Colostrum

Posted on 2005-12-30 20:01:01 in Functional Foods & Food Components |

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Within hours of giving birth, human and animal mothers secrete colostrum as a prelude to breast milk. It gives newborns a "vaccination" of antibodies, immune system protection, and growth factors. Whole colostrum is preferred over defatted colostrum because fat is necessary to assist in transporting colostrum protein into the bloodstream. Colostrum is now available in capsules that contain its immune proteins in dry form.

ROLE FOR ANTI-AGING:

In addition to its immune system enhancing benefits there is some evidence that colostrum may help to protect the stomach from damage caused by anti-inflammatory drugs. In a study in rats, researchers found that treatment with 0.5 or 1.0 ml of a colostrum preparation reduced NSAIDinduced gastric injury by 30% and 60%, respectively (whether colostrum has a similar effect upon humans remains to be determined). Colostrum may also be of benefit to people with short bowel syndrome, chemotherapy-induced mouth ulcers, and inflammatory bowel disease. However there is no conclusive scientific evidence to prove colostrum’s effectiveness in treating these conditions.

THERAPEUTIC DAILY AMOUNT:

1,000 to 4,000 mg per day of freeze-dried colostrum is often recommended by manufacturers.

MAXIMUM SAFE LEVEL: Not established

SIDE EFFECTS/CONTRAINDICATIONS:

No significant side effects of colostrums have been established.

Health Headlines

Apples Promote Immune Health

Soluble fiber, such as pectin found in apples, may confer anti-inflammatory effects and strengthen the immune system.

Naps May Raise Diabetes Risk

Chinese study reveals that frequent napping is associated with an elevated prevalence of type-2 diabetes and impaired fasting glucose.

Insufficient Sleep Prompts Fat

Five hours or less of sleep a night corresponds to large increases in visceral fat.

Sense of Purpose Slashes Alzheimer’s Risk

Rush University (US) researchers find that older men and women who maintain a purpose in life are less likely to develop Alzheimer’s Disease.

Elevated Inflammatory Markers in Childhood Warn of Future Heart Disease

Obese children as young as three years old may have elevated levels of C-Reactive Protein and other inflammatory markers linked to heart disease in adulthood.

Omega-3s Boost Brain Function

Healthy middle-aged men and women with higher blood levels of DHA, a type of omega-3 fatty acid, perform better on tests of reasoning, memory, and vocabulary.

The Epidemic of Cognitive Decline

University of California researchers project that the nation’s oldest men and women will experience an 18% annual dementia incidence that increases with age.

B-Vitamin May Promote Brain Function Recovery After Stroke

Vitamin B3, niacin, is shown to assist with the recovery of brain function, in a lab animal model of stroke.

Coffee May Slash Stroke Risk

Large-scale UK study finds that just a single cup of coffee a day cuts stroke risk by 30%.

The Multi-Benefits of Multivitamins

Chinese study reveals that multivitamins and minerals may confer a wealth of benefits, including reduced body weight and improved blood fat levels.