Mero, A., Kahkonen, J., Nykanen, T., Rasi, S., & Leppaluoto, J. (2000). (2000). Bovine colostrum supplementation increases serum IGF-1, IgG, and saliva IgA in athletes during training. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 32(5), Supplement abstract 464.

This study examined the effects of bovine colostrum supplementation (20 gm/d) in active athletes (M = 10; F = 8) during a period of 14 days.

Females had greater serum IGF-1 concentrations than males during the supplementation period. At the end of supplementation, endurance athletes and all Ss increased in IGF-1 concentration. Saliva IgA increased in all Ss and serum IgG increased in strength athletes.

Implication. Bovine colostrum increased serum IGF-1, IgG, and saliva IgA concentrations in athletes during training. IGF-1 increases were greater in females than males.

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