Exercise PerformanceNCT02951923
The Effect of 8-weeks of Bovine Colostrum and Soy Protein Supplementation in Rugby Players
A study testing Bovine Colostrum and Soy in people with Exercise Performance and Body Composition, run by University of Saskatchewan at 1 site in Canada.
Trial summary
Bovine colostrum is the milk produced by cows immediately after calving. It contains high levels of proteins that improve immune protection and may act to prevent colds. During intense training, athletes often have compromised immune function. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and olderHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Exercise Performance, Body Composition
- What is being tested?
- Bovine Colostrum and Soy
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 24 participants
- Where
- 1 siteCanada
- Study dates
- Dec 2014to Aug 2015
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 years and older
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- active rugby players
Who cannot join
- Not taking nutritional supplements within one month of the study
- Answered "yes" to a physical activity readiness questionnaire indicating health problems that could be exacerbated with physical activity
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Canada1 site
College of Kinesiology, University of Saskatchewan
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7N 5B2
About this study
Official title: The Effect of 8-weeks of Bovine Colostrum and Soy Protein Supplementation on Fitness, Muscle Mass, Inflammation and Immune Function During Intense Training in Rugby Players
Bovine colostrum is the milk produced by cows immediately after calving. It contains high levels of proteins that improve immune protection and may act to prevent colds. During intense training, athletes often have compromised immune function. This may be especially true in club-level rugby players who abruptly start high intensity training in the spring in preparation for their competitive season. Our study will assess the effects of supplementing these players with bovine colostrum during this intense training. Thirty-six players will be recruited; half will consume colostrum during the 8 weeks of early-season training and half soy protein. The investigators predict the bovine colostrum supplement will improve health during the training and increase fitness levels.
Read the detailed description
Bovine colostrum is the first milk secreted by cows after calving. Colostrum is high in protein and contains a number of bioactive substances including growth and antimicrobial factors. Antimicrobial factors in bovine colostrum include immunoglobulin and a variety of other less specific antimicrobial proteins and peptides. Immunoglobulin and other antimicrobials are important for immune system function. This is important to athletes because intense exercise training can compromise the immune system; therefore bovine colostrum has potential to improve exercise performance by preventing immune system dysfunction that is common during periods of heavy exercise training .
Preliminary studies of colostrum supplementation show its potential for increasing human exercise performance. The mechanism through which colostrum acts to benefit performance remains unclear. Similarly, further studies are required to elucidate colostrum-induced effects in individuals of different ages and levels/intensity of physical activity.
The main growth factor in bovine colostrum is insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). Bovine colostrum supplementation in young individuals increased IGF-1 levels. Insulin-like growth factor-1 stimulates growth of muscle tissue and is important in maintaining muscle mass and function in adults.
Bovine colostrum supplementation has been shown to increase lean tissue (muscle mass) in younger individuals. Eight to 12 weeks of bovine colostrum supplementation during a resistance training program increased lean tissue mass by 1.5 to 2 kg compared to increases of 0 to 1.2 kg while on whey protein supplementation. We have also recently shown that bovine colostrum supplementation increases muscular strength compared to similar amounts of supplementation with whey protein in men and women over 50y.
Examining the effects of colostrum in rugby players presents a unique scientific opportunity because of the nature of their training regime. Rugby players' early season workouts are the most stressful training sessions of the season (after the winter break they must condition quickly for the start of the season with few if any pre-season games and their workouts involve repeated sprint activity in addition to weight training). Rugby players would be most susceptible to overtraining and immune system depression during this time of the year. Bovine colostrum with its high levels of anti-microbials and other bioactive factors may be beneficial to mitigate the deleterious effects of early, high intensity training.
The objective of the proposed internship study is to determine the effects of 8 weeks of bovine colostrum supplementation, compared to soy protein supplementation in rugby players during early season training.
- Conditions
- Exercise Performance, Body Composition
- Being tested
- Bovine Colostrum, Soy
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Bovine ColostrumDietary supplement
Bovine colostrum vs. soy during rugby training
SoyDietary supplement
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Bovine colostrum | Experimental | 8 weeks of Bovine colostrum power, 60g per day Receives: Dietary Supplement: Bovine Colostrum |
| Soy powder | Active comparator | 8 weeks of Soy powder, 60g per day Receives: Dietary Supplement: Soy |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change in lean tissue mass
Measured: baseline, 8 weeks
Change in leg press strength
Measured: baseline, 8 weeks
Change in bench press strength
Measured: baseline, 8 weeks
Change in aerobic capacity as predicted by the Leger shuttle run test
Measured: baseline, 8 weeks
Change in leg power as assessed by vertical jump height
Measured: baseline, 8 weeks
Secondary outcomes (6)
Change in salivary immunoglobulin A
Measured: baseline, 8 weeks
Change in salivary interleukin 6
Measured: baseline, 8 weeks
Change in salivary interleukin 1-beta
Measured: baseline, 8 weeks
Change in salivary c-reactive protein
Measured: baseline, 8 weeks
Incidence of upper respiratory tract infections
Measured: Up to 8 weeks
Adverse events
Measured: Up to 8 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted1 Nov 2016 (estimated)
- Study startDec 2014
- Primary completionAug 2015
- Study completionAug 2015
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (1)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Exercise PerformanceStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Triple blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Investigator, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 24 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Saskatchewan
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Phil Chilibeck, University of Saskatchewan
- Investigators
- Philip Chilibeck, PhD, Principal investigator, University of Saskatchewan
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT02951923
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- BIO14-81
- Status last verified
- Oct 2016
- First submitted
- 1 Dec 2014
- Last updated
- 1 Nov 2016
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
Publications
Duff WR, Chilibeck PD, Rooke JJ, Kaviani M, Krentz JR, Haines DM. The effect of bovine colostrum supplementation in older adults during resistance training. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2014 Jun;24(3):276-85. doi: 10.1123/ijsnem.2013-0182. Epub 2013 Nov 25.
PubMed 24281841
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 1 Nov 2016. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Effect of 8-weeks of Bovine Colostrum and Soy Protein Supplementation on Fitness, Muscle Mass, Inflammation and Immune Function During Intense Training in Rugby Players
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT02951923
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- BIO14-81
- Conditions
- Exercise Performance, Body Composition
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 24 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- University of SaskatchewanUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- Dec 2014
- Primary completion
- Aug 2015 (actual)
- Study completion
- Aug 2015 (actual)
- First posted
- 1 Nov 2016 (estimated)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Bovine colostrum is the milk produced by cows immediately after calving. It contains high levels of proteins that improve immune protection and may act to prevent colds. During intense training, athletes often have compromised immune function. This may be especially true in club-level rugby players who abruptly start high intensity training in the spring in preparation for their competitive season. Our study will assess the effects of supplementing these players with bovine colostrum during this intense training. Thirty-six players will be recruited; half will consume colostrum during the 8 weeks of early-season training and half soy protein. The investigators predict the bovine colostrum supplement will improve health during the training and increase fitness levels.
Detailed description
Bovine colostrum is the first milk secreted by cows after calving. Colostrum is high in protein and contains a number of bioactive substances including growth and antimicrobial factors. Antimicrobial factors in bovine colostrum include immunoglobulin and a variety of other less specific antimicrobial proteins and peptides. Immunoglobulin and other antimicrobials are important for immune system function. This is important to athletes because intense exercise training can compromise the immune system; therefore bovine colostrum has potential to improve exercise performance by preventing immune system dysfunction that is common during periods of heavy exercise training .
Preliminary studies of colostrum supplementation show its potential for increasing human exercise performance. The mechanism through which colostrum acts to benefit performance remains unclear. Similarly, further studies are required to elucidate colostrum-induced effects in individuals of different ages and levels/intensity of physical activity.
The main growth factor in bovine colostrum is insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). Bovine colostrum supplementation in young individuals increased IGF-1 levels. Insulin-like growth factor-1 stimulates growth of muscle tissue and is important in maintaining muscle mass and function in adults.
Bovine colostrum supplementation has been shown to increase lean tissue (muscle mass) in younger individuals. Eight to 12 weeks of bovine colostrum supplementation during a resistance training program increased lean tissue mass by 1.5 to 2 kg compared to increases of 0 to 1.2 kg while on whey protein supplementation. We have also recently shown that bovine colostrum supplementation increases muscular strength compared to similar amounts of supplementation with whey protein in men and women over 50y.
Examining the effects of colostrum in rugby players presents a unique scientific opportunity because of the nature of their training regime. Rugby players' early season workouts are the most stressful training sessions of the season (after the winter break they must condition quickly for the start of the season with few if any pre-season games and their workouts involve repeated sprint activity in addition to weight training). Rugby players would be most susceptible to overtraining and immune system depression during this time of the year. Bovine colostrum with its high levels of anti-microbials and other bioactive factors may be beneficial to mitigate the deleterious effects of early, high intensity training.
The objective of the proposed internship study is to determine the effects of 8 weeks of bovine colostrum supplementation, compared to soy protein supplementation in rugby players during early season training.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Triple blind (participant, investigator, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Bovine colostrum | Experimental | Dietary Supplement: Bovine Colostrum8 weeks of Bovine colostrum power, 60g per day |
| Soy powder | Active comparator | Dietary Supplement: Soy8 weeks of Soy powder, 60g per day |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (1 listed)
- active rugby players
Key exclusion criteria (2 listed)
- Not taking nutritional supplements within one month of the study
- Answered "yes" to a physical activity readiness questionnaire indicating health problems that could be exacerbated with physical activity
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Bovine ColostrumBovine colostrum vs. soy during rugby training | Dietary supplement | Bovine colostrum |
| Soy | Dietary supplement | Soy powder |
Primary outcome
Change in lean tissue mass
Time frame: baseline, 8 weeks
Change in leg press strength
Time frame: baseline, 8 weeks
Change in bench press strength
Time frame: baseline, 8 weeks
Change in aerobic capacity as predicted by the Leger shuttle run test
Time frame: baseline, 8 weeks
Change in leg power as assessed by vertical jump height
Time frame: baseline, 8 weeks
6 secondary outcomes
Change in salivary immunoglobulin A
Time frame: baseline, 8 weeks
Change in salivary interleukin 6
Time frame: baseline, 8 weeks
Change in salivary interleukin 1-beta
Time frame: baseline, 8 weeks
Change in salivary c-reactive protein
Time frame: baseline, 8 weeks
Incidence of upper respiratory tract infections
Time frame: Up to 8 weeks
Adverse events
Time frame: Up to 8 weeks
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 1 Nov 2016.
- Background: PubMed 24281841Duff WR, Chilibeck PD, Rooke JJ, Kaviani M, Krentz JR, Haines DM. The effect of bovine colostrum supplementation in older adults during resistance training. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2014 Jun;24(3):276-85. doi: 10.1123/ijsnem.2013-0182. Epub 2013 Nov 25.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Philip Chilibeck, PhD principal investigator
University of Saskatchewan
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Bovine Colostrum and Soy in people with Exercise Performance and Body Composition, run by University of Saskatchewan at 1 site in Canada.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 1 inclusion and 2 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 1 Nov 2016. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Canada. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change in lean tissue mass (time frame: baseline, 8 weeks). The study lists 5 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT02951923, which also lists 1 linked publication.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 1 Nov 2016; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 8 Nov 2026.