Oral Supplementation with Bovine Colostrum Decreases Intestinal Permeability and Stool Concentrations of Zonulin in Athletes

Nutrients
Q1
Apr 2017
Citations:49
Influential Citations:7
Interventional (Human) Studies
90
Low RoB
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Enhanced Details

Methods
16 healthy male professional mixed martial arts fighters in active peak training; randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with two equal groups; baseline intestinal permeability assessed by differential lactulose/mannitol absorption test and stool zonulin concentration; open-label crossover phase for placebo group after the double-blind phase.
Intervention
Colostrum bovinum: 500 mg per dose, twice daily (one pouch in the morning and one in the evening), taken 30 minutes before meals, for 20 days. Placebo: identical pouches containing 500 mg dehydrated whey plus 500 mg desiccated banana filler; two doses daily (morning and evening), taken 30 minutes before meals, for 20 days.
Results
Colostrum bovinum supplementation reduced intestinal permeability in athletes. The lactulose/mannitol (L/M) ratio fell from elevated baseline values to within the normal range after 20 days and was significantly lower than baseline and placebo (p = 0.01). The change in L/M ratio (post–baseline) was significantly greater with colostrum than placebo. Stool zonulin concentration decreased with colostrum, with significant between-group differences in Delta values (p = 0.03). All post-intervention L/M values were within the normal range in the colostrum group. Colostrum was well tolerated; adverse digestive symptoms were more frequent in placebo but not statistically significant (p = 0.08). In the open-label phase, permeability improvements persisted and were larger for zonulin changes, though bias is possible due to lack of blinding. Overall, colostrum bovinum may reverse elevated intestinal permeability in athletes and could support gut barrier recovery during intensive training; generalizability is limited by small, male-only sample.
Limitations
Small sample size (n = 16); short duration (20 days); open-label crossover phase may introduce bias; male-only, highly trained athletes; generalizability limited; variable compliance (some missed doses).

Abstract

Increased intestinal permeability has been implicated in various pathologies, has various causes, and can develop during vigorous athletic training. Colostrum bovinum is a natural supplement with a wide range of supposed positive health effects, incl...