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Substances: Colostrum

Colostrum is the thin, yellow, milky fluid secreted by the mammary gland a few days after child-birth.

In the human form, it contains up to 20 per cent protein, predominantly immunoglobulins, representing the antibodies present in maternal blood. It contains more minerals and less fat and carbohydrate than normal milk. Colostrum is produced naturally and is not pharmaceutically manufactured.

Colostrum used as a nutritional supplement is derived from cows' milk. It contains predominantly the proteins casein and whey. The whey protein includes a number of components including IGF- I. Some IGF-1 also occurs in normal milk, other dairy products and eggs.

Research indicates that IGF-1 is broken down in the stomach and inactivated when ingested orally. There would, therefore, be no mechanism by which ingested IGF-1 could act on the body as a growth factor.

Status in Sport

Colostrum is considered a food substance and so is not prohibited under the the World Anti-Doping Code 2007 Prohibited List (effective from 01/01/07).

Colostrum is not a prohibited import under Customs legislation, however there are Australian Quarantine Inspection Services (AQIS) restrictions. Athletes intending to bring colostrum into Australia must apply for an import permit.

 

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