Introducing: The Immune Booster – Colostrum
Immune Factors
Let’s take a deeper look at the immune factors from colostrum and what exactly they do. Some immune factors are immuno-regulating substances and help in the functions of the immune system. Other factors are more localized and area specific in the body; some of those factors are gut protective substances.
Let’s meet the Immuno-Regulating Substances
Thymosin (Alpha and Beta Chains) – This hormone has two protein-based chains which are present separately in colostrum. These chains either act together to activate, develop and maintain the immune system, or they act independently on the thymus gland.
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. Small proteins produced by various cells in the body that induce the generation of specialized types of white blood cells, signal them to come to the site of an insult and help in their passage through tissues.
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 – This protein attaches to iron, and it is very effective when certain aerobic bacterias require iron for reproduction. Lactoferrin can impede the growth of microorganisms in the gut when working with a specific antibody.
Transferrin – This mineral-binding carrier protein also attaches to iron that is available. It can either act together with Lactoferrin or on its own to impede the growth of microorganisms in the gut.
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 – This mildly effective enzyme is similar in effect to Lactoperoxidase, because it can also attach itself and interfere with the replication of different degrading proteins and bacteria than Lactoperoxidase.
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.
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September 28 2009 03:46 am | Supplements