Colostrum is a form of mammal milk that assists in the development of an array of bodily functions in offspring. However, it may also be used as a muscle growth supplement for adult humans, in which case it is taken from cows. Although colostrum does not pose any health risks in adults, it may cause negative side effects if you're lactose intolerant.
Identification
Colustrum is the milk produced by the mammary glands of female mammals immediately before or after giving birth. It's higher in protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals than ordinary milk and contains natural anti-microbial agents that aid in the development of immune-system function in newborn offspring.
Function
In addition to assisting in the maturation of a newborn's immune system, colostrum contributes to muscular-skeletal repair and regeneration. As a dietary supplement, it is taken mainly from cows, in which case it is referred to as bovine colostrum. When consumed by adult humans, it has been shown to increase lean muscle mass, even to a greater extent than that of more popular muscle-growth supplements, such as whey.
Facts
In a study conducted by the Sports Science Laboratory at the University of Delaware, which sought to determine the effects of bovine colostrum supplementation on body composition and exercise performance in active men and women, subjects were divided into two groups; one consumed a bovine colostrum supplement, and the other consumed a placebo in the form of whey protein. Each subject was required to perform heavy-resistance and aerobic training at least three times a week.
After eight weeks, although no improvement in exercise performance was noted, both groups showed an increase in body weight. However, the colostrum group showed a significantly greater increase in bone-free lean body mass than the group who consumed whey.
In a similar study conducted by researchers at the Department of Biology of Physical Activity at the University of Jyvaskyla in Finland, designed to determine the effects of colostrum on protein metabolism, it was found that colostrum increases essential amino acid concentration during recovery, reducing muscle breakdown and increasing protein synthesis.
Considerations
Although there are no significant health risks associated with the consumption of bovine colostrum, people who are lactose intolerant may suffer from adverse reactions in the same manner they would with normal dairy milk. Side effects include bloating, diarrhea and nausea, according to MedlinePlus.
Solution
If you are lactose intolerant, avoid colostrum and instead choose a whey and creatine monohydrate supplement blend as it is, according to experts at the St. Francis Xavier University in Canada, highly effective at enhancing lean muscle growth.
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