Colostrum

What Does Colostrum Do?

Bovine colostrum is the "first milk" produced by cows after giving birth, acting as a nutrient-dense powerhouse of immunoglobulins, growth factors, and antimicrobial peptides. In the context of athletic performance, it serves as a foundational recovery agent that protects the body from the systemic stress of high-intensity training.

• Enhanced Gut Integrity: It helps prevent "leaky gut" syndrome by strengthening the intestinal lining, which can be compromised by the heat stress and blood flow shifts during intense exercise.
• Immune System Resilience: Rich in IgG antibodies, it reduces the incidence of Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTI) in athletes, keeping you in the gym and out of the sick bed.
• Growth Factor Support: Contains IGF-1 and IGF-2, which play critical roles in signaling muscle protein synthesis and repairing damaged connective tissues.
• Improved Nutrient Partitioning: By optimizing gut health, colostrum ensures that the proteins and carbohydrates you consume are absorbed and utilized more efficiently for recovery.

Clinical vs. Gym Bro Dosing

Key Insight: Most pre-workout formulas that include colostrum treat it as a "label claim" ingredient, often providing less than 500mg. To experience the true gut-healing and recovery benefits seen in clinical research, you generally need a daily intake of at least 10 to 20 grams, making it more effective as a standalone powder than a minor pre-workout additive.

Side Effects & Warnings

• Digestive Upset: High doses may cause temporary bloating, nausea, or flatulence as your gut microbiome adjusts.
• Dairy Sensitivity: Because it is a bovine milk product, it contains lactose and milk proteins which can trigger reactions in sensitive individuals.
• Cholesterol Impact: While generally safe, those monitoring lipid profiles should note that colostrum contains small amounts of dietary cholesterol.

Contraindications: If you have a confirmed milk allergy, you must avoid colostrum entirely. For those with mild lactose intolerance, start with a very small dose (1g) to test your gastric response before moving to performance-level dosing.