TRADE NAMES
Mega Bovine Colostrum (Bricker Labs)
DESCRIPTION
Colostrum is derived from the pre-milk fluid produced
from a cow's mammary glands with in the first few days after birth. Bovine
colostrum is a source of antibodies, growth factors and nutrients which
generates immunity against viruses that affect the gastrointestinal tract.
The protein content of bovine colostrum has three to
four times higher value that the protein level found in cow's milk. These
include immunoglobulins and growth factors such as IGF-1, IGF-2, TGFbeta and EGF.
Hyperimmune bovine colostrum contains a high level of IgG type, which is
protective against rotaviruses.
ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY
Bovine colostrum can be used to stimulate immunity and
works efficiently as an antiviral. There is also an ergogenic activity reported
with bovine colostrum use.
MECHANISM OF ACTION
Hyperimmune bovine colostrum has antiviral activity
based on the ability of specific immunoglobulins of the IgG type to react with
virses in the gut. Bovine colostrum contains a few immunostimulatory substances,
including lactoferrin and colostrinin or proline-rich polypeptide (PRP) which is
an iimmunomodulatory substance. The combination of specific, as well as
nonspecific, IgGs and such immunomodulatory factors as lactoferrin and PRP may
afford general antimicrobial protection of the gastrointestinal tract.
PHARMACOKINETICS
It would be expected that immunoglobulins found in
bovine colostrum would be rapidly inactivated by stomach acid and proteolytic
action in the small intestine. Enteric coating would protect the proteins from
acid in the stomach but not from proteolytic activity in the small intestine.
However, following ingestion of bovine colostrum, some immunoglobulins are found
to be excreted intact in the feces after a few days. This suggests that some
immunoglobulins may be more resistant to degradation in the gut.
Growth factors and other peptides and proteins in
bovine colostrum are most likely degraded by proteolytic enzymes and absorbed,
distributed and metabolized in the same fashion as similar dietary substances.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Claims made for bovine colostrum are mostly
unsubstantiated. Some preparations may have some antimicrobial effects. There is
no credible evidence to support claims that bovine colostrum burns fat, builds
muscle, speeds healing of injuries, regulates blood sugars, improves mood and
fights depression or that it has anti-cancer effects.
PRECAUTIONS
Use of Bovine colostrum should be retricted among
pregnant women and nursing mothers.
Bovine colostrum contains insulin-like growth factor-1
(IGF-1). IGF-1 levels are elevated in prostate, colorectal and lung cancer.
Recent studies have found that IGF-1 levels correlate with risk of prostate
cancer and colorectal cancer in men, premenopausal breast cancer in women and
lung cancer in both men and women. Those with these types of cancer and those at
risk for these cancers should exercise caution in the use of bovine colostrum
supplements. It is unlikely that the amount of IGF-1 in bovine colostrum would
be a problem, but caution should still be exercised.
ADVERSE REACTIONS
Adverse reactions to bovine colostrum supplements are
mainly gastrointestinal and include nausea and vomiting, bloating and diarrhea.
Bovine colostrum is generally well tolerated.
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
Bovine colostrum is available in several forms,
including tablets, powders, bars and liquid solutions. Dosage is variable.
Hyperimmune bovine colostrum used for AIDS-associated diarrhea usually caused by
Cryptosporidium parvum is dosed at 10 grams four times daily for 21 days.
This must only be taken under medical supervision.
HOW SUPPLIED
Powder
Tablets — 1000 mg
* Direct Source:
PDR Health
http://www.pdrhealth.com/drug_info/nmdrugprofiles/nutsupdrugs/bov_0082.shtml
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