Colostrum or foremilk effects and benefits
Colostrum is the foremilk produced in the few days after birth and is found in all mammals, including humans, dogs and cattle.
Humans are born with a basic immune defence, but many mammals are not. For example, both dogs and cattle babies receive their first immune information from their parents through colostrum in the foremilk, which ‘triggers’ their immune system. Therefore, the concentration of immune substances in bovine colostrum is more than 40 times that of humans.
In addition to being highly nutritious, foremilk contains a high concentration of important substances for the immune system, the body’s defence system. The active substances in colostrum cannot be found in such high concentrations anywhere else.
Colostrum and its health preserving substances
Immunoglobulins
Immunoglobulins, also known as antibodies, play an important role in the body’s defence against pathogens. In plasma, antibodies bind to antigens. This antigen-antibody complex, or immunocomplex, helps to establish and maintain an appropriate immune response. Of the antibodies in the foreskin, IgA, IgG and IgM are worth a little more discussion.
IgA
The dog’s body produces most of these antibodies. IgA’s job is to block viruses and bacteria inside the digestive tract and keep them in. IgA deficiency can cause ongoing intestinal inflammation and chronic diarrhoea. Bacteria and viruses can enter the bloodstream and cause allergic reactions and ongoing inflammation in other organs.
IgG
It provides passive immunity to newborns and young animals until their own immune systems are strengthened. They help to protect the body against viruses, bacteria and infections.
IgM
Newborn babies first produce IgM antibodies. This is the first line of defence against viruses. IgM antibodies help complement proteins to bind and kill bacteria.
PRP
Proline-rich polypeptides (PRPs), also known as colostrinin, are derived from colostrum – the body of a newborn mammal receives them from the parent in breast milk. Because the immune system of the newborn is not fully developed, PRPs play an important role in immunity through their antiviral, antibacterial, antitumor and immunoregulatory activities. They have an immunomodulatory effect, i.e. they stimulate the immune system when it is impaired (immunostimulation) and inhibit it when it is overactive (immunosuppression).
MSM
MSM, also known as methylsulphonyl methane, can prevent cartilage damage, help wound healing, and support cancer treatment. A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that it can reduce the release of cytokines and prostaglandins, so it may also be useful in treating allergic reactions, including itching, congestion, shortness of breath, sneezing and coughing.
Growth factors
They stimulate cell growth and help repair muscle, bone, connective tissue and intestinal lining.
Lactoferrin
This protein in colostrum is antiviral, antimicrobial, antifungal and antiparasitic. It helps to destroy pathogens that cause inflammation. By acting as a prebiotic, it can help nourish healthy gut bacteria.
The effects of Colostrum’s ingredients also show that one of the greatest benefits of foremilk is its immunomodulatory effect, its ability to regulate the immune system. It follows that its use can be a solution for a very wide range of diseases resulting from immune disorders.
What diseases can Colostrum be used for?
Allergy
Allergies are often an overactive immune response due to an overactive immune system. MSM and PRPs in colostrum can help to moderate the immune system and its response. Colostrum may also be a useful alternative in the treatment of inflammation that causes itching or rashes.
Leaky gut syndrome
This occurs when the intestinal tract is damaged by medicines or other toxins. At the site of the injury, undigested food particles enter the bloodstream through the intestinal wall. These can cause allergic reactions, digestive problems and arthritis. The lactoferrin in colostrum acts as a prebiotic to help nourish healthy gut bacteria and may help treat inflammation. Studies have shown that colostrum may help treat leaky gut syndrome.
Diarrhoea
The beneficial effects of foremilk against leaky gut syndrome mean that it is also effective in treating diarrhoea. Studies have shown that it can help in acute, chronic and infectious diarrhoea. Lactoferrin has been shown to reduce the number of infectious intestinal bacteria and improve the quality of faeces of weaned puppies.
Autoimmune disease
An increasing number of dogs are affected by various autoimmune diseases, due to environmental influences, inadequate nutrition, various toxins, etc. The PRPs in colostrum can help to “suppress” an overactive immune system (immunosuppression). Immunoglobulins and lactoferrin are effective against viruses and various bacteria, which can reduce autoimmune disorders.
Colostrum and cancer
The effects of the active ingredients of colostrum against tumors:
- Immunoglobulin: supports the immune system and can help the body fight viruses and bacteria.
- Cytokines: studies show that cytokines activate special white blood cells that can identify and destroy cancer cells.
- Lactalbumin: In experiments, lactalbumin in colostrum caused apoptosis, shrinkage of tumour cells, but had no effect on healthy cells.
More articles about dog cancer.
Arthritis, osteoarthritis and the Colostrum
MSM inhibits joint inflammation and increases joint mobility. It helps the body to replace damaged cells and repair damaged tissue. It can help reduce pain and manage inflammation. And growth factors can help repair damaged tissue. More articles on cartilage wear.
Oral hygiene
Research has shown that colostrum can reduce the number of bacteria that cause oral hygiene problems and gum disease, which can often lead to tooth loss in your pet. And growth factors can help repair damaged tissue.
Warning!
Colostrum is basically milk! Use with caution in case of any milk allergy!
Our products are with colostrum:
