|
HOW DOES COLOSTRUM
WORK???
The details of colostrum's various
mechanisms of action are largely unknown. Colostrum is
used for many different reasons, and each of these has its own suspected
mechanism, many of which are poorly understood. That being said, many of
colostrum’s supposed benefits are thought to be related to the following
(please note that the following are theories about how colostrum may
work)
-The direct inhibition of enteric
(gut) pathogens via immunoglobulin (antibodies) ingested. This mechanism is
known to be vital in cow to calf transfer of immunity, and is the basis for
treatment of intestinal infections. In this model the antibodies
ingested directly interact with infectious organism in the gastrointestinal
tract, helping prevent or lessen the infectious load. This is the mechanism
being explored via investigations into the treatment of diarrhea in
immunocompromised patients, especially those with AIDS.
-Bovine colostrum contains growth
factors, which have parallels in the human body. It is believed by some that
ingestion of these hormones may lead to their absorption, and subsequent
muscle building, and performance enhancing qualities. The most commonly
studied and cited growth factors are insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1)
and insulin-like growth factor-2 (IGF-2)
- Inhibition of NSAID induced
gastritis is thought to be related to the growth factors present in
colostrum. Some of these factors may affect the regeneration of gastric
tissues, while the immunoglobulin molecules present may reduce the amount of
harmful bacteria (such as H. Pylori).
The growth factors most commonly studied and cited for these purposes are
transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta) and epidermal growth factor (EGF).
- As more research as been produced questioning the
validity of the growth factor mechanism, many colostrum advocates have taken
the stance that there are unknown substances in colostrum which instill some
beneficial properties. This has not been substantiated with any research.
|
