Article: Colostrum - a natural boost for the immune system - by Elmari Cara - Director NZTM Ltd
INDEX
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.
.Article by Elmari Cara - General Manager
Colostrum Health
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease