Colostrum that being used as a nutritional supplement is derived from cows’ milk. It contains predominantly casein and whey protein. The whey protein includes immunoglobulins IgG, IgA and IgM, growth factors (IGF-1), lactoferrin, lysozyme, lactoperoxidase, serum albumin, alpha-lactalbumin and betalactoglobulin (Northfield Laboratories analysis of intact Colostrum Powder). IGF-1 also occurs in normal milk and other dairy products and eggs.
Professor Peter Sonksen, who is studying human growth hormone on behalf of the International Olympic Committee, has indicated that IGF-1 is broken down and inactivated when ingested orally.
There is, therefore, no mechanism by which ingested IGF-1 could act on the body as a growth factor. This is consistent with the findings of Buckley et al that plasma IGF-1 concentrations did not differ between groups during their study, E ect of an oral bovine colostrum supplement on running performance.
Status in sport
The IOC does not consider colostrum to be a prohibited substance.
Reference
Buckley, J., Abbott, M., Martin, S., Brinkworth, G., Whyte, P. (1998). E ect of a bovine colostrum supplement (intact) on running performance. Australian Conference of Science and Medicine in Sport Abstracts, 1998.
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