Colostrum is the so-called first milk. It contains natural immunoglobulins, growth factors and high-quality nutrients designed to help the body (of the newborn) grow quickly and develop effective defences.
The most important ingredients of colostrum can be summarised in the following groups:
Immunoglobulins
Immunoglobulins are special proteins that are largely responsible for the body’s defence against infections and other unwanted invaders. They are formed in cells of the lymphatic system and react as antibodies. They are divided into five immunoglobulin classes with the abbreviations Ig (for immunoglobulin) A, IgD, IgE, IgG and IgM. Colostrum contains all 5 immunoglobulins.
Proline-rich polypeptides (PRP)
PRPs have a supporting effect on the thymus gland, which is important for the functioning of the immune system in young people. They discreetly stimulate an underactive immune system and calm it down again when the reaction is excessive (such as in allergic reactions).
Natural growth factors
Natural growth factors have a positive influence on cell metabolism. They influence the immune system and stimulate the body to produce more of its own immunoglobulins. Colostrum contains insulin-like growth factors (IgF), which stimulate cell growth and regeneration, transforming growth factors (TgF) alpha and beta, which support the synthesis and restoration of RNA and DNA as well as the renewal of muscle tissue in athletes, and epithelial growth factors (EgF), which stimulate normal skin growth.
Proteins
Proteins are proteins that, along with sugar and fat, are the most important components and prerequisites for all life in nature. Proteins have the so-called “amino acids” as their building blocks and are divided into groups that include muscle protein, enzymes and hormones.
Amino acids
Amino acids, as protein building blocks, are vital for metabolism and cell regeneration. Some of these amino acids are “essential” for humans, i.e. the body cannot produce these protein building blocks itself in its metabolism and must be supplied with them in the diet.
Minerals
Minerals are also essential substances for the body. They include sodium and chlorine, which we know from the kitchen as normal table salt, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and numerous other so-called “trace elements” such as iron, copper, zinc, iodine or selenium. We have to take in all these substances with our food in order not to risk deficiencies or diseases.
Vitamins
Vitamins regulate protein, fat and sugar metabolism and are needed by the organism. The vitamin B complex of colostrum is interesting. It has a positive influence on the nerve fibres, counteracts states of exhaustion and stress, promotes blood formation and rapid recovery after illness (=reconvalescence). Vitamin A, thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), pyrodoxin (B6), cobalamin, folic acid, vitamin C, cholecalciferol (D3), tocopherol (E), ubiquinone (Q10).
Creatine
Creatine participates in the muscles’ ability to absorb sugar and thus influences the body’s performance.
Lactoperoxidase thiocyanate & xanthine oxidase
Lactoperoxidase thiocyanate & xanthine oxidase are involved in the transfer of oxygen in the body’s metabolism and may also have antibacterial effects.
Other ingredients
Other ingredients of colostrum are mainly glycoproteins, which prevent the valuable proteins from being broken down by enzymes and thus protect the immune and growth factors during their passage through the digestive system. In addition, colostrum contains lactoferrin, which, as numerous clinical studies have shown, is confirmed as a natural protection against viruses and bacteria. Lactoferrin is a protein with a particularly high iron-binding capacity and an effective antioxidant that counteracts free radicals, protects cellular protective functions and can thus slow down the ageing process in humans.
Sources – References:
“Colostrum – regulates the immune competence naturally”; Dr. Jürgen Weihofen, Marc Steiner; Sanoform Verlag 2001.
“Colostrum – Gift of Creation”; Dr.med. Marco Prümmer, Rademann Verlag 2007
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