Review: Colostrum/Bovine Plasma Protein

Muscles are made of protein, so it's easy to understand why protein supplements are popular in the bodybuilding world. And when it comes to protein supplements, whey protein reigns supreme, due to its content of essential amino acids, unique digestion profile, and biological activity.

This last property is important to many people, who are interested in the health benefits of whey protein beyond its basic, nutritiive functions. They understand that bodybuilding is about more than just building muscle. This is why processing methods that preserve the protein subfractions in their native (i.e., undenatured) states are valued.

This is also the reason why other, related specialty proteins—bovine colostrum and bovine plasma protein—have gained a toehold in the market. Like whey, these protein sources are more than just sources of protein.

You may already be familiar with colostrum, as it's used as an ingredient in certain protein blends, such as S.A.N. Infusion and Ultimate Nutrition Magic Milk.

Since bovine colostrum is nutritionally dense and biologically active, it has obvious potential as a sports nutrition supplement. Studies on both endurance and strength/power athletes have found that short term supplementation with larger amounts (i.e. 20–60 g) of colostrum yield small, but significant improvements in body composition, cycling performance, sprint performance and peak anaerobic power.

Perhaps more importantly, colostrum supplementation may also help mitigate immune suppression associated with heavy training and reduce the incidence of upper respiratory tract infections.

These studies make it clear that colostrum supplementation doesn't work miracles, but could definitely provide an "edge." I know a few people who use it daily, and swear by it for recovery as well as improved resistance to colds/flu. All other things being equal then, it could be useful as a "value-added" replacement for (or an addition to) the standard protein powders most bodybuilders use.

All other things AREN'T equal, however. A few drawbacks need to be taken into account:

1. Relatively large amounts are needed to see effects—a few milligrams won't cut it.
2. Colostrum supplements can be quite expensive.
3. The composition/quality can vary between different products.

Thus, it can be difficult—not to mention pricey—to supplement with high-quality colostrum in meaningful amounts.

Of course, problems with one source can create opportunities for others, and so it is with colostrum. In this case, bovine plasma/serum protein has been promoted as a less expensive, yet equally (if not more) effective alternative. According to Proliant, Inc., the manufacturer of Immunolin:

"Immunolin components share many similarities with those found in colostrum. The biggest difference being that ImmunoLin is lactose and casein free and has a higher concentration of many important immunoglobulin compounds. While there are few clinical studies currently published involving the use of ImmunoLin, it is likely that it has many of the same effects as colostrum. ImmunoLin is produced more cost efficiently than colostum, culminating in the same type of results at a lower cost."

What's in bovine plasma protein? Well, the word "plasma" says it all.

There are several animal experiments that demonstrate dietary plasma protein can reduce the symptoms of intestinal infections and improve recovery. Human studies are limited, but it lowered "bad" LDL cholesterol in one, and helped improve nitrogen retention and nutritional status in another. Finally, there is some evidence that it may improve gut barrier function. So, plasma protein appears to be promising stuff.

Like colostrum, plasma protein also has its downsides. Unlike colostrum, however, the biggest one may be aesthetic. For example, one prominent "guru" I know gave it an immediate thumbs down, sight unseen ("Can't speak for anyone else, but I draw the line at spray dried cow's blood!").

His name for this knee-jerk reaction is the "Yuck Factor."

If he feels this way, others may too. One plasma protein product, Body Genie's Protein Serum, was recently discontinued, while the another, Ergopharm's GF Pro, has been reformulated as a pure whey protein product.

Was the "Yuck Factor" to blame? I don't know for sure, but I think it's a likely explanation. Although it's easy to find in caps, Protein Factory's Super Plasma Protein is the only bulk powder version left on the bodybuilding market.

I have a hard time seeing what the problem is. I tried the original GF Pro, and thought it was just fine. I've also used Super Plasma Protein. Admittedly, the latter is unflavored and has a faint odor—which put me off the idea of drinking it straight.

When blended into a smoothie, however, I barely noticed it...there was no perceptible flavor and only a slight "musty" mouthfeel. It wasn't ambrosial, perhaps, but compared to some other things I've swallowed, it seemed perfectly fine (ever tried hydrolyzed whey? Um... Bleaauuuugggh :-o ). I'd use it again.

Other users agree. While I haven't seen a large number of reviews for plasma protein, the ones I have seen have been pretty positive.

Although it's not as expensive as colostrum, bovine plasma protein still isn't cheap—which may be another reason it's not more widely used. As such, it might be better used as part of a protein blend, rather than a sole source. Nonetheless, I think it deserves some consideration, as it appears to have a lot of potential.

Looking at the evidence, I don't consider either colostrum or bovine serum protein to be "must haves" for either strength, recovery or body composition. I do, however, think they clearly have merit from a general health/wellness perspective. They're certainly worth a look.

Want to learn more about body building and sports supplements? Industry professional Will Brink reviews dozens of top products in his superb "Body Building Revealed" Click here to read my review! Click here to visit the Body Building Revealed web site!

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