Composition of Colostrum: Bioactive Components in Colostrum

Bovine Colostrum is the pre-milk fluid produced by mammals during the first few days after giving birth. It is especially rich in nutrients and antibodies that help protect the newborn from disease. Colostrum is sometimes called “first milk” or “immune human milk.” 

Milk produced in the mammary gland of a mammal is mature milk rich in epidermal growth factors. That’s why it is great for the newborn’s immune system to improve immune responses. Then why is there a need for bovine milk? Well, it is because of the essential nutrients and bioactive components in colostrum. 

But what are the components of bovine colostrum? The most important components of colostrum, or we should say bovine colostrum, can be broken down into three major categories: Immune System Factors, Insulin-like Growth Factors, and Nutritional Components. So, let’s take a closer look at each of these categories in turn.

“Bovine colostrum is 40 times richer in immune factors than human colostrum.”

Considering this fact, let’s explore more about MIP Colostrum.

1. Immune System Factors

The immune system factors in colostrum include a range of antibodies, cytokines, and other substances that provide protection against infection. Using MIP Colostrum has many benefits for your immune system. 

Proline-Rich Polypeptides (PRPs)

Proline-rich polypeptides (PRPs) act systemically, modulating the complex immune system, and are, therefore, the most important ingredient in colostrum. These bioactive proteins help regulate the thymus gland (the body’s central command for the immune system), stimulating an underactive immune system.

Immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, IgE, IgM, IgD)

The average IgG amount in MIP Colostrum powder is around 20-25%. Immunoglobulins are also known as antibodies, as they actively protect the gastrointestinal tract. The immune system uses these small milk proteins to seek and destroy foreign antigen invaders. 

Laboratory analyses of both immune and growth factors from bovine colostrum indicate that they are identical to those found in human colostrum, except that the levels of these factors are significantly higher in the bovine version.

Lactoferrin

Lactoferrin is a protein that binds to iron, making it unavailable to bacteria and other microorganisms. Lactoferrin is present in mucosal secretions, such as tears, saliva, and breast milk. It is also present in other body fluids, such as urine and serum.

Lactoferrin has antimicrobial activity against many bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It also has anti-inflammatory activity and can stimulate the immune system.

α – Lactalbumin and β – Lactoglobulin: These are the major nutritional whey proteins in milk and colostrum.

Check out lactoferrin colostrum advantage.

Lysozyme

Lysozyme is an enzyme that breaks down the cell walls of bacteria. It is present in tears, saliva, and breast milk. Lysozyme has antimicrobial activity against a wide range of bacteria.

Cytokines

Cytokines are small proteins that are secreted by specific cells of the immune system. They are proteins, peptides, or glycoproteins and are a category of signaling molecules used extensively in cellular communication.  

They help to boost T-cell activity and help to regulate the body’s response to exercise and other stimuli. They can be divided into two main groups:

Pro-inflammatory cytokines: These cytokines stimulate the immune system to fight infection.

Anti-inflammatory cytokines: These cytokines help to reduce inflammation.

Interferons

Interferons are a type of cytokine that has antiviral activity. Interferons help to protect cells from viral infection by stimulating the production of antiviral proteins.

Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that has a range of activities, including stimulating the immune system to fight infection and promoting inflammation.

Glycoproteins

Glycoproteins are a digestive factor that has been shown to help immune and growth factors survive the passage through the highly acidic digestive system.

2. Insulin-like Growth Factors (IGFs)

Next on our list of important colostrum components are the insulin-like growth factors (IGFs). IGFs are very small bioactive molecules that promote the growth and maturation of various cell types and tissues. They are found in very high concentrations in MIP Colostrum. 

Colostrum and milk IGFs not only stimulate normal growth and development but also help regenerate and accelerate the repair of aged or injured muscle, skin, bone, cartilage, and nerve tissues. IGFs also help build lean muscle and have been shown to positively affect athletic performance. 

Therefore, MIP Colostrum is increasingly being used in bodybuilding regimes.

There are three main types of IGFs:

IGF-1

It is the most abundant form of IGF in MIP Colostrum and is responsible for the majority of its growth-promoting effects.

IGF-2

IGF-2 is less abundant than IGF-1 but is more active in some tissues, such as the liver and muscles.

IGF-3

This insulin-like growth factor is known as the brain IGF because it is involved in the development and maintenance of the nervous system.

3. Nutritional Components

Lastly, MIP Colostrum is a rich source of nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and essential fatty acids. These nutrients are essential for the proper functioning of the immune system and for the growth and development of the body. 

Here are some components that you can get with bovine colostrum supplementation:

Vitamins

MIP Colostrum contains a wide range of vitamins, including vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin K. These vitamins are important for a number of functions, including immunity, bone health, skin health, and brain function.

Minerals

MIP Colostrum is also a rich source of minerals, including calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, and iron. These minerals are responsible for different functions, including bone health, immunity, metabolism, and energy production.

Amino Acids

Amino acids in MIP Colostrum include all of the essential amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. Proteins are essential for improved immunity, muscle growth, and repair.

Essential Fatty Acids

MIP Colostrum also contains a range of essential fatty acids, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These fatty acids are important for several functions, including immunity, brain function, and heart health.

MIP Colostrum from NutriNZ

MIP Colostrum from NutriNZ is the ultimate in preserving all the natural transfer factors, increasing and enhancing the bioavailability of the growth and immune factors. There is an epidermal growth factor (EGF) and other factors like TGF alpha and beta. It is also certified BSE and TB-free. This supplement is of the highest quality, safe, and effective.

Order our MIP Colostrum Supplements HERE!

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References

McGrath BA, Fox PF, McSweeney PLH, Kelly AL. Composition and properties of bovine colostrum: a review. Dairy Science & Technology, 2016 Mar; 96(2):133-158. Doi: 10.1007/s13594-015-0258-x. Retrieved from: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13594-015-0258-x

Yamauchi K, Wakabayashi H, Hashimoto S, et al. Effects of orally administered bovine lactoferrin on the immune system of healthy volunteers. Adv Exp Med Biol .1998; 443:261-5.

Di Mario F, Aragona G, Dal Bó N, et al. Use of bovine lactoferrin for Helicobacter pylori eradication. Dig Liver Dis 2003; 35: 706 – 10.

Journal of Applied Physiology IGF-I, IgA, and IgG responses to bovine colostrum supplementation during training