| Dietary sources | |
| Colostrum is the first milk that mammalian mothers produces in the first 24-36 hours after birth. For orthomolecular use bovine colostrum (also: cow milk colostrum) is used. This is almost identical to human colostrum and can be supplied in large quantities and making it suitable for therapeutic purposes. | |
| Physiological functions | |
| Immunomodulation |
|
| Colostrum - general information |
| Colostrum is characterized by special substances including immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, IgM), glycoproteins such as lactoferrin and proline-rich polypeptides (PRP), whose spectrum of action lies primarily in broadband immunomodulation (1) (2). The components of bovine colostrum are almost identical to those of human colostrum, but are found in greater quantities in animal form and can therefore be used for therapeutic purposes. In a gentle cold production process, colostrum is first prepared and then processed according to special standards. The resulting powder can then be used in capsule form to accompany therapy for various indications. |
| Increase and activation of immunological parameters |
| Among the therapeutically relevant components are immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM, IgA), which show antibacterial and antiviral effects against a broad spectrum of microorganisms. Immunoglobulins can survive the digestive processes in the intestines largely unchanged (3) and have strengthening effects on the intestinal immune defense. Another immunologically active component of colostrum is the proline-rich polypeptide PRP, which can positively influence the humoral and cellular immune response as well as cytokine production and thus contributes to immune modulation (4). Lactoferrin from colostrum is also absorbed into the body and promotes a positive systemic immune effect through a proven influence on NO and prostaglandin E2 synthesis (5). |
| Colostrum as an NK cell activator |
| The most important function of NK cells (natural killer cells, lymphocytes) is the spontaneous defense of virus-infected cells and tumor cells by lysis (6). In older people, the number and activity of NK cells is a biomarker of biological age. Low NK activity correlates with increased mortality rates after infections. The body’s natural protection against tumor cells can also decrease. The function of NK cells can be significantly enhanced by immune-activating substances such as bovine colostrum. |
| Colostrum for the treatment and prevention of diarrhea |
| Targeted colostrum supplementation can protect against diarrhea of differing causes (8) (11). The use of colostrum in HIV-associated diarrhea (9) and against a large number of diarrhea-inducing bacteria is well documented. This is due to the high content of immunoglobulins, which can both support the immune system and directly inhibit bacterial growth (10). |
| Influenza and influenza prophylaxis |
| A well-received Italian study comparing the effectiveness of orally administered colostrum with flu vaccinations for influenza in winter concluded that colostrum supplementation is at least three times more effective in terms of days of illness and treatment costs than vaccination (12). Also, significantly fewer respiratory diseases occured during 8-week supplementation with colostrum, which attributed to the increase in immunological defense mechanisms (13). |
| A sensible nutritional support for competitive sports |
| Colostrum is used in high-performance sports to strengthen and optimize the immune system. This is particularly important for the prevention of infection in endurance athletes who have increased susceptability (14). Colostrum supplementation can prevent a decrease in serum IgG2 concentration in the post-training phase, which correlates with a lower incidence of respiratory diseases in competitive athletes taking colostrum supplements (15). Long-distance runners showed improved IgA levels in saliva after 12 weeks of colostrum administration, reducing the risk of upper respiratory tract disease (16). There is also increasing evidence that colostrum has performance-enhancing effects in endurance sports (17) and that strength athletes can benefit from colostrum intake (18). |
| Effect | Indication | Dosage |
| Physiological effects at a low intake |
Prevention of influenza | 300 mg/d |
| Complementary therapy for diarrheal diseases | 300 - 900 mg/d | |
| For general enhancement of the immune defense and immune modulation | 300 - 900 mg/d | |
| For improvement of performance and improvement of immune defense in sports | 300 - 1200 mg/d | |
| Complementary therapy for tumor therapy | 300 -1800 mg/d | |
| General mode of administration | |
| When |
Colostrum should be taken on an empty stomach or between meals to improve absorption. |
| Side effects | |
| According to the current state of knowledge, no side effects are known. | |
| Contraindications | |
|
Do not take if you are allergic to milk protein. Since colostrum contains a small amount of milk sugar (lactose), it is also not recommended for people with lactose intolerance. |
|
| Drug interactions | |
| None | No interactions are known to date |
| Nutrient interactions | |
| None | No interactions are known to date . |
| Description |
| First form of milk produced by the mammary glands of mammals with a high content of immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, IgM), glycoproteins such as lactoferrin and proline-rich polypeptides (PRP). |
| Raw materials used at Biogena |
| Biogena colostrum comes from certified German producers. It contains at least 18 % IgG. |
| References |
|
1) Struff, W.G., Sprotte, G. 2007. Bovine colostrum as a biologic in clinical medicine: a review. Part I: biotechnological standards, pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic characteristics and principles of treatment. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther. 45(4):193-202. References Interactions |
