Why New Zealand bovine Colostrum?

source :
http://www.colostrum.gen.nz/colostrum_002.htm

Why New Zealand bovine Colostrum?

• New Zealand produced bovine Colostrum is world renowned for its high quality
• NZTM sources pure bovine colostrum directly from New Zealand's largest producer. The collection of colostrum is carefully controlled and no freezing of this valuable substance is allowed. Colostrum is collected from cows within 48 hours of their giving birth. Sufficient colostrum is left for the calves and only surplus colostrum is harvested.
• No freezing of the freshly collected bovine colostrum which can destroy valuable enzymes.
• Year round pasture fed New Zealand dairy herds develop immunity to a wider range of pathogens than those which are fed processed feed or receive artificial hormone supplements.
• New Zealand dairy herds are certified free of diseases such as BSE (mad cow disease) and Foot & Mouth diseases.
• Pure colostrum harvested from New Zealand pasture fed cows is free of artificial hormones
• Just natural & healthy cow colostrum - high in immunoglobulin IgG, lactoferrin and growth factors.

What are the benefits of bovine colostrum?

The benefits of colostrum is well known studies have indicated its ability to reduce the effects of gastrointestinal infection, especially in individuals who are immune-compromised. In the newborn the function of colostrum is to provide valuable minerals and nutrients to the newborn but also to provide the newborn with immune factors. Unlike human beings, many animals only provide immunity to the newborn after the birth of the baby through the mother's colostrum enriched milk. The colostrum intake provides this immunity from infections and disease. Bovine colostrum is similar to human colostrum and provides an opportunity to obtain valuable immune and growth factors which have been reported are helpful to the immune compromised and has the ability to boost the general well being of adults.


How does bovine colostrum benefit humans?

• Bovine Colostrum is a great choice for human supplementation.
• The molecular structure of bovine colostrum is very similar to that found from humans, which means it will work effectively in both species.
• Bovine colostrum contains greater levels of some factors compared with human colostrum. For example, the important immunoglobulin( IgG), which is needed to bind pathogens, only makes up 2% of human colostrum, while in bovine colostrum; this IgG is available at a concentration of around 20%.
• The quality of New Zealand bovine colostrum is very carefully managed. This colostrum is processed and packaged at a low temperature which ensures the integrity and activity is maintained. Our product is never frozen thus preserving the valuable bio active components.
• Bovine colostrum contains special compounds called glycoproteins and trypsin inhibitors. These compounds prevent the digestive juices in the human stomach from destroying the immune and growth factors in colostrum, ensuring effectiveness.

Is Colostrum for everyone?

Colostrum is a natural food that has been used in traditional medicine for hundreds of years. Research has shown that bovine colostrum collected and manufactured using approved processes is a safe and effective health supplement. New Zealand Colostrum is manufactured using such processes, ensuring the colostrum is fit for human consumption.


Does bovine colostrum have any side effects?

Colostrum used by Colostrum health is a high-protein, low fat and reduced lactose dairy product, as a result lactose-intolerant individuals generally experience no problems and some even report that colostrum helps with their condition. If you can drink milk without any problem then you can probably take colostrum. Some individuals may experience a mild gastrointestinal distress or a bloated feeling, which can be avoided by lowering the dose. If this reaction continues however then it is best to discontinue the colostrum treatment. However, as with all health supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your doctor in the first instance. Colostrum used naturally contains low levels of lactose and during processing these are reduced further.


Are the immunoglobulins still active after they have passed through the stomach?

There has been some debate about the extent to which stomach acids destroy the beneficial compounds contained in bovine colostrum. However, colostrum contains special compounds called glycoproteins and trypsin inhibitors that prevent the digestive juices in the human stomach from destroying the immune and growth factors in the colostrum. Some people still prefer the capsules which dissolve slowly in the stomach and carry the colostrum through to the intestinal tract.


Composition of bovine Colostrum - Immunoglobulins and growth hormones

The most important components of bovine colostrum can be broken down into two major categories: immune system factors and growth factors. Immunoglobulins, also called antibodies, are proteins produced by the immune system in response to bacterial, virus or other foreign invasion. Immunoglobulins make up over 50% of the protein component, providing specific anti-microbial protection by neutralizing bacteria, bacterial toxins, viruses and some parasites.


Immunoglobulins:

Immunoglobulin A (IgA): IgA is one of the most prevalent antibodies produced by the immune system. It is found in all bodily secretions and is the major antibody in the mucous membrane lining the intestines and respiratory tract.
Immunoglobulin G (IgG): IgG is a specialized immune protein that responds to invasions of the lymphatic and circulatory system by bacteria, fungi and viruses.
Immunoglobulin M (IgM): IgM is the first immunoglobulin produced when foreign substances, such as bacteria, invade the body. It is found in circulating fluids, and destroys bacteria.
Immunoglobulin E (IgE): IgE is concentrated in the lung, the skin and the cells of mucous membranes. Mucous membranes are surface linings that protect certain organs, such as the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts. IgE also provides the primary defense against environmental antigens, and is highly anti-viral.


Growth factors include:

• Growth hormone (GH)
• Insulin-like growth factor 1 and II (IgF-1 & IgF-II)
• Transforming growth factors A & B (TgF A & B)
• Epithelial growth factor (EGF)
• Fibroblast growth factor (FGF)
• Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)
• Gonadotropin releasing hormone and associated peptide (GnRH & GAP)