peterants

The following information regarding the benefits of bovine colustrum are taken from the website of Labelle, Inc.

What is colostrum?

Colostrum is the first lacteal secretions produced by a mammal prior to and just after giving birth. Colostrum is full of rich nutrients and immune factors that set babies on the path to health.

Why bovine colostrum?

Bovine colostrum is extremely similar to human colostrum in terms of digestibility and nutrients. At the same time, scientific studies have shown that colostrum’s highly prized immune and growth factors are found in greater quantities in bovine colostrum than in human.

The benefits of colostrum to the human body – from boosting the immune system to promoting cell repair are continually being researched and discovered.

The site continues with a discussion of studies showing benefits for humans from bovine colustrum. (The site includes links to allow you to read abstracts of the studies results):

Scientists and researchers have tested the healing properties of colostrum supplements with over 2,000 scientific studies. Below you’ll find a selection of these studies.

Colostrum has been shown to prevent NSAID induced gut damage. NSAIDS are non-steroid al anti-inflammatory drugs given for the treatment of pain. They are a common cause of gastritis. Colostrum has also been shown to possibly have value in the treatment of other ulcerative conditions of the bowel.

Colostrum has been shown to enhance serum IGF-I, IgG, hormone and saliva IgA during athletes’ training. In clinical trials, IGF-1 is known to have strong anabolic effects on muscle tissue, as it is able to mimic most of the actions of growth hormone. Colostrum appears to aid strength and speed in athletes, plus increase insulin, which has anabolic effects.

Antibodies from colostrum in oral immunotherapy have aided treatment of various human infections, including those caused by antibiotic resistant bacteria.

Insulin-like growth factors I and II have been found in bovine colostrum. They stimulate the immune system; promote cell repair and growth; and affect how the body uses fat, protein and sugar. IGF-I is of benefit to athletes, body builders and people concerned about weight because it can help burn fat and encourage lean muscle tissue. IGF-I also has been shown to have improved blood sugar profiles in type II diabetics.

The immunoglobulins from colostrum were used successfully to treat diarrhea in HIV infected patients.

Bovine immunoglobulin concentrate may provide a new approach to the treatment and prevention of C difficle antibiotic associated with diarrhea and colitis.

Colostrum was used successfully to treat a Helicobacter pylori infection in infants in rural Bangladesh with immunoglobulins from hyper immune bovine colostrum.

Studies showed the efficacy of bovine milk immunoglobulin concentrate in preventing illness after Shigella flexneri Challenge. Most who are infected with Shigella develop diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps after they are exposed to the bacterium.

Growth factors help with such vital functions as the normal growth of tissue, and help repair aged or injured muscle, skin collagen, bone, cartilage and nerve tissues. These factors also stimulate the body to build lean muscle, and burn fat for fuel when dieting.

The following growth factors have been found in bovine colustrum:

Growth factors IFG-1, IGF-II, FgF, and GH (growth hormone):

These growth factors have been shown to help stimulate cell and tissue growth by stimulating DNA formation. Genetically engineered versions of IGF-1 and GH are now marketed as anti-aging and AIDS drugs. They are found naturally and in high concentrations in colostrum. Several studies show that these growth factors are capable of increasing T-cell production, accelerating healing, balancing blood glucose, reducing the need for insulin, increasing muscle and bone growth, and repairing while metabolizing fat for fuel. Find out more about growth factors.

Epithelial Growth Factor (EGF):

EGF is instrumental in protecting and maintaining the skin. Along with the other growth factors in colostrum, EGF can stimulate normal skin growth and repair cellular tissue.

I would be interested in knowing if anyone has had experience with using bovine colustrum.