The Immune Factors.
There are two types of Immune Factors found in Colostrum, immuno-regulating substances and gut protective substances. Immuno-regulating substances assist in the overall functioning and regulation of the immune system. Gut protective substances are generally very localized and are restricted in their area of expertise. Their effects are usually exerted in the gut area of the body.
Immuno-regulating substances.
Thymosin (alpha & beta chains). A hormone composed of two protein-based chains that are separately present in bovine colostrum. The chains act on the thymus gland independently or in concert with each other to stimulate activation, development and maintenance of the immune system.
Proline-rich peptide (PRP) , a/k/a thymulin. A hormone-like small protein that acts upon the thymus and other organs associated with the immune system to keep them from over-reacting to an insult.
Cytokines - Various cells produce these small proteins. They induce specialized white blood cells, signal and help the white blood cells to the insult site.
Lymphokines. Proteins of varying sizes that are produced by different types of white blood cells that tell related cells to transform themselves into more functional cell types that can release substances capable of destroying an invading microorganism.
Let's meet the Gut Protective Substances
Immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM, IgA) - Most of the proteins found in colostrum are these Immunoglobulins, better known as antibodies. As the mother cow responds to microorganisms throughout her life and fights them off, her immune system produces these antibodies which are then transferred into colostrum before she delivers her calf. These antibodies can fight off viruses, fungi and bacteria that infect a person's gastrointestinal tract.
Transfer Factors - These small proteins are created as the body responds to exposure of specific types of microorganisms, especially microorganisms that live for long periods of time in deep tissues. These proteins are limited in their effectiveness in defending against microorganisms; instead, they act with a variety of white blood cells as they strive to keep microorganisms in check.
Lactoferrin. A mineral-binding carrier protein that attaches to available iron. Certain aerobic bacteria, like E. coli, require iron to reproduce and, therefore, lactoferrin is an effective substance, when operating in the presence of a specific antibody, to impede the growth of some microorganisms in the gut. A broad number of additional claims have been made by some providers of colostrum for human consumption regarding the application of lactoferrin as an immuno-regulating substance with antiviral, antibacterial and anti-tumor properties. To date, none of these claims have been adequately substantiated through properly controlled studies.
Transferrin - This protein also attaches to iron and can either act on its own or combine forces with Lactoferrin. When in action, it impedes the growth of aerobic bacteria, specifically in the gut area.
Lysozyme. A very powerful enzyme that is capable of attaching itself to the cell wall of certain pathogenic bacteria and degrading selected proteins, leaving holes in the wall of the bacteria.
Lactoperoxidase - This mildly effective enzyme can attach itself and interfere with the replication of degrading proteins and bacteria
Xanthine Oxidase. Another mildly effective enzyme that can also attach to the wall of certain bacteria, degrade different proteins than those affected by lactoperoxidase and also interfere with the ability of the bacteria to replicate.
White Blood Cells (Leukocytes) - Colostrum contains three types of functional white blood cells: neutrophils, polymorphonuclear, and macrophages. Their functions are best put to use right when the antibodies attach to the microorganisms. Each of these white blood cells can phagocytize foreign bodies and microorganisms. They also apply a substance which is carried into the microorganisms to destroy them.
Oligosaccharides and Glycocnjugates - These complex carbohydrates are found attached to the interior surface of the gastrointestinal tract of the body. They prevent microorganisms from attaching to the gastrointestinal tract. - 30414
There are two types of Immune Factors found in Colostrum, immuno-regulating substances and gut protective substances. Immuno-regulating substances assist in the overall functioning and regulation of the immune system. Gut protective substances are generally very localized and are restricted in their area of expertise. Their effects are usually exerted in the gut area of the body.
Immuno-regulating substances.
Thymosin (alpha & beta chains). A hormone composed of two protein-based chains that are separately present in bovine colostrum. The chains act on the thymus gland independently or in concert with each other to stimulate activation, development and maintenance of the immune system.
Proline-rich peptide (PRP) , a/k/a thymulin. A hormone-like small protein that acts upon the thymus and other organs associated with the immune system to keep them from over-reacting to an insult.
Cytokines - Various cells produce these small proteins. They induce specialized white blood cells, signal and help the white blood cells to the insult site.
Lymphokines. Proteins of varying sizes that are produced by different types of white blood cells that tell related cells to transform themselves into more functional cell types that can release substances capable of destroying an invading microorganism.
Let's meet the Gut Protective Substances
Immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM, IgA) - Most of the proteins found in colostrum are these Immunoglobulins, better known as antibodies. As the mother cow responds to microorganisms throughout her life and fights them off, her immune system produces these antibodies which are then transferred into colostrum before she delivers her calf. These antibodies can fight off viruses, fungi and bacteria that infect a person's gastrointestinal tract.
Transfer Factors - These small proteins are created as the body responds to exposure of specific types of microorganisms, especially microorganisms that live for long periods of time in deep tissues. These proteins are limited in their effectiveness in defending against microorganisms; instead, they act with a variety of white blood cells as they strive to keep microorganisms in check.
Lactoferrin. A mineral-binding carrier protein that attaches to available iron. Certain aerobic bacteria, like E. coli, require iron to reproduce and, therefore, lactoferrin is an effective substance, when operating in the presence of a specific antibody, to impede the growth of some microorganisms in the gut. A broad number of additional claims have been made by some providers of colostrum for human consumption regarding the application of lactoferrin as an immuno-regulating substance with antiviral, antibacterial and anti-tumor properties. To date, none of these claims have been adequately substantiated through properly controlled studies.
Transferrin - This protein also attaches to iron and can either act on its own or combine forces with Lactoferrin. When in action, it impedes the growth of aerobic bacteria, specifically in the gut area.
Lysozyme. A very powerful enzyme that is capable of attaching itself to the cell wall of certain pathogenic bacteria and degrading selected proteins, leaving holes in the wall of the bacteria.
Lactoperoxidase - This mildly effective enzyme can attach itself and interfere with the replication of degrading proteins and bacteria
Xanthine Oxidase. Another mildly effective enzyme that can also attach to the wall of certain bacteria, degrade different proteins than those affected by lactoperoxidase and also interfere with the ability of the bacteria to replicate.
White Blood Cells (Leukocytes) - Colostrum contains three types of functional white blood cells: neutrophils, polymorphonuclear, and macrophages. Their functions are best put to use right when the antibodies attach to the microorganisms. Each of these white blood cells can phagocytize foreign bodies and microorganisms. They also apply a substance which is carried into the microorganisms to destroy them.
Oligosaccharides and Glycocnjugates - These complex carbohydrates are found attached to the interior surface of the gastrointestinal tract of the body. They prevent microorganisms from attaching to the gastrointestinal tract. - 30414
About the Author:
Dr. Anthony Kleinsmith is considered one of the world's leading experts on colostrum as a health supplement. He is sought-after for radio and television appearances; he travels worldwide in his continuing efforts to educate people about colostrum everywhere. His first book sold over half of a million prints worldwide. You can read more about the benefits of colostrum at www.ImmuneTree.com
