| Bovine Colostrum Colostrum is the pre-milk fluid produced from
the mother's mammary glands during the first few days after birth. Bovine colostrum is
derived from cows. Colostrum is a rich source of antibodies, growth factors and nutrients
for the suckling neonate and may provide passive immunity to the newborn against various
infectious microorganisms, particularly those that affect the gastrointestinal tract. It
may also have other health benefits.
The ability of colostrum to increase IGF-1
levels is well known. IGF-1 helps to maintain healthy cholesterol levels, and lower
bodyfat. Due to colostrums GH content, supplementation may prove beneficial in the fight
against aging.
The protein content of bovine colostrum is
three to four times higherup to 150 grams per liter compared to 30 to 40 grams per
literthan it is in regular cow's milk.
The greater part of this protein is
comprised of whey proteins (see Whey Proteins). Immunoglobulins, mainly IgG, make up about
75% of the whey proteins. Other substances found in bovine colostrum include casein,
lactoferrin, alpha-lactalbumin, beta-lactoglobulin, and the growth factors insulin-like
growth factor-1 (IGF-1), insulin-like growth factor-2 (IGF-2), transforming growth factor
beta (TGFbeta) and epidermal growth factor (EGF). In addition, bovine colostrum contains
vitamins, minerals, lipids and lactose. Bovine colostrum may also contain colostrinin,
also known as proline-rich polypeptide (PRP), a substance found in ovine (sheep)
colostrum.
Bovine colostrum is marketed in several
forms. Bovine colostrum prepared by microfiltration is mainly composed of whey proteins
and their associated immunoglobulins and the growth factors IGF-1, IGF-2, TGFbeta and EGF.
Substances such as lactose, fats, casein
and lactalbumin are significantly reduced in microfiltered bovine colostrum. Hyperimmune
bovine colostrum is rich in immunoglobulins of the IgG type, which are protective against
such infectious microorganisms as Cryptosporidium parvum (a major cause of
AIDS-associated diarrhea), diarrheogenic Escherichia coli strains, Shigella
flexneri, Clostridium difficile, and rotavirus, the most common cause of severe
diarrhea in young children.
Hyperimmune bovine colostrum is prepared
from cows previously immunized with specific antigens. Hyperimmune bovine colostrum IgG
concentrate is an orphan drug for the treatment of diarrhea in AIDS patients caused by
infection with Cryptosporidium parvum. |