Kuipers, H., Verlaan, G., & Smeets, R. (2001). Colostrum has no effect on growth factors and on a doping test. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 33(5), Supplement abstract 1899.

Bovine colostrum is rich in insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). It might stimulate protein synthesis. Some studies suggest it might improve performance. Since IGF-1 is on the IOC banned drug list, this study assessed the effect of colostrum on IGF-1 levels and to see if it provoked a positive drug test. Males took 60 gm/day of colostrum for four weeks. At termination, blood was taken after an overnight fast and two hours after consuming the supplement.

The doping test did not show any positive result. Neither IGF-1 nor human growth factor changed as a result of taking the supplement.

Implication. Colostrum does not alter growth factors in the blood and does not prompt a positive doping test result.

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