Colostrum: A New Golden Era in Health and Disease

 

Vipul Singh, Sanjay Kumar Kushwaha*

Bhavdiya Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, Ayodhya Lucknow Highway NH 28,

Vill- Sebar, Sohawal Ayodhya U.P. 224126.

 

ABSTRACT:

Colostrum is the first fluid yielded from the mammary glands of mammals after parturition and is intended for ingestion by the newborn during the first hours of life. It is a complex biological fluid, contains immune and growth factors which helps in the development of immunity in the newborn. It contains Immunoglobulin’s that act as natural anti-microbial agents to actively stimulate the maturation of an infant’s immune system. It is used for treatment of many GIT diseases, Respiratory diseases, Cardiovascular and Metabolic disorders. Colostrum shows great beneficial effect as immunomodulator and anticancer agent. As antiviral agent there is a great scope in colostrum supplements. In this article, the current understanding of the composition of colostrum, i.e. carbohydrates, proteins, growth factors, enzymes, enzyme inhibitors, nucleotides and nucleosides, cytokines, fats, vitamins and minerals, is reviewed. Besides providing immune support, colostrum has remarkable muscular-skeletal repair and growth capabilities. These growth factors have significant muscle and cartilage repair characteristics. They promote wound healing with practical implications for trauma and surgical patients. Colostrum growth factors have multiple regenerative effects that extend to all structural body cells, such as the gut. Colostrum also provides immunological balance, increases energy and reduces inflammation and illness.

 

 

 

INTRODUCTION:

Colostrum is the first milk-like fluid yielded from the mammary glands of mammals after parturition and is meant for ingestion by the newborn during the primary hours of life. In most mammals, like humans, many of the biologically active substances essential to development and survival like growth promoting substances and immunoglobulin’s, cross the placental barrier and are transferred to the foetus in utero. In sharp contrast, in particularly bovines, essentially none of those biologically active substances cross the placental barrier and, thus, must be acquired by the offspring through suckling during the first hours of its life.^1-2

 

There is a substantial scientific evidence showing that if a calf fails to receive an adequate quantity of top quality complete colostrum it'll be more susceptible to pathogens to its environment and cannot develop a correct body mass.³

 

The impact of inadequate colostrum intake during the primary hours of life on the survival and health of calves was studied in more than 2,200 animals over a five-year period by the UK National Agricultural Centre Calf Unit. It had been found that calves that received only a little amount of colostrum were six-fold more likely to die than animal who received the specified two quarts. Getting enough top-quality colostrum is important to the health and well-being of the calf.^4-5

 

In addition to containing a high concentration of maternally-derived immunoglobulin’s, first milking bovine colostrum may be a complex resource of biologically active substances necessary to support the development and repair of cells and tissues; to assure the effective and efficient metabolism of nutrients; and to initiate and support the immune system.⁶

 

Colostrum is one among the natural sources of important growth and healing factors:

Colostrum supports the human organism in two main ways. First, its multiple immune factors and natural antibiotics provide strong support for the system. Second, its many growth factors offer a broad-spectrum boost to the organism to encourage optimum health and healing. The immunoglobulin, growth factors, antibodies play a task in prevention of infection that's in acquired immunity. The vital nutrients help in tissue development, growth and energy. The expansion factors present within the colostrum provide a completely unique treatment option for gastrointestinal conditions. Human colostrum has higher concentration of growth factors as compared to bovine colostrum.⁷

 

History:

Historically colostrum has been used for various illnesses in India also as abroad for thousands of years. Ayurvedic physicians of India have used bovine colostrum for both medicinal and spiritual purposes since cows were first domesticated. By the late 18th century, Western medicine began to take an interest in colostrum and study it for its potential health benefits. As a consequence, it had been prescribed for several conditions, including system enhancement. Interestingly, until the event of penicillin and other artificial antibiotics within the 20th century, colostrum was commonly used for fighting bacterial infections. Within the early 20th century it had been noted that antibody levels within the first milk produced after birth were much above levels than the milk that was produced 72 hours later. There are now over 2000 published scientific articles that document the security and efficacy of using colostrum.⁸

 

Bovine colostrum (BC), which may be obtained in large quantities, has been found to be almost just like human colostrum in terms of its beneficial components. It also been found to be equally useful for several mammal species, and produces no side-effects. The utilization of bovine colostrum as dietary supplement has increased substantially over the past decades. Bovine colostrum is harvested within first few hours of calving from dairy animals. The herds of cows are kept under close supervision in good state of hygiene without exposure to antibodies, pesticides and anthelmintic. They are monitored consistent with FDA criteria. The colostrum collected within 24 hours contains maximum substances but less in amounts, colostrum collected later are going to be more but contain less immunoglobins. ^9-10

 

Composition of Human colostrums and Bovine colostrums:

The Nutritional factors of human and bovine colostrums are given in Table 1, Table 2 and Table 3.

 

Table 1: Nutritional Composition of Human Colostrum and Bovine Colostrum

 

Table 2: Immune Factors in Human Colostrum and Bovine Colostrum

 

Table 3: Growth Factors in Human Colostrum and Bovine Colostrum

 

The Composition of Bovine Colostrum:

It is very obvious how briskly the connection of the biologically active components in bovine colostrum changes after birth of the calf. Recognizing this changing relationship is extremely important in defining what bovine colostrum really is and in assuring that it contains the utmost amount of biologically active substances. Table 1, 2 and 3 give wide comparison between human and bovine milk.^{11, 12}

 

Protein:

Most of the biologically active substances in complete bovine colostrum which will convey significant health benefits are proteins. Since most of the beneficial proteins are conveyed from the mother's bloodstream into the colostrum before birth and therefore the mother then begins to reabsorb them about 6-8 hours after birth, it's important to use colostrum that has been collected during a period of time which will minimize the effect of the reabsorption process. Of real significance is that the incontrovertible fact that by 24 hours after birth most of the proteins within the udder fluid are often accounted for by two individual proteins that are primarily only of nutritional value, casein and albumin.

 

Colosral fat:

The milk fat in complete first milking colostrum is one of the foremost under-rated and misunderstood components by many companies that promote bovine colostrum for human consumption. There are all types of stories, none of which are ever substantiated with any scientific evidence that the fat in colostrum doesn't serve any purpose and/or that having it there results in faster deterioration of the merchandise. Nothing might be beyond the reality. In fact, one among the businesses that remove the fat from what they call "colostrum" adds a component of the fat back to their dried products. They claim that this makes their "colostrum" more digestible, which was one among the functions of the fat in complete colostrum within the first place. Casein may be a nutritionally valuable complete protein that's weakened within the stomach to small peptides and amino acids in order that they will be absorbed and wont to build new muscle protein by forming a cottage Cheese like curd within the stomach.

 

Lactose:

Approximately 10-15% of all of the solid material in top quality complete first milking colostrum are going to be lactose. Lactose is extremely important to the calf as an instantaneous metabolic energy source when it's broken to glucose and galactose by an enzyme (lactase) within the saliva and the stomach. Therefore, it makes common sense that the quantity of lactose in transitional milk and mature milk increases because the calf develops rapidly during the first days of its life. Since most of the people have an equivalent enzyme (lactase) in their saliva and their gastrointestinal system, the lactose within the colostrum that they use as a dietary supplement can provide an equivalent ready source of metabolic energy. However, there are “lactose intolerant” individuals who have problems digesting lactose because their body produces insufficient or none of the lactase enzyme. The quantity of lactose in first milking colostrum collected within 6 hours after birth is about one-half of what it's at 12 hours after birth and one-third of what it becomes by 24 hours. Therefore, top quality complete first milking colostrum collected within 6 hours after birth are often used as a dietary supplement by more people without potentially having them suffer the discomforts related to lactase deficiency.¹³

 

The biologically active components:

The biologically active components in complete first milking colostrum are often divided into categories based upon the health aspect where they exert their greatest influence. In some cases the functions of those components are often clearly separated into such categories, while, in many cases, the line is clouded. The main categories are the Immune Factors, the expansion Factors and therefore the metabolic factors. It’s vital to acknowledge that the majority of the very broad claims made by many suppliers of colostrum for human consumption about what these substances do are based upon very specialized studies in experimental animals and represent the company's interpretation of the results and not necessarily that of the first scientific investigator. Colostrum contains 10 times more vitamin A than milk. Colostrum contains 3 times more vitamin D than milk. Colostrum contains at least 10 times more iron than milk. Colostrum contains more calcium, phosphorous and magnesium than milk. ^14-15

 

The Immune Factors:

To comprehend what the immune factors are in top quality first milking colostrum and what they are doing, it's important to acknowledge that a number of these components have one or more effects on the general regulation and functioning of the system (immuno-regulating substances), while others are very restricted in what they will do and their benefits are usually very localized within the body, ordinarily exerting their effects primarily within the gut (gut protective substances).

 

Immuno-regulating substances:

Thymosin (alpha and beta chains):

A hormone composed of two protein-based chains that are separately present in bovine colostrum. The chains act on the thymus independently or together with one another to stimulate activation, development and maintenance of the system.

 

Proline-rich peptide (PRP) thymulin:

A hormone-like small protein that acts upon the thymus and other organs related to the system to stay them from over-reacting to a situation.

 

Cytokines:

Small proteins produced by various cells within the body that induce the generation of specialized sort.

 

Lymphokines:

Proteins of varying sizes that are produced by different types of white blood cells that tell related cells to reframe themselves into more functional cell types that can release substances capable of destroying an invding microorganism.

 

Immunoglobulins:

(IgG, IgM, IgA). Complex proteins better referred to as antibodies that structure a big portion of the proteins found in complete first milking colostrum. These antibodies were produced by the mother's system in response to her exposure to several different microorganisms during her lifetime then transferred into the colostrum before birth of the calf. There’s no evidence that any of those antibodies are found intact within the blood of people who ingest colostrum orally. However, many of those antibodies are reactive against bacteria, viruses and fungi that infect the alimentary canal of humans.

 

Transfer factors:

Small proteins produced in response to the body's exposure to certain sorts of microorganisms, particularly people who reside in deep tissues for an extended period of time, like tubercle bacillus. They are specific for specific microorganism and are carried inside certain sorts of specialized white blood cells. Transfer factors have limited effectiveness alone in defending the body against infection by such microorganisms, but, rather, act together with various white blood cells and other factors in an effort to stay the microorganism’s in check.^16-18

 

Lactoferrin:

A mineral-binding carrier protein that attaches to available iron. Certain aerobic bacteria, like E. coli, require iron to breed and, therefore, lactoferrin is an efficient substance, when operating within the presence of a selected antibody, to impede the expansion of some microorganisms within the gut. A broad number of additional claims are made by some providers of colostrum for human consumption regarding the appliance of lactoferrin as an immuno-regulating substance with antiviral, antibacterial and anti-tumor properties. To date, none of those claims are adequately substantiated through properly controlled studies.

 

Transferrin:

Another mineral-binding carrier protein that attaches to available iron and can act independently or in concert with lactoferrin to slow the growth of certain aerobic bacteria, particularly in the gut. 

 

Lactoperoxidase:

A mildly effective enzyme which will also attach to the wall of certain bacteria, degrade other selected proteins and interfere with the power of the bacteria to duplicate.

 

Xanthine Oxidase:

Another mildly effective enzyme which will also attach to the wall of certain bacteria, degrade different protein and also interfere with the power of the bacteria to duplicate.

 

White blood cells (leukocytes):

Primarily three sorts of functional white blood cells are present in colostrum, including neutrophils, macrophages and polymorph nuclear cells. Each has the power to phagocytes microorganisms and other foreign bodies and applies substances carried internally for the destruction of the microorganisms. Their functions are dramatically enhanced when antibodies first attach to the microorganisms.

 

Oligosaccharides and glycoconjugates:

Complex carbohydrates (sugars) which will adhere to specific sites on the inner surface of the alimentary canal and stop the attachment of microorganisms.^19-20 

 

The Growth Factors:

Growth hormone:

Very small quantities of somatotropin are found in complete first milking colostrums, but that’s all that’s required since this hormone is extremely potent. It’s an immediate effect on almost every cell type and significantly influences the proliferation of latest cells, particularly their rate of generation. Scientific studies have shown that continued ingestion of small amounts of somatotropin is useful in limiting the continued deterioration of cells related to the aging process.²¹

 

Insulin-like growth factors (IGFs):

Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and its closely related counterpart insulin-like growth factor-2 (IGF-2) are potent hormones that are found in association with most cells within the body. They are a part of a gaggle of quite 90 different proteins, called the “IGF Binding Protein (IGFBP) Super family”, that’s liable for the processes by which cells grow and reproduce. These substances also are liable for maintenance of the metabolic pathways by which cells convert glucose to glycogen, a primary metabolic energy resource, and assemble amino acids to make proteins. The key event that triggers the functions of the varied proteins within the IGFBP Super family is that the attachment of IGF-1 to a selected receptor site on the surface of a cell. Many of the expansion factors found in colostrums and previously defined by their functions are now considered a part of the IGFBP Super family. This includes the subsequent substances, among others.^22-23

 

Transforming growth factors A and B:

Induces the transformation of cells from an immature form to a mature, functional status.

·       Epithelial growth factor

·       Fibroblast growth factor

·       Platelet-derived growth factor ²⁴

 

Health related benefits of Colostrum Ingestion:

High quality first milking bovine colostrum is not a panacea that will cure every disease as claimed by many distributors of colostrum products. However, bovine colostrum is an amazing resource of substances necessary to support the development and repair of cells and tissues, assure the effective and efficient metabolism of nutrients and establish and maintain a healthy immune system. As such, it represents a very dynamic means to stabilize bodily functions that are frequently out of control in various disease states. In other circumstances, these bodily functions may just need the boost that colostrum can provide to ward off disease. The use of colostrum for its health-related benefits is not a new concept. In India, where cows are sacred, colostrum is delivered to the home with the milk and is used for medicinal purposes to treat everything from age-related symptoms to the common cold.

 

Gastrointestinal Diseases:

Leaky gut syndrome is a very common condition wherein the mucosal lining of the small intestine becomes very inflamed and unusually large spaces develop between the cells that make up the mucosal lining. The large space between the cells allows bacteria, viruses, fungi and other potentially toxic material to enter the bloodstream and other parts of the body. In addition, undigested proteins, carbohydrates and fats can pass through the intestinal lining and can represent a serious health risk. Medical research has shown that the inflammatory process responsible for leaky gut syndrome can be initiated in many different ways, including the following.²⁵

 

Colostrum contains a diversity of antibodies that can bind to invading microorganisms and hold them in check while they are engulfed and destroyed by white blood cells arriving in the area. The most important of these antibody molecules in colostrum are of the IgA class. They not only attach themselves to an invading microorganism, but are also able to stick to tissues, holding the pathogen in a fixed position and making it more susceptible to destruction by white blood cells. The lactoferrin, transferrin, and enzymes present in colostrum will aid in destroying an invading pathogen once the antibody molecules immobilize it. Controlled studies in humans have shown that substances present in bovine colostrum inhibit the binding of Helicobactor pylori, the causative agent in ulcer lesions, to receptors on the intestinal wall.^26-27

 

Respiratory Diseases:

In dealing with something as elusive as the common cold or as invasive as influenza, the best offense is a good defense. Coupling a nutritious diet with a program of exercise and routine supplementation with high quality bovine colostrum is the best possible defense. As we age, our system loses its ability to manage itself and to reply to a challenge efficiently. This occurs primarily because the thymus, a glandular structure in the upper chest that is considered the seat of the immune system, begins to shrink after puberty and almost disappears by the time we are 50-60 years old. T-lymphocytes (T-cells) are generated from stem cells in the bone marrow and mature in the thymus. Some of these cells, called Killer T-lymphocytes, generate cell-mediated responses and directly destroy abnormal cells that have specific sites on their surface that are recognized by the Killer T- lymphocytes. Helper/Suppressor T-lymphocytes, a second sort of cell, regulate the system by controlling the strength and quality of each immune reaction. It has been shown that the thymus is often restored to normal function by the expansion factors in colostrum additionally, colostrum contains specific hormones that regulate the functions of the thymus and other substances that help to keep the immune system under control and poised to respond to possible infections before they become established.^28-30

 

Cardiovascular Diseases:

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is the name for the group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels and consist of hypertension (high blood pressure), coronary heart disease (heart attack), cerebrovascular disease (stroke), heart failure, peripheral vascular disease, etc. In 1999 CVD only contributed to a third of global deaths and by 2010 it would be the leading cause of death in developing countries.³¹

 

High quality first milking bovine colostrum doesn't contain any cholesterol and may be used safely by individuals with high serum cholesterol and high triglycerides. In fact, there are biologically active substances present in bovine colostrum that might be very beneficial to individuals in danger for atherosclerotic plaque formation. Bovine colostrum contains leptin, a hormone-like substance that not only suppresses appetite, but also orchestrates how the body uses and incorporates fat. Growth hormone has been shown to work in concert with IGF-1 in the functioning and repair of heart muscle. Receptors for both growth hormone and IGF-1 are found on all cardiac muscle cells and scientific evidence indicates that somatotropin may act directly on the guts, whereas the consequences of IGF-1 could also be indirect and operate through separate hormonal pathways. Research studies have also shown that both somatotropin and IGF-1 have stimulatory effects on cardiac muscle cells and it's believed that this happens through the pathway by which the cells use calcium. It has also been shown that administration of growth hormone to patients with congestive heart failure can induce a marked improvement in heart function and clinical status.³²

 

Metabolic Diseases:

Both Type I and II diabetes have an associated genetic component through which individuals appear to be predisposed. Diabetics also have low levels of IGF-1 in their circulation.  Daily supplementation of the diet of the diabetic patient with high quality first milking bovine colostrum will provide a functional source for the restoration of diminished levels of IGF-1, resulting in increased utilization of available glucose. This becomes extremely important for the Type I diabetic to assure effective and controlled utilization of available glucose once his/her insulin levels are restored. In the Type II diabetic, where sufficient insulin is available, it has been shown experimentally that restoration of reduced IGF-1 levels results in an enhancement of glucose utilization with a corresponding diminution of glucose levels in the blood and urine.^33-34

 

Autoimmune Diseases:

Diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis, among others, are complex clinical conditions with variable outcomes. All of these diseases represent an system that's out of control and will be restored and controlled through routine dietary supplementation with a top quality first milking colostrum. As indicated above (see Respiratory Diseases), as we age, our system loses its ability to manage itself efficiently, primarily because the thymus begins to shrink after puberty and essentially disappears by the time we are 50-60 years old. Scientific studies have shown that the thymus can be restored to normal function by IGF-1 the levels of which diminish in the circulation with age. In addition, colostrum contains a) specific hormones, the alpha and beta chains of thymosin, that are known to manage the functions of the thymus; and b) proline-rich peptide (PRP), thymulin, that has been shown to stay the system in check. It is also well documented that IGF-1 and the associated Super family of proteins found in colostrum operate in concert with growth hormone in the regeneration and repair of damaged cells. Routine dietary supplementation with top quality bovine colostrum is, therefore, desirable for people afflicted with autoimmune diseases so as to assure that sufficient levels of IGF-1 and somatotropin are continuously available in the circulation. In addition, since IGF-1 is responsible for directing the conversion of glucose to glycogen and glycogen is a primary metabolic energy resource, such dietary supplementation could also help such individuals overcome the associated lethargy normally experienced with such diseases.³⁵

 

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS):

The primary site for maturation of T-lymphocytes and their release into the body in response to an insult is that the thymus. Unfortunately, as we age this organ shrinks and loses its functions and valuable immune reaction capabilities are diminished or lost. This is a significant consideration within the individual infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), since the system is that the primary focuses of attack by the virus. As indicated above, the IGF-1 found in colostrum has been shown to be capable of restoring the thymus to its normal functioning capacity. In addition, colostrum contains both the alpha and beta chains of thymosin, which are hormones that are shown to work independently and together to market the functions of the thymus. Separate studies in experimental animals have also shown that daily ingestion of a top-quality bovine colostrum leads to a more expedient and effective response by the system when a potentially infectious microorganism challenges the body. In dealing with infectious diseases like AIDS, experts agree that the best offense is a good defense and that having the healthiest possible immune system, that is more capable of responding to a challenge, will likely assist in warding off infection and/or help in prolonging the development of the disease. Other substances found in bovine colostrum can also prove beneficial to AIDS patients. In limited studies, lactoferrin, an iron-binding component of colostrum, has been shown to completely prevent infection with certain viruses to which the AIDS patient may become susceptible. Independent scientific studies have also shown that the lactoferrin found in bovine colostrum is at least twice as potent as that found naturally in humans.³⁶

 

The wasting associated with the evolution of the disease in AIDS patients represents the destruction of muscle mass and is usually paralleled by the development of extreme fatigue and loss of energy. As described above, having a sufficient quantity of IGF-1 within the circulation, as would occur by routine dietary supplementation with top quality colostrum, assures the effective and efficient conversion of glucose to glycogen, supporting metabolic energy requirements to assist overcome the developing lethargy and fatigue. In addition, having sufficient IGF-1 available also helps to assure proper utilization of amino acids in the building of proteins required to maintain muscle mass.^37-38

 

Arthritis Relief / Prevention:

Arthritis is characterized by inflammation within the joints and therefore results in pain, may be a mild autoimmune disorder. Osteoarthritis (OA), a debilitating joint disorder, is the most common form of arthritis in the United States, where it affects an estimated 21 million people. In 2004, the direct and indirect health care costs associated with all forms of arthritis were approximately 86 billion dollars.³⁹ Joint discomfort from OA and other joint disorders may reduce physical activity in individuals experiencing this condition, resulting in energy imbalance and weight gain. The immune system continues to attack antigens, long after this immune reaction is not any longer necessary. The Prolinerich Polypeptides (PRPs) in bovine colostrum halt the inflammatory response by inhibiting over-production of T-cells and lymphocytes, which are stimulated by antigens and mitogens. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is considered as one of the gradually progressive debilitating disorder having vast etiologies involving biomechanical, biochemical and genetic factors. It is characterized by severe deforming symmetrical poly arthritis with no known cure as it is very difficult to restore the cartilage once destroyed. RA is the most familiar arthritis associated with systemic complications leading to premature death. RA occurs in 1% of population worldwide in which the prevalence of occurrence is more in men as compared to women. It is more common in European countries than in Asian and African populations. Colostrum may be a rich source of Methyl Sulfonyl Methane (MSM) and alongside growth factors to stimulate tissue regeneration, cartilage and animal tissue rebuilding is feasible.^40-41

 

Defense against Age-Related Neurocognitive Decline and Alzheimer’s Disease:

Components of bovine colostrum are shown to play a task in mitigating age-related depression, cognitive decline and dementia, especially Alzheimer’s disease. Serotonin levels often decline with age, and tryptophan levels affect the brain’s ability to synthesize serotonin. Increasing dietary intake of tryptophan relieves depression and stress in people highly susceptible to stress. Alpha lactalbumin increases the plasma ratio of tryptophan which successively, increases brain serotonin activity, reduces cortisol concentration, improves coping ability, and improves mood under stress. Chronic stress, hypothesized as a contributing factor for low brain serotonin levels, has been related to poor memory performance. Studies show that alpha-lactalbumin significantly improved memory test performance in stress compromised individuals. ^42-43

 

Inhibition of Cancer Cell Development:

Cancer has emerged as a major public health problem in developing countries. According to the World Cancer Report the cancer rates are increasing and it would be 15 million new cases in the year 2020 that is, a rise in 50%. A healthy lifestyle and diet can help in prevention of cancer.⁴⁴

 

Cancer cells are continuously created and destroyed in the human body, and cancer only truly manifests when a weakened immune system allows the cancerous cells to multiply out of control, spread and destroy other healthy tissues. The current treatment of choice for several cancers, chemotherapy, compromises the body’s natural immune function, thereby creating a situation of increased risk for opportunistic infections. The diverse combination of immune and growth factors in colostrums can protect against invading pathogens and toxins also as inhibit the spread of cancer cells. Colostral lactalbumin can cause the selective death of cancer cells, leaving the encompassing non-cancerous tissues unaffected. Lactoferrin has strong tumor inhibitory activity via apoptosis, blocking angiogenesis, modulating carcinogen metabolizing carcinogen metabolizing enzymes, and iron scavenging. Chemotherapy may be more effective when bovine colostrum is taken regularly due to the EGF in colostrums which makes human cancers more sensitive to chemotherapy agents. Research shows that tumor prevention is accompanied by increased glutathione levels, spleen lymphocyte proliferation, phagocytosis, and activity of natural killer, T-helper, and cytotoxic T-cells.^45-46

 

Optimization of Immune System Function:

Colostrum optimizes the human immune system. Bovine colostrum contains many thousands of antibodies; numerous that we should always consider the cow a “walking pharmaceutical factory”. These antibodies develop within day of a cow coming in touch with a pathogen (i.e., pathogens within the soil, air, feed, or from human contact), and are subsequently passed into colostrums and milk. Super pasteurization destroys all of these antibodies, so milk products don't contain any living components. Colostrum maintains 40 times more antibodies than milk. The immune-enhancing constituents in bovine colostrum quickly and effectively modulate a full range of immune functions, including destruction of pathogens and elimination of poisons. Colostrum has been shown to contain specific antibodies to quite nineteen specific disease causing pathogens including; E.coli, salmonella, candida, streptococcus, staphylococcus, H. pylori, cryptosporidium, and rotavirus. The Proline-rich Polypeptides (PRPs) in colostrum help regulate the thymus gland; PRPs can both stimulate a weakened system and/or balance an overactive system, as is that the case of many allergies and autoimmune diseases. Lactoferrin features a unique ability to up or down regulate iron as required by various tissues, which is critical to its vast and varied modulatory effects. Lactoferrin has antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties and has been utilized for the treatment of cancer, HIV, herpes, chronic fatigue, candida albicans and other infections.^47-49

 

Improved Glucose Tolerance, Insulin Sensitivity and Type 2 Diabetes Prevention:

Diabetes mellitus is characterized by abnormally high levels of blood glucose, either due to insufficient insulin production, or due to its ineffectiveness. The most common forms of diabetes are type 1diabetes (5%), an autoimmune disorder, and type 2 diabetes (95%), which is associated with obesity.⁵⁰ Gestational diabetes occurs in pregnancy. Components of bovine colostrum are shown to play a task in improving glucose tolerance, boosting insulin sensitivity and even reducing the danger of Type 2 diabetes. Diabetes may be a major aging disease characterized by significant cellular damage caused by generation of reactive oxygen species. In most cases, a high-fat diet, excessive weight gain, and obesity cause a rise risk of Type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic liver disease disease. Research shows that risk reduction can be achieved in mice by supplementation alone, which appear to increase metabolism. Even with no additional intervention, both glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity were improved; body weight was lower and lean body mass was higher.^51-52

 

CONCLUSION

The composition of colostrum differs markedly from milk, reflecting a difference in the biological function of the two secretions. The nutritional composition of colostrums favors its use as Ancient Food for contemporary times and hence can be considered as a nutraceutical. In addition, the physical and physicochemical properties of colostrum are substantially different from those of mature milk. The Composition and properties of bovine colostrum increases interest in colostrum either as a health-promoting product or a source of numerous pharmacological activities. The colostrum most important aspect is it is free of any kind of adverse or side effects. Colostrum as reviewed can be of use in variety of setting –athletic performance, maintenance of integrity of mucosa, permeability, local immunity, systemic immunity and antigen handling. Colostrum supplements can play an important role in autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis. As immune modulator as well as have scope in maintenance of growth in children due to presence of growth factors. This review has collected published knowledge on these properties in a manner which has not previously been available.

 

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

 

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Received on 10.11.2020          Modified on 19.12.2020

Accepted on 16.01.2021          ©AJRC All right reserved