Bovine Colostrum: A Miracle Discovered, By: Evan Waters
When many are asked their goals for weightlifting, they reply that they want an increase of lean mass. Most sales clerks, in this situation, would never think to recommend Bovine Colostrum to their customers. But this supplement could prove to be the answer to all our prayers.
Bovine Colostrum is the nutrient-rich, pre-milk fluid that is secreted by the mammary glands of female mammals to nourish their young. Most often, this fluid is taken in the first twelve hours of a newborn’s life. Colostrum contains the essential nutrients for a young cow to grow and develop. Bovine Colostrum is practically identical to human Colostrum; however, Bovine contains nearly four times as much immune factors than human colostrum.
The Advantages of Bovine Colostrum
Each serving includes immune factors that help maintain balance and stability in your body leading to a stronger immune system. A stronger immune system is beneficial to anyone. Yet, it is especially important to a bodybuilder because it will enable him/her to never miss a workout because of sickness.
Bovine Colostrum also contains growth factors. If it can help a baby cow put on nearly hundreds of pounds, it can surely have similar effects in humans but of course in a smaller ratio. It makes even more sense for a bodybuilder to take it with the plethora of studies and research to back it. The growth factors in Colostrum may affect the brain’s mood. It does this by regulating certain chemicals inside the brain, which result in a better mood.
Bovine Colostrum also assists in regeneration and can improve normal growth of aged or injured muscle, bone, cartilage, skin collagen and nerve tissue. This proves especially essential for the over 40 baby-boomer bodybuilder.
Lastly, it can help burn fat for fuel instead of muscle tissue in times of diet, and build & retain lean muscle during a non-diet.
The good times keep rolling with Bovine Colostrum! In addition to immune factors and growth factors, colostrum contains an immense amount of vitamins and minerals. Vitamins and Minerals are nutrients that are essential for normal metabolism, growth, and development. They act as coenzymes, enabling biochemical processes in the body. Vitamins and minerals are indispensable for the maintenance of health. This amazing product contains the likes of Vitamins E, A, C, B6, and B12, Calcium, chromium, iron, phosphorous, potassium, and zinc… just to name a few.
With all the former being stated it is hard to believe there are more benefits, but there are! Colostrum also contains an abundance of amino acids. It has both essential and nonessential amino acids. It is known to contain the following nonessential amino acids: Arginine, Cystine, Glutanic Acid, Alanine, Tyrosine, Glycine, Proline, Aspartic Acid, and Serine. While each Amino Acid serves its own purpose, together they assist us to make ourselves bigger, stronger, and better looking of course.
What do the Studies Say?
In a recent study, Bovine Colostrum was tested to see if the taking of it resulted in an increase of lean muscle mass. "We found that lean body mass improved significantly -- by 3 to 4 pounds -- but there was no change in fat and no change in exercise performance," says lead author Jose Antonio, PhD, a researcher at the University of Delaware in Newark when he conducted this study. Years ago, this supplement was advertises as “muscle milk” or “the miracle supplement.” "The problem is no one ever studied it to see if it did anything," said Antonio. After an eight-week study, the placebo group that was given whey protein just gained mass; whereas, the group given Bovine Colostrum had a significant increase in lean mass.
In yet another study, researchers examined the effects of bovine colostrum on peak vertical jump power, peak cycle power, alactic anaerobic work capacity, resistance exercise one-repetition maxima and plasma insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) concentrations. Using a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel design, 51 males completed 8 weeks of resistance and plyometric training while consuming 60 g x day of bovine colostrum or concentrated whey protein powder. By week 8, peak vertical jump power (bovine colostrum, 7370 /- 503 W; whey powder, 7237 /- 481 W; 95% confidence intervals, 54 to 170 W; P < 0.01) and peak cycle power (bovine colostrum, 1400 /- 215 W; whey protein, 1311 /- 192 W; 95% confidence intervals, 20 to 61 W; P < 0.01) were significantly higher in the bovine colostrum condition. Alactic anaerobic work capacity and 1-RM increased (P < 0.001), but the increases were not different between groups (P > 0.08). Plasma IGF-I did not change in either group (P = 0.55). They concluded that bovine colostrum supplementation during training significantly increased peak anaerobic power, but had no effect on alactic anaerobic work capacity, 1-RM or plasma IGF-I.
The Bottom Line
With all of these key ingredients, one would think that Bovine Colostrum must cost a fortune, or is only available to pro athletes and bodybuilders that get first-class advice from the nation’s leading doctors.. This is not the case. Not only is it affordable, it is easy to find. Bodybuilding.com sells it for a really low price. Thousand of studies have been performed on the results and complications of Bovine Colostrum and there has yet to be significant evidence supporting negative side effects or drug interaction. Taking account of all that has been previously stated, it is a wonder that not all bodybuilders supplement with it. "It makes sense…" says Allan Goldfarb, PhD, professor of exercise and sports science at the University of North Carolina in Greensboro. “ …This stuff does stimulate growth factors and therefore can stimulate muscle mass.”
Dr. Jose Antonio has said that there are many people who have taken it not looking for any performance enhancement. Many take it just to be healthier and to remain feeling and looking younger. As we age, our bodies produce less and less of growth and immune factors. This increases the signs of aging, and it makes it more difficult for us to fight disease. Studies have also shown that applying Bovine Colostrum topically to an area of skin that the skin almost “rejuvenates.” More research needs to be done, however. Colostrum can also help restore the body’s ability to function properly not only in children and pets, but in adults too. Pollution, toxins, carcinogens, smoking, alcohol, and overuse of antibiotics can lead to a decrease in our immune response, resulting in disease. Bovine Colostrum nearly reverses the negative effects of the previously stated.
It boggles me that you are still reading this and not purchasing some Bovine Colostrum. After all, your body will thank you for it.
