Colostrum information

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 (return to homepage).