it shouldn’t be taken as a weight loss supplement.
What is the best time to take colostrum?
Take colostrum consistently before and after workouts. Also, take it in the morning and evening for optimal performance.
How long should athletes take colostrum?
It depends on the athlete’s preferences and goals. Some athletes perform better by taking it consistently. Others like to take it during challenging training phases. It’s entirely up to the athlete based on what they want Colostrum to do.
Can you take colostrum with other supplements?
It is safe to take colostrum with other vitamins and supplements.
Can vegans and vegetarians take colostrum?
Since colostrum comes from cows, it is not suitable for vegans. Vegetarians can use colostrum as part of their diet.
Colostrum for the Win!
Colostrum is your secretary ingredient if you’re looking to build better immunity and recovery for your athletic performance. It contains all the vital nutrients you need to create a more muscular body and increase endurance. Try it over your whey protein powders and report back! We love hearing from you!
Kristen holds a bachelors in English from Louisianna university. With a longstanding passion for fitness, she owns and operate her own gym and is a certified jazzercise instructor.