Colostrum Part 5: How colostrum works_ v2/3 : Contents of colostrum

Colostrum is a complex substance containing varying components that have specific or nonspecific therapeutic and nutritional benefits. There are two main ways in which colostrum supports the human organism.

1. Firstly, multiple immune factors and natural antibiotic properties provide strong support for overall immunity 
2. The many growth factors in colostrum offer a broad-spectrum boost to the body encouraging optimum health and healing.

The stronger your body's immune system becomes, the more resilient it is to invading pathogens.

The Immune Factors

Immunoglobulins

The principal immunoglobulins that function as antibodies are IgG, IgA, and IgM. All these immunoglobulins function synergistically so as to complement each other in their purpose to hunt down and destroy invading pathogenic microbes.

All excerpts from wikipedia

IgG ~

IgG antibodies are predominantly involved in the secondary immune response (the main antibody involved in primary response is IgM). The presence of specific IgG generally corresponds to maturation of the antibody response.[2]

This is the only isotype that can pass through the human placenta, thereby providing protection to the fetus in utero. Along with IgA secreted in the breast milk, residual IgG absorbed through the placenta provides the neonate with humoral immunity before its own immune system develops. Colostrum contains a high percentage of IgG, especially in bovine colostrum.

It can bind to many kinds of pathogens, for example viruses, bacteria, and fungi, and protects the body against them by agglutination and immobilization, complement activation (classical pathway), opsonization for phagocytosis and neutralization of their toxins. It also plays an important role in Antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity(ADCC).

IgG is also associated with Type II and Type III Hypersensitivity.


IgA~



Primary role is as the first line of defense then protecting mucosal surfaces and preventing pathogen attacks


IgM~ 

Primary role is to fight while also enhancing phagocytosis (engulfment and digestion of bacteria) thereby destroying invading pathogens




IgE~

 Primarily involved with the allergic reaction and with histamine associated allergic reaction as well as active defence against enteric parasites.




IgD~

Stimulates lymphocytes to produce antibodies




Some images from here
Apart from that, colostrum also have these to enhance the immunoglobulin functions.

Lactoferrin
An iron-binding protein with potent broad spectrum antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and free radical reducing effects.Lactoferrin also helps protect tissues from pathogenic,  inflammatory and oxidation damage.

Cytokines
A group of substances that assist with regulation of immunity and inflammatory responses in the body. Two common forms of cytokines in colostrum are interleukin 1 and 6. They help to regulate the intensity and duration of the immune response and control the communication between the immune system cells while at the same time boosting T lymphocyte activity.



Proline Rich Polypeptides (PRP's)
These have been shown to enhanced immunity by stimulating a weak immune system and /or balancing an overactive one. This can be done partly by the action of regulating the activity of the thymus gland which is often describes as the 'command centre' for the immune system. 

Antibacterial Enzymes
These work synergistically with each other and increase antibacterial activity in the presence  of lactoferrin, forming a deadly combination for invading bacteria.


Lactalbumin
This substance, research has indicated, may have possibilities for enhancement of the immune response against numerous forms of viruses and cancers including breast and liver. Lactalbumin has also been shown in vulnerable subjects to raise brain serotonin activity, reduce cortisol concentration and improve moods when under stress.

Growth Factors
Growth factors found in colostrum include Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF), Trophoblast Growth Factor (TGF), Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF) and Fibroblast Growth factor (FGF). Their function primarily is in the growth, development and maturation of cells, organs. nerves, muscle and tissues. Growth factors also play a part in the body's healing and recovery processes.
  

 Probiotics
The main function of the digestive system is the preparation of food, making it available to the body for energy, growth and structural maintenance. Final digestion occurs in the intestine assisted by billions of microorganisms (probiotic bacteria). Food is metabolised and absorbed through the gut wall into the body and it has been recommended that even a healthy diet should be supplemented with the leading form of good bacteria- Lactobacillus Acidophilus. This probiotic isincluded in Alpha Lipid Lifeline and should be taken every day.


A critical balance of both good and bad bacteria within the intestine is vital and this balance can be affected by changes in diet, health or immune status, age, stress and even during the use of medications. An imbalance of these bacteria can cause effects ranging from mild discomfort to far more serious conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and even cancers.


Intestinal Health
Significant research has shown that probiotics are beneficial are beneficial in the treatment of many types of diarrhoea associated with antibiotic tereatment, traveller's diarrhoea and shildhood rotavirus associated diarrhoea. Probiotics have been proven to preserve intestinal ontegrity and mediate the effects of inflammatory bowel diseases such as colitis. In additon lactic acid can improve intestinal mobility and relieve constipation, particularly for those in their senior years.

Immune system
Research suggest that probiotics can enhance both the specific and non-specific immune response by increasing local levels of cytokines and natural killer cell activity as well as having a positive effect on the immunoglobulin.


Lactose Intolerance
Evidence has shown that lactic acid bacteria alleviates symptoms of lactose intolerance by providing bacterial lactase to the stomach and ontestine, thereby improving lactose digestion function.


Allergy
Probiotics have a beneficial effect on the mucosal barrier function thus reducing the allergic reaction. Probiotics have also exhibited a positive influence on the treatment and management of toher conditions including eczema, asthma and hayfever.


Cancer
Extensive research has shown that probiotic consumption may reduce the risk of colon cancer by reducing the incidence and number of tumors.



Multi vitamin/minerals
Even with a good diet not all the essential vitamins and minerals are obtained for good health. Soils have been exhausted through intensive farming and food is not as nutrient rich as it previously was. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies are commonly associated with many illnesses and the need for a complete range is the reason that they are included in Alpha Lipid Lifeline.


Prebiotics
Prebiotics or dietary fiber serve the body in several ways. They not only encourage the growth of beneficial probiotic bacteria but also stimulate the action of the gut promoting good digestion and a healthy metabolism.

**all from New Image Group handbook**