Colostrum - a Natural Boost for the Immune System

Colostrum is nature’s first food for mammals and contains high levels of immunoglobulins, the self-defence mechanism by which the body fights infection as well as valuable growth factors to nourish the new born.

The antiviral, antibiotic and general immune boosting properties of colostrum were recognised many thousands of years ago and were used extensively prior to the discovery of antibiotics and sulphur drugs.

Today it is not only recognized for its immune boosting properties but the growth factors in colostrum benefit athletes by increasing stamina and due to its tissue healing properties, speeding up recovery from injury.

The immune system is the mechanism by which the body fights infection. Daily, our immune system needs to work optimally to combat foreign substances that enter our bodies. Modern life has placed more stress on our system. The everyday demands of life and the amount of processed food we eat places stress on the body's delicate balance. This can lead to the body's immune system requiring assistance to fight infections.  By taking bovine (cow) colostrum as a supplement, we can help support the immune system due to the multiple immune factors and natural antibiotic properties present in colostrum. The many growth factors in colostrum can further offer a broad spectrum boost to the body to encourage optimum health.

Colostrum Powder contains a combination of bioactive components to support a healthy immune system. The most valuable components in bovine colostrum include:

Immunoglobulins (Ig's). These are proteins that form an important part of the immune system. They function as antibodies and are generated by the body in response to foreign substances (antigens) such as infectious microbes. Ig's are present in the whey component of milk, human serum and other body fluids. Colostrum is a rich source of lg's and contains IgD, IgE, IgM and most predominant ones IgA and IgG.

New Zealand colostrum generally has an IgG rating of between 15-20%

Lactoferrin is an iron-binding whey protein found in the milk of most mammals, it contains 703 amino acids.  It is naturally occurring in body fluids i.e. tears, saliva, breast milk and the highest concentration is found in colostrum. It is also a major constituent of leukocytes, a type of white blood cell. Lactoferrin is able to bind to pathogens invading the body.

Lactoferrin is considered a multifunctional or multi-tasking protein. It appears to play several biological roles. Owing to its iron-binding properties, it appears to be the source of iron and have antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immunomodulatory activities.

Lysozyme is an enzyme, commonly referred to as the body’s own antibiotic, It is abundantly present in secretions such as, tear ducts, milk and colostrum. It has the ability to destroy cell walls of certain bacteria. It is able to catalyse the inactivation of a wide range of micro-organisms.

Lactoperoxidase is an enzyme present in colostrum.  It possesses its own antimicrobial properties against gram-positive organisms and exhibits pH dependent bactericidal action against gram-negative organisms.

Growth Factors are substances made by the body that function to regulate cell division and cell survival.

The growth factors found in bovine colostrum include:

IGF 1 and 2 (insulin like growth factor)

These growth factors are the most prevalent in colostrum and the body and is key in the reproduction of our bodies cellular tissue, this assist athletes in recovery times after events as well as after injury

TGF ß1 and ß2 (transforming growth factor)

These growth factors play a large role in tissue repair. In particular, the digestive tract and cartilage. It also has an inhibitory role on adipocytes which are the fat storage cells which may assist in the controlling of obesity.

Being an IGF-rich supplement it promotes a healthy gut through turnover of the intestinal lining, increased uptake of dietary components and increased immunological performance. Gut micro flora play a vital role in digestion, nutrient absorption and immune function. If there is an imbalance in the intestinal micro flora this may upset the digestive process and impact on the immune system, the use of Colostrum can keep your gut at optimal function.

Taking bovine colostum is not there to replace new found drugs such as antibiotics but to help boost the human immune system and help the body in its everyday fight to prevent viral and bacterial infections. Many new and exciting discoveries are being made about the healing properties of this very old cure used by our forefathers.

As we get older, our bodies lose some of its ability to fight infections and replace worn out tissue. Many folks have turned to natural remedies to boost the body's defences. Bovine colostrum has proved not only to support the body's immune system but also contains valuable growth factors that promote tissue repair.

Natural and pure bovine colostrum powder is becoming popular as a sought after health supplement for boosting the human immune system.  Although many new drugs have shown to be effective in combating infections, the key is to maintain a healthy immune system and help prevent infections and diseases overcoming the body’s defenses in the first place. Research shows that Colostrum is one of the most important nutritional supplements available for enhancing the immune system, for tissue healing and gut health. More information can be found at Colostrum Health Products.Colostrum Health Products website.