Colostrum
Colostrum (from Latin, of unknown origin) is the first form of milk produced by the mammary glands of humans and other mammals immediately following delivery of the newborn.
[5][6] Bovine colostrum can also be used for nonorganic failure to thrive in children and acute non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced increase in intestinal permeability in males[7] and can boost a neonate's immunity.
[13][14] A number of cytokines (small messenger peptides that control the functioning of the immune system) are found in colostrum as well, tumor necrosis factor, and others.
[18] Proline-rich polypeptides (PRPs) are small immune signaling peptides that were independently discovered in colostrum and other sources, such as blood plasma, in the United States, Czechoslovakia and Poland.
They function as signal transducing molecules that have the unique effect of modulating the immune system, turning it up when the body comes under attack from pathogens or other disease agents, and damping it when the danger is eliminated or neutralized.
[25] In addition, colostrum also has a laxative effect, encouraging the baby's body to excrete stool, which helps eliminate excess bilirubin.
[clarification needed] In fact, Albert Sabin, who developed the first oral vaccine against polio, used colostrum in an experiment to evaluate the protective effect of breastfeeding against the poliomyelitis virus.
He then mixed the serum and blood from each individual mother together, in systematically differing proportions, and added "a constant amount" of the Lansing strain of the poliomyelitis virus.
The researchers attributed these benefits to the antioxidant properties of BC, which help maintain telomere length and boost fibroblast proliferation—a key element in collagen production and the maintenance of skin structure.
[53] These antioxidants, combined with growth factors,[54] improve skin elasticity and firmness, helping to diminish the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
[54] A clinical study[55] published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found that topical application of antioxidants significantly improved skin texture and reduced signs of aging in participants over a 12-week period.
[64] The role of colostrum for newborn animals is to provide nutrition, and protect against infection while the immune and digestive systems are developing and maturing.
Bovine colostrum provides macro- and micro-nutrients, as well as growth factors, cytokines, nucleosides, oligosaccharides, natural antimicrobials, antioxidants; and a range of immunoglobulins such as IgG, IgA, IgD, IgM and IgE.
Bovine Colostrum contains bioactive components that support immunity and gut health in animals, and fight bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens.
Maternal antibodies provide benefit for a relatively short period of time so a gap exists with immune sufficiency where an animal is at risk of infection.
Studies[65] suggest that bovine colostrum may enhance animal immunity, improve gut health, and lower the risk of illness.
Although bovine colostrum has been consumed by humans for centuries,[68] only in recent decades have we seen an increase in randomized clinical trials to support assertions of health benefits.
However, the presence of casein and other buffering proteins does allow growth factors and other bioactive molecules to pass into the lumen of the small intestine intact, where they can stimulate repair and inhibit microbes, working via local effects.
[73] Evidence for the beneficial effect of colostrum on extra-gastrointestinal problems is less well developed, due in part to the limited number of randomised double-blind studies published, although a variety of possible uses have been suggested.
It is also a major immunological defence mechanism, detecting natural commensals and triggering immune response when toxic microbes are present.
These mechanisms have relevance for multiple conditions affecting all areas of the world and socioeconomic groups such as ulcers, inflammation, and infectious diarrhea.
[80][81] Supplementation with bovine colostrum, 20 grams per day (g/d), in combination with exercise training for eight weeks may increase bone-free lean body mass in active men and women.
A sweet cheese-like delicacy called 'Junnu' or 'Ginna' is made with colostrum in the south Indian states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
