Colostrum: Learn about the direct benefits and components that promote your health

There are more than 90 described components in bovine colostrum.

Although we are using categories, it is worth noting that many of these factors have multiple functions and the classification into certain categories is not always different.

The following information can give you an idea of ​​the various fractions contained in colostrum.

Immunoregulatory substances

• Thymosin (alpha and beta chains). Hormone composed of two protein-based chains that are present separately in bovine colostrum. The chains act on the thymus gland independently or together to stimulate the activation, development and maintenance of the immune system.
• Proline-rich peptide (PRP) . A small hormone-like protein that acts on the thymus and other organs associated with the immune system to prevent it from overreacting to an attack.
• Cytokines. Small proteins produced by various cells in the body that induce the generation of specialized types of white blood cells, tell them to reach the site of an insult, and assist in their passage through tissues.
• Lymphokines . Proteins of different sizes that are produced by different types of white blood cells that tell related cells to transform into more functional cell types that can release substances capable of destroying an invading microorganism.

Intestinal protective substances

• Immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM, IgA) . Complex proteins, better known as antibodies, that constitute a significant part of the proteins found in complete colostrum from the first milking. These antibodies were produced by the mother's immune system in response to her exposure to many different microorganisms during her life and were then transferred to the colostrum before the birth of the calf. These substances help maintain the gastrointestinal tract of humans.
• Transfer factors. Small proteins produced in response to the body's exposure to certain types of microorganisms, particularly those that reside in deep tissues for a long period of time. They are specific for a particular microorganism and are carried within certain types of specialized white blood cells. Transfer factors have limited effectiveness on their own in defending the body against infection by such microorganisms, but instead act in concert with various white blood cells and other factors in an attempt to keep the microorganisms under control.
• Lactoferrin. A mineral-binding transporter protein that binds available iron. Certain aerobic bacteria (grow in the presence of oxygen) require iron to reproduce and, therefore, lactoferrin is an effective substance, when operating in the presence of a specific antibody, to prevent the growth of some microorganisms in the intestine. Some suppliers of colostrum for human consumption have made additional claims regarding the application of lactoferrin as an immunoregulatory substance with antiviral, antibacterial and antitumor properties. To date, none of these claims have been adequately substantiated by properly controlled evidence.
• Transferrin. Another mineral-binding transporter protein that binds available iron and may act independently or in conjunction with lactoferrin to prevent the growth of certain aerobic bacteria, particularly in the intestine.
• Lysozyme. A very powerful enzyme that is capable of attaching to the cell wall of certain pathogenic bacteria and degrading selected components, leaving holes in the wall of the bacteria.
• Lactoperoxidase . A mildly effective enzyme that can also adhere to the wall of certain bacteria, degrade select proteins, and interfere with the bacteria's ability to replicate.
• Xanthine oxidase. Another mildly effective enzyme that can also adhere to the wall of certain bacteria, degrade proteins other than those affected by lactoperoxidase, and therefore also interfere with the bacteria's ability to replicate.
• White blood cells (leukocytes) . Mainly, three types of functional white blood cells are present in colostrum, including neutrophils, macrophages, and polymorphonuclear cells. Each has the ability to phagocytize (engulf) microorganisms and other foreign bodies and apply internally transported substances for the destruction of microorganisms. Their functions improve dramatically when antibodies first attach to microorganisms.
• Oligosaccharides and glycoconjugates. Complex carbohydrates (sugars) that can adhere to specific sites on the inner surface of the gastrointestinal tract and prevent the adhesion of microorganisms.

The growth factors

• Insulin-like growth factors (IGF). Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and its closely related counterpart, insulin-like growth factor-2 (IGF-2) are potent hormones found associated with nearly all cells in the body. . They are part of a group of more than 90 different proteins, called the “IGF-binding protein (IGFBP) superfamily,” which is responsible for the processes by which cells grow and reproduce. These substances are also responsible for maintaining the body's metabolic pathways by which cells convert glucose into glycogen, a primary energy source, and use amino acids to create proteins. The key event that triggers the functions of the various IGFBP superfamily proteins is the binding of IGF-1 to a specific site on the surface of a cell. Many of the growth factors found in colostrum and previously defined by their functions are now considered part of the IGFBP Superfamily. This includes the following substances, among others.
• Transform growth factors A and B. Induces the transformation of cells from an immature form to a mature and functional state
• Epithelial growth factor. It participates in the generation and maintenance of cells in the epithelial (outer) layers of the skin.
• Fibroblast growth factor. Associated with the regeneration of various types of tissue, including skin and other organs.
• Platelet-derived growth factor. Responsible for the generation of cells and functions associated with blood coagulation.

Metabolic Factors

• Leptin. A small hormone-like protein that can suppress appetite. Mature fat cells (adipocytes) release leptin in the presence of insulin, which is also found in colostrum. Insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells have binding sites for leptin, and it is thought that the size of the fat cells may be an important factor in determining the amount of leptin released.
  insulin. A hormone necessary for the efficient utilization of glucose (blood sugar) in the body. Insulin binds to specific sites on cells, facilitating its interaction with IGF-1 and thereby initiating the conversion of glucose into glycogen, a high-energy carbohydrate.
• Vitamin binding proteins. Smaller proteins that act as transporters to deliver B complex vitamins to the body. The carrier proteins and associated vitamins folate (B6), B12 and orotic acid are found in colostrum.
• Mineral binding proteins. The iron-binding proteins lactoferrin and transferrin have been discussed previously. In addition to interfering with the replication of certain microorganisms, they also serve to capture iron from ingested foods and present it in a form that the body can easily absorb. Lactoferrin can also bind to copper and deliver it in a form suitable for the body to absorb. Additionally, there are two transport proteins in colostrum that help in the absorption of calcium. They are casein and alpha-lactalbumin, which is present in colostrum very shortly after birth.
• Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). A nucleotide phosphorylated in a highly specialized form that transfers the chemical energy needed to drive metabolic reactions to form new protein, carbohydrate, and fat molecules.
• Enzyme inhibitors . These small proteins slow or inhibit the breakdown of proteins by certain enzymes. They provide limited protection to immunological, growth and metabolic factors as they pass through the digestive tract.

There are many other substances present in colostrum, but some are not well understood. However, there are at least two substances in addition to those described above that do have a known function. They are the hormone melatonin, which has a direct effect on the establishment of biological rhythms and adequate sleep patterns; and relaxing, a hormone known to directly affect contracted muscles.

All these benefits and components are directly provided by colostrum, Hunic is the best way if you want to start administering it in your daily life.