The effect of bovine colostrum supplementation on swimming performance in trained athletes

Abstract

Bovine colostrum (BOV-COL) is a promising natural product applied to evoke ergogenic potential in athletes experiencing high and prolonged training loads, especially in disciplines where the immune system is particularly exposed to exercise-induced disturbances. Regular ingestion of BOV-COL may contribute to a decreased risk of upper respiratory tract infections and eventually result in improved physical performance and exercise adaptations. Nineteen trained male triathletes (n=16) and swimmers (n=3) aged 34.8±10.0 years (body mass 78.6±6.4 kg) completed this double-blind placebo (PLA)-controlled cross-over study aimed at investigating the effect of BOV-COL supplementation on discipline-specific performance (DSP) and heart rate (HR). Study participants were supplemented with 25 g per day of BOV-COL and PLA (high-quality milk protein supplement) in a randomly assigned cross-over manner for 12 weeks with 4 weeks of wash-out period between treatments. The study protocol assumed 4 study visits – before (BOV-COL_PRE/PLA_PRE) and after (BOV-COL_POST/PLA_POST) supplementation with BOV-COL and PLA. DSP was evaluated based on the specific ramp test comprising eight 100-m long swimming distances (of which the distances D_I–III were performed at a level of 75% maximal effort [ME], D_IV–V at 85% ME, D_VI at 90% ME, D_VII at 95% ME and D_VIII at 100% ME). During the DSP test, HR was continuously monitored using Garmin Fenix 5x and HRM-Swim™ Chest Strap (Garmin, USA). The results of mean HR (HR_I-VIII) and maximal HR (HR_max__I-VIII) within each distance, mean HR of the last 30 s of each distance (HR_{30_I-VIII}) and mean HR of the whole DSP test (HR__DSP) were recorded. Test-T for dependent variables was applied. The time of D_IV was significantly higher at PLA_POST vs. PLA_PRE. No BOV-COL_PRE vs. BOV-COL_POST differences were noted in this regard. However, BOV-COL ingestion resulted in significantly lower HR_{I-VI, VIII}; HR_DSP; HR_{30_I, III, IV, VI} and mean HR₃₀; HR_max__{I, VI} at POST vs. PRE evaluation. PLA ingestion resulted in significantly lower HR_{I, II, IV-VIII}; HR_DSP; HR_{30_I, III-VI, VIII} and mean HR₃₀; HR_max__{I, II, IV, VI, VII} at POST vs PRE evaluation. The magnitude of the described changes between BOV-COL vs. PLA needs to be analysed further. As a result of the ingestion of both BOV-COL and PLA, athletes were able to perform the DSP test at a comparable rate to PRE supplementation; however, they experienced lower HR during the test. BOV-PLA and high-quality milk protein supplement (PLA) seem to be equally effective in improving DSP and physiological adaptation to intense exercise.