What Is Colostrum: Colostrum is the mammary secretion a mammal provides its newborn within the first 24 to 48 hours. It contains numerous immune system and growth factors as well as essential nutrients, trypsin, and protease inhibitors that protect it from destruction in the gastrointestional (GI) tract. It is estimated that colostrum triggers at least 50 processes in the newborn. Bovine colostrum is biologically transferable to all mammals, including man. It is much higher in immune factors than human mother's colostrum. Laboratory analyses of immune and growth factors from bovine colostrum are identical to those found in human colostrum, except that the levels of these factors are significantly higher in the bovine version. For example, human colostrum contains 2% of IgG (the most important of the immuno-globulins found in the body), while bovine colostrum contains 86% of IgG. In addition, bovine colostrum contains a blocking hormone to prevent the calf from becoming sensitized to its own mother's immune factors. Studies indicate that all species, including man, benefit from the immune-boosting properties of bovine colostrum, with no reports of allergic or anaphylactic reactions to date. This compound is in a very limited supply because colostrum is only available for a day or two after calving. The needs of the newborn calf must be met first, and only high-quality colostrum is taken from cows that have been certified free of antibiotics, pesticides, and synthetic hormones. colostrum must be processed at low temperatures so the immune and growth factors remain biologically viable. Research has shown that the molecular structure of bovine colostrum is identical to human colostrum. The immune and growth factors found in bovine colostrum are beneficial to humans of all ages. In other words, it contains all of the immune and growth factors found in all other sources and thus it can significantly benefit all other mammals, including humans of course. History: The use of colostrum for the treatment of illness and for the maintenance of well-being dates back thousands of years. The Ayurvedic physicians and the Rishis of India have been using colostrum for medicinal purposes since 5000 years in past. Ayurveda Epic BhavPrakash clearly indicates the strength of cow colostrums. (Grantha Page): Around the turn of century it was noted that antibody levels in the first milk after birth (colostrum) were much higher than in succeeding milks. At that time it was known that these antibodies had certain properties that evoked protection. Spolverini (1920) advocated that cow’s colostrum be utilized as an infant food to protect the infant against shared human and bovine diseases. Prior to the development of sulpha drugs and antibiotics, colostrum was majorly used worldwide by leading medical practitioners for its antibiotic properties. In fact Albert Sabin, the physician credited with developing the first polio vaccine advocated the use of colostrum and in fact originally isolated anti- polio antibodies from bovine colostrum. Campbell and Peterson (1963) were the first to develop a program whereby cows were immunized with a mixture of attenuated pathogens prior to birth of the calf. The colostrum fraction collected from these animals is referred to as immune colostrum. The prophylactic and therapeutic use of immune milks has been shown to be successful in preventing and treating enteropathogenic Escherichia coli infections, rotavirus gastroenteritis in infants, Cryptococcidiosis and diarrhoea in AIDS and other immunodeficient patients, dental caries formation, and other conditions. In all these instances colostrum containing immunoglobulins has been obtained from cows that have been hyperimmunised with specific pathogens. Kummer (1992) was the first to show that colostrum from non-immunised cows can prevent gastrointestinal disease in infants. McConnell (1998) and her colleagues at Otago University, New Zealand and New Zealand Dairy Group successfully showed that it was possible to produce a colostrum from pasture fed non-hyperimmunised cows which exhibited a greater antibody titre then that of a hyperimmunised equivalent. Learn about the many Benefits of Colostrum: Colostrum is Naures perfect food! It contains all the natural nutrients you need for optimal health and vitality. It is the only 100% natural source of vital growth and healing factors and cannot be laboratory reproduced. The following are some of the many benefits of using Colostrum: Strengthens the immune system Fights viruses, bacteria and parasites Helps with better digestion and bowel function Rejuvinates body and mind Assists athletes build lean muscle and helps with recovery Assists athletes build lean muscle and helps with recovery Enhances energy and general wellbeing Helps relieve chronic pain Combats the effects of aging joints Helps with disease prevention Sport and Fitness: Colostrum is increasingly being used in bodybuilding, sports and fitness regimes. It has been shown to improve sprint capacity in runners, cyclists and other athletes who require speed and stamina. Anyone involved in sports or any kind of exercise program will benefit from Colostrum. Helps with Nutrient Uptake: Colostrum enhances assimilation of nutrients through the intestines and thus increases the efficiency of carbohydrate and amino acid uptake. Growth factors in Colostrums help “seal” the lining of the small intestine and provide protection from invading organisms and from ulceration, so more of the nutrients from the food you eat can be utilized as fuel for exercise, whether of the cardiovascular or muscle-building variety. This partially accounts for the increased levels of energy users of Colostrums report.Colostrum has dozens of health related natural components of which 89 are so found & studied till date, the primary being immune and growth related. Colostrum is made up of various macro and micro constituents such as cytokines, immunoglobulins, lactoferrin, growth factors and hormones, etc. These components have various biological roles that are vital to proper health and immune function. How it works: The main function in the new-born is in the form of transfer of passive immunity from the mother to the child. The mother has been exposed to a variety of environmental factors and organisms to which her immune system has produced antibodies during her lifetime. In transfer of passive immunity the mother passes on her complement of antibodies to these various factors onto her offspring. In humans and apes the mother passively immunises her young in utero by passage of antibodies through the placenta. In animals where maternal antibodies do not pass the placental barrier (horses, cattle, pigs, and sheep), the young are passively immunised immediately after birth by way of Colostrum. In these species the maternal antibodies present in the Colostrum are absorbed directly through the gut in the first few days following birth.Bovine Colostrum is the only form of Colostrum that is not species specific. In other words, it contains all of the immune and growth factors found in all other sources and thus it can significantly benefit all other mammals, including humans of course. Major Colostrum Components: The most important components of colostrum can basically be broken down into two major categories: immune system factors and growth factors. Drug manufacturers have tried to copy (genetically engineer) and market several of the individual components of colostrum, most notably interferon, gamma globulin, growth hormone, IgF-1, and protease inhibitors. Biotechnology companies are currently selling IgF-1 for as much as $800 per 50 cc vial, Some of the following colostrum components may very well be next on the list of "major breakthroughs" by the pharmaceutical/nutraceutical industry: Immunoglobulins (A, D, E, G, and M) are the most abundant of the immune factors found in colostrum. IgG neutralizes toxins and microbes in the lymph and circulatory system. IgM destroys bacteria, while IgE and IgD are highly antiviral. Lactoferrin is an antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, iron-binding protein with therapeutic effects in cancer, HIV, cytomegalo-virus, herpes", chronic fatigue syndrome, Candida albicans; and other infections. Lactoferrin helps deprive bacteria of the iron they require to reproduce, and it also releases iron into the red blood cells, enhancing oxygenation of tissues. Lactoferrin modulates cytokine release, and its receptors have been found on most immune cells, including lymphocytes, monocytcs, macrophages, and platelets. Proline-rich polypeptide (PRP) is a hormone that regulates the thymus gland, stimulating an underactive immune system. It also helps down-regulate an overactive immune,system, as seen in autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS), rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, scleroderma, chronic fatigue syndrome, and allergies. Growth Factors include epithelial growth factor (EgF), insulin-like growth factor-I and II (IGF-1 and IGF-II), fibroblast growth tactor (FgF), platelet- derived growth factor (PDGF), transforming growth factors A & B (TgA and B), and growth hormones (GH). These all help stimulate cell and tissue growth by stimulating DNA formation." Genetically engineered versions of IGF-1 and GH are now marketed as anti-aging and AIDS drugs- with very high pricing, They are found naturally and in high concentrations in colostrums (IMMURICH). Several studies show that these growth factors are capable of increasing T-cell production, accelerating healing, balancing