Bovine colostrum supplementation in rugby

Bovine colostrum is a nutrient-dense first milk, rich in bioactive compounds such as immunoglobulins and growth factors, which may enhance athletic performance and immune function. Rugby union involves high-intensity training for both aerobic and muscular power, which could leave athletes vulnerable to opportunistic infections.

This double-blind, randomized study examined the effects of 8 weeks of bovine colostrum supplementation (38 g/day) versus soy protein in 29 club-level rugby players (three women) during the competitive season.

Muscular strength (1RM bench and leg press) and power (vertical jump), aerobic power (20 m shuttle run), body composition (DXA and ultrasound), and salivary immune and inflammatory markers (IgA, CRP, IL-6, IL-1β) were assessed at baseline and after 8 weeks of supplementation.

Bovine colostrum supplementation significantly improved vertical jump height (+ 1.0 cm in the colostrum group; - 0.5 cm in the soy group; p = 0.0023), indicating enhanced lower body power. No significant changes were observed for upper (p = 0.38) or lower (p = 0.82) body strength, aerobic power (p = 0.16), body composition measures (p > 0.05), or salivary immune and inflammatory markers (p > 0.05) compared to the soy group. Reported incidences of illness were unaffected by bovine colostrum supplementation.

Bovine colostrum may enhance neuromuscular performance, specifically lower body power, but provides limited benefits for other performance metrics, body composition, or immune/inflammatory function. Future research should explore bovine colostrum's potential during off-season training or under higher immune stress conditions.