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Source:
Colostrum - is a thick yellow fluid that is secreted by the mammary
glands of female during the first few days of lactation. Colostrum
is rich in minerals, vitamins, growth factors, immunoglobulin, antibodies,
enzymes, and other nutrients to aide the immune system.
Physiology:
Scientists now understand that Colostrum contains many substance
that are required for good health including the following:
- Lactoferrin - is a protein that is essential
for the transportation of iron to red blood cells.
- Growth factors - Colostrum includes IgF-1 and
IgF-2 (insulin like growth factors), EgF (epitheal growth factor),
TgF-A and TgF-B (transforming growth factors), PDGF (platelet
derived growth factor)
- Immunoglubulins - globulin proteins that function
as antibodies including: immunoglobulin G (IgG) which helps the
immune system to protect against bacteria and toxins in the blood,
immunoglobulin M (IgM) helps to protect against microorganisms,
immunoglobulin E (IgE) associated with allergic reactions, immunoglobulin
D (IgD) B-cell receptor, B cells work chiefly by secreting soluble
substances known as antibodies, immunoglobulin A (IgA) Protects
mucosal surfaces against invading.
- Glycoproteins - also known as protease inhibitors
that help immune and growth factors pass through the acidic environment
of the stomach.
- Oligosaccharide - a carbohydrate component
that interferes with the adherence of undesirable microorganisms
while promoting the proliferation of healthy intestinal bacteria.
Oligosaccharides found in Colostrum have been shown to block attachment
of a wide variety of bacteria including S. pneumonococci, thus,
preventing respiratory infections.
- Interferon - a glycoprotein produced by cells
that act to prevent the replication of a wide range of viruses
by inducing resistance.
- Vitamins - Colostrum contains the vitamins
A, B12, and E
- Lysozyme - a protein that resides in the gastrointestinal
tract where it breaks down the cell walls of certain unwanted
bacteria, preventing the bacteria from multiplying.
Clinical
Studies:
Cobalamin deficiency has been attributed to a primary cause
of fatigue. Clinical studies have shown that individuals who were
not even deficient in the vitamin following a B12 injection reported
a significant increase in energy has compared to those individuals
who received a placebo injection. Ellis FR, Nasser S. A pilot study
of vitamin B12 in the treatment of tiredness. Br J Nutr 1973;30:277–83.
Modern
day uses:
Today, the immune factors, growth factors, glycoproteins and vitamins
found in Colostrum are prescribed by physicians and herbal specialist
to benefit the following metabolic processes:
- Uptake of nutrients
- Improved bone mass density
- Increased overall energy
- Returns elasticity and decreases wrinkles in the skin
- Promotes lean muscle mass
- Helps to balance blood sugar levels
- Increase concentration and memory levels
- Elevate moods and overall sense of well-being
Precautions
and/or adverse effects:
Individuals with preexisting medical conditions should consult
with their physician particularly if they are taking prescription
or over-the-counter-medications or supplements. Women who are pregnant
or breast feeding and children should also consult with there physician
prior to taking any new supplements. Adverse effects from taking
Cobalamin supplementation are rare, however, individuals with a
rare hereditary optic nerve atrophy, Leber's disease, should not
use the Cobalamin supplementation. Extremely high doses of Cobalamin
may cause acne. |
General
Herbal Information
