Colostrum (also known as beestings or first milk or "immune milk") is a form of milk produced by the mammary glands of mammals in late pregnancy and the few days after giving birth.
Colostrum is high in carbohydrates, protein, and antibodies and low in fat (as human newborns may find fat difficult to digest). Newborns have very small digestive systems, and colostrum delivers its nutrients in a very concentrated low-volume form. Colostrum contains all five immunoglobulins found in all mammals, IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG and IgM. There are many beneficial proteins in the colostrum, including a variety of growth factors (IGfs).
There is now mounting scientific evidence suggesting that human consumption of bovine (cow) colostrum is beneficial to general health. Proponents of the use of bovine colostrum by humans as a dietary supplement or as Medical food suggest that bovine colostrum raises both general immunity and physical strength. The main findings of the applicability of Colostrum for human health relate to the use of Hyper Immunized colostrum against specific diseases. Hyper Immunized colostrum refers to the use of colostrum from cows immunized by approved vaccines (while pregnant) against specific antigens. The cow develops an immune response which manifests itself in the form of antibodies against the specific antigens in the colostrum, to protect its calf. Numerous placebo controlled, double blind trials have been successfully completed using such hyperimmune colostrum preparations directed against a variety of enteric agents. They have been performed in the USA, Sweden, Australia, Hong Kong, and other parts of the world - both challenge and field trials, with statistically protective results against enteric organisms such as Shigella, E. coli and rotavirus being commonly noted.
Some biotechnology companies are now commercializing hyper immunized colostrum against specific targets. A few examples are IBD and IBS, Rotavirus , cancer related Mucositis and Influenza .
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Last updated on Monday September 29, 2008 at 09:16:16 PDT (GMT -0700)
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