What is Colostrum?
Colostrum is the mother cow’s first milk for the calf and is available in a highly concentrated form for suckling during the first 72 hours after birth. Unlike humans, calves see the light of day without an innate immune system. It is only through the maternal Colostrum that they are given reliable protection for a healthy cow’s life. This wealth of immune competence is unique in nature.
For the production of our LACsell® Colostrum products, only the Colostrum from the 1st and 2nd milking is used. In the first 12 hours, we are guaranteed to obtain the highest concentration of the more than 400 bioactive substances in the Colostrum. For our LACsell® Colostrum products we use about 50% of produced Colostrum, the other 50% is needed by the newborn to build up its own immune system – because the health of the calf always comes first.
The life building block Colostrum.
Our main interest is in the numerous immune factors in Colostrum. These are bioactive messenger substances that can directly influence immunological processes. In particular, these are special antibodies (immunoglobulins), but growth factors, hormones and cytokines also play a major role. But of course, the Colostrum also contains numerous vitamins, enzymes and minerals, as well as all amino acids.
We would like to introduce these bioactive messengers to you in detail.
Antibodies = Immunoglobulins
Immunoglobulins – proteins produced as a specific response of the immune system to the invasion of pathogens. These antibodies can neutralize or mark bacteria, viruses, allergens, etc. independently, so that consequently other immune-competent helper cells can take over this work.
* IgG – antibodies make up the largest proportion with approximately 80%.
They are among other things for the defense against invading bacteria or
viruses. Antibodies neutralize unknown microorganisms.
* IgA – antibodies, which protect the mucous membranes in the nose, throat
and intestines against bacterial and viral attacks in a direct line.
* IgD – antibodies, which stimulate B cells to produce very specific antibodies.
* IgE – antibodies, which control allergic reactions, among other things.
Growth factors
Growth factors are special messenger substances that modulate cell metabolism by transferring information from one cell to another. On the one hand, they intervene directly in cell division and the differentiation of stem cells; on the other hand, they also regulate a wide variety of intracellular processes.
Bioidentical hormones
Hormones (ancient Greek term that could also be translated as “drive”) are intra-secretory glandular substances that ‘activate’ organs and metabolism in the best sense.
Proline-rich polypeptides (PRP)
PRP have a regulatory effect on the immune system via the thymus gland. They can stimulate a weakened immune system as well as calm an allergic overreaction. Polypeptides support the functions of our brain activities and contribute to mental stabilization.
Lactoferrin
Lactoferrin (LF) is a strong iron-binding protein, and is found in many body fluids, including white blood cells. To this end, Lactoferrin has both antiviral and antimicrobial properties.
Cytokines
Cytokines are special proteins with regulatory properties. They serve to control the body’s immune response to pathogens. Interleukins are also responsible for communication between immune cells so that targeted defense responses can be coordinated.