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what is in colostrum

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Constituents of Colostrumwarehouse Bovine Colostrum: Immunoglobulins and Growth Factors

The most important components of bovine colostrum can be broken down into two major categories: immune system factors and growth factors.   Immunoglobulins, also called antibodies, are proteins produced by the immune system in response to bacterial, virus or other foreign invasion.  Immunoglobulins make up over 50% of the protein component, providing specific anti-microbial protection by neutralizing bacteria, bacterial toxins, viruses and some parasites.

Growth factors include:

• Growth hormone (GH)
•  Insulin-like growth factor 1 and II (IgF-1 & IgF-II)
• Transforming growth factors A & B (TgF A & B)
• Epithelial growth factor (EGF)
• Fibroblast growth factor (FGF)
• Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)
• Gonadotropin releasing hormone and associated peptide (GnRH & GAP)

Functions of Bovine Colostrum Growth Factors:

• Help stimulate cell and tissue growth in muscle, bone, cartilage, skin collagen and nervous tissue by stimulating DNA and RNA formation
• Help burn fat for fuel instead of muscle tissue
• Help build and retain lean muscle
• Repair the body's DNA and RNA, carrier of genetic information and protein synthesis, respectively.
• Balance and regulate blood sugar levels, reducing the need for insulin.  Insulin is a hormone that acts to regulate the metabolism of glucose, or sugar, in the body.
• Helps regulate brain chemicals, such as serotonin and dopamine, which affect mood and other mental functions.
• Accelerates healing of burns, surgeries, cuts, and abrasions

Immunoglobulins:

1. Immunoglobulin A (IgA): IgA is one of the most prevalent antibodies produced by the immune system.  It is found in all bodily secretions and is the major antibody in the mucous membrane lining the intestines and respiratory tract.
2. Immunoglobulin G (IgG): IgG is a specialized immune protein that responds to invasions of the lymphatic and circulatory system by bacteria, fungi and viruses. 
3. Immunoglobulin M (IgM): IgM is the first immunoglobulin produced when foreign substances, such as bacteria, invade the body.  It is found in circulating fluids, and destroys bacteria.
4. Immunoglobulin E (IgE): IgE is concentrated in the lung, the skin and the cells of mucous membranes.  Mucous membranes are surface linings that protect certain organs, such as the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts.  IgE also provides the primary defense against environmental antigens, and is highly anti-viral.

Other Constituents of Colostrumwarehouse Bovine Colostrum

1. Cytokines: interleukin 1, 6, 10
   Cytokines are immune factors that regulate the duration and intensity of the immune response and cell-to-cell communication.  Cytokines boost leukocyte (white blood cell) activity and the production of immunoglobulins.  Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is strongly anti-inflammatory, especially in arthritic joints.
2. Lactoferrin
   Lactoferrin is an iron-binding protein that has anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties.  Lactoferrin helps deprive bacteria of the iron they require to reproduce. It also modulates cytokine release. Lactoferrin releases iron into red blood cells, enhancing tissue uptake of oxygen.  Its receptors have been found on most immune cells, including lymphocytes, monocytes, macrophages and platelets. Lactoferrin has demonstrated therapeutic effects in HIV, cancer, cytomegalovirus, herpes, chronic fatigue syndrome, Candida albicans, and other infections.
3.  Lysozymes
   Lysozymes are hydrolyzing protein agents and immune system boosters capable of destroying bacteria and viruses on contact.
4. Lymphokines
   Lymphokines are hormone-like proteins that are produced by activated lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell.  Lymphokines regulate the duration and intensity of the immune response.
5. Proline-rich polypeptide (PRP)
   Proline-rich polypeptide is a hormone that regulates the thymus gland, the primary central gland of the lymphatic system.  PRP stimulates an underactive immune system or down regulates an overactive immune system.  Overactive immune systems are seen in multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and other autoimmune diseases.
   Staroscik et al (1983) found that proline-rich polypeptide (PRP) isolated from ovine colostrum has a regulatory effect on the immune system.  PRP-2 and PRP-3 showed activity in the regulation of the immune system.
   Anusz and Lisowski (1993) found that PRP increases the permeability of skin vessels, and causes activation of T-lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell.  Proline-rich polypeptide can simultaneously change surface markers and functions of cells. 
6. Leukocytes (white blood cells)
   Among the most important functions of white blood cells are phagocytosis of bacteria, fungi and viruses, detoxification of toxins, and the development of immunities.  Phagocytosis is the ability of a cell to surround, engulf and digest microorganisms and cellular debris.
   White blood cells also stimulate the production of interferon, an immune cell that provides protection against viruses.  Interferon slows viral reproduction and viral penetration of cell walls.
7.  Albumin and pre-albumin:
   Albumin is a protein found in practically every animal tissue and is responsible for a variety of functions.
8. Enzymes:
   Enzymes are proteins that catalyze chemical reactions in the body.  Enzymes oxidize bacteria through their ability to release hydrogen peroxide. Some of the enzymes present in bovine colostrum include:Lactoperoxidase
   • thiocyanate
   • Peroxidase
   • Xanthine oxidase
9. Trypsin inhibitors and protease inhibitors
   These inhibitors prevent the immune and growth factors in colostrum from being broken down in the gastrointestinal tract.  They also prevent Helicobacter pylori bacteria from attaching to the walls of the stomach, helping to treat peptic ulcers.
10. Oligo polysaccharides and glycoconjugates
    Attract and bind to pathogens, preventing them from attaching or entering mucous membranes.  Pathogens include bacteria, viruses and parasites such as Streptococcus, Shigella, Salmonella, E. Coli, Cryptosporidia, Giardia, Entamoeba, Clostridium, and Cholera.
11. Orotic acid
    Orotic acid stops the formation of pyrimidine nucleotides, the building blocks of DNA and RNA.  Orotic acid also prevents hemolytic anemia, a disorder characterized by the premature destruction of red blood cells.
12. Nucleic acids and nucleic acid conjugates:
    Nucleic acids are the building blocks of DNA and RNA.
13. Lactose and other sugars:
    Lactose is a type of simple sugar found in milk and milk products.
14. Casein
    Casein is a type of protein found in milk and milk products.
15. Beta-Lactoglobulin
16. Lactalbumin
17. Alpha 1-antitrypsin
18. Alpha 1-fetoprotein
19. Alpha 2-macroglobulin
20. Alpha 2-AP glycoprotein
21. C3 and C4 complement proteins
22. Orosomucoids

Minerals Present in Bovine Colostrum:

• Calcium
• Phosphorus
• Magnesium
• Sodium
• Potassium
• Iron
• Copper
• Cobalt
• Manganese
• Iodine
• Sulphur

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Vitamins Present in Bovine Colostrum:

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin B12
• Carotenoids
• Vitamin D
• Thiamin
• Niacin
• Pantothenic acid
• Nicotinic acid
• Vitamin B6
• Biotin
• Folic acid
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin B2

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Amino Acids Present in Bovine Colostrum:

• Lysine
• Methionine
• Cysteine
• Arginine
• Tryptophan
• Histidine
• Isoleucine
• Leucine
• Phenylalanine
• Threonine
• Valine

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