COMPONENTS OF COLOSTRUM
Colostrum is a rich source of nonspecific proteins such as Thymosin Alpha1 and B4, Lactoferrin, Insulin, Insulin-like Growth Factor, antistaphlococcal factor and others. These proteins are important in resistance to infectious diseases as well as other growth and tissue-stimulating functions. Colostrum is also the source of specific proteins (immunoglobulins) known to be passively transferred to the newborn by feeding. Colostrum as nature's richest source of these proteins, with limited production and time frame for harvest, has exceptional value.
Immunoglobulins and Antibodies are ONE and THE SAME
They are composed of IgG (IgG1 and IgG2) IgA, IgM, IgD and IgE.
IgG is the most abundant of the immunoglobulins with IgG1 the most abundant in colostrum.
IgG is considered as one of the more valuable components in colostrum. We believe there are other proteins in colostrum that are as important as IgG or even more so.
In humans this IgG antibody protection is passed from mother to offspring prior to birth. IgG molecules are not transported across the lining of the intestine into the circulation in humans or not in any appreciable amount.
In older persons, after the stomach has become acidified and bile salts are present the IgG antibody loses much of its biological activity throughout the digestive tract. The antibody that survives the digestive system is the IgA molecule, which has a special J or hinge piece, attached to the end of the molecule.
Another factor about the IgG antibody is, when using bovine colostrum the cow produces the antibodies of bovine diseases for her offspring and not antibodies for human diseases.
Again, for antibodies to be effective it requires large amounts of specific antibodies for specific conditions. Unless the cow has been specifically treated for that condition there are not enough antibodies present in the amount taken to be effective.
Bovine IgG has two important functions.
- By its nature of being an immunoglobulin, the protein strands are in a globular pattern like wadded up string rather than in a linear pattern. Small bioactive components in colostrum can be transported within the folds of the IgG antibodies.
- THE IgG ANTIBODY IS IMPORTANT IN DETERMINING QUALITY OF COLOSTRUM provided other colostrum components have not been altered to elevate the concentration of IgGs, thus giving the impression of higher quality of colostrum. Also antibodies from other sources can be added to colostrum to give it an appearance of higher quality.
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