Colostrum Boosts Mucosal Immunity in Athletes

AUCKLAND, New Zealand--Taking bovine colostrum may inhibit upper respiratory tract infections (URTI), according to a clinical trial from Massey University here (Int J Sport Nutr Exercise Metab, 16, 1:2006).

In the randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trial, 15 female and 20 male distance runners (aged 35 to 58 years) supplemented with bovine colostrum or placebo for 12 weeks. Mucosal immunity was assessed by measuring secretory IgA (s-IgA) levels in saliva prior to training at baseline, monthly during supplementation, and two weeks after the end of the intervention period. Median levels of s-IgA increased by 79 percent in the colostrum group after 12 weeks of supplementation, and the time-dependent change from baseline s-IgA values was significant, even after adjustment for training volume and self-reporting of upper respiratory symptoms.

The researchers concluded colostrum supplementation increased s-IgA levels among a cohort of athletes, but noted the results of the study should be viewed with caution due to the small number of test subjects and the large potential for variability in s-IgA levels.