Therapeutic Applications of Bovine Colostrum Supplements

Therapeutic Applications of Bovine Colostrum Supplements

Veterinary nutraceutical medicine has been defined as ‘the use of micronutrients, macronutrients and other nutritional supplements as therapeutic agents’ (American Veterinary Medical Association, 1999). Colostrum is used as a nutraceutical for animals of all ages to increase resistance to infection and disease caused by a wide range of pathogens including bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi. It is used for applications such as healing of intestinal lesions and increasing the absorption of nutrients from the gastrointestinal tract. The components of colostrum that convey its nutraceutical properties are nearly identical in structure and function among different species (Francis et al., 1986; Anderson et al., 1989), thus could be effectively used across the species. It is used in nutraceutical medicine due to the relative ease with which large amounts can be collected and processed, and its proven effectiveness when used to treat a variety of ailments. Colostrum is the “early” milk produced by female mammals and in case of bovine it is the first four days of milk post parturition (Gopal and Gill, 2000). Colostrogenesis, preceeding lactogenesis and lactation, results in the secretion of colostrum which is unique in composition and function and is supposed to be under endocrine and local control and regulation (Barrington et al., 2001). The role of colostrum for a new born for first few days of life is not only to provide nutrition, but also to provide protection against infection while immune system is still developing. It has a nutrient profile and immunological composition that differs substantially from ‘mature’ milk. Proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals included in the nutrient profile are in addition to the growth factors, cytokines and nucleosides. It is rich in oligosaccharides, natural antimicrobials, immune regulation factors (Kelly, 2003) and antioxidative factors. The immunoglobulins are selectively transported to mammary secretion from maternal circulation several weeks before parturition (Butler, 1983).

Colostrum is a milky fluid that’s released by mammals that have recently given birth before breast milk production begins.

It’s an important source of nutrients that promotes growth and fights disease in infants, but it can also be consumed during other phases of life — typically in supplement form.

Even though all mammals produce colostrum, supplements are usually made from the colostrum of cows. This supplement is known as bovine colostrum.

Bovine colostrum is similar to human colostrum — rich in vitamins, minerals, fats, carbohydrates, disease-fighting proteins, growth hormones, and digestive enzymes (1).

Bovine colostrum supplements have become popular in recent years, as they may promote immunity, fight infection, and improve gut health (2, 3).

For these supplements colostrum from cows is pasteurized and dried into pills or into powders that can be mixed with liquids. Bovine colostrum typically has a light yellow color and a subtle taste and smell that resembles buttermilk.

Highly Nutritious

Bovine colostrum is extremely nutritious and contains more nutrients than regular milk.In particular, it’s higher in protein, fat, carbs, magnesium, B vitamins, and vitamins A, C, and E than cow’s milk .

While colostrum is rich in macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals, its claimed health benefits are mostly linked to specific protein compounds, which include:

• Lactoferrin. Lactoferrin is a protein involved in your body’s immune response to infections, including those caused by bacteria and viruses (4Trusted Source, 5Trusted Source, 6Trusted Source).
• Growth factors. Growth factors are hormones that stimulate growth. Bovine colostrum is especially high in two protein-based hormones, insulin-like growth factors 1 and 2, or IGF-1 and IGF-2 (1).
• Antibodies. Antibodies are proteins, also known as immunoglobulins, used by your immune system to fight bacteria and viruses. Bovine colostrum is rich in the antibodies IgA, IgG, and IgM (1, 2).

Since bovine colostrum is loaded with nutrients that fight disease and promote growth, it may be able to boost immunity, treat infections, and offer more related benefits in humans throughout life.

Colostrum benefits for babies

Researchers have consistently documented the health benefits of newborns consuming colostrum.

These benefits include:

• Encouraging breastfeeding: Babies who consume colostrum shortly after birth are more likely to breastfeed, and their mothers are more likely to produce breast milk. A 2018 study also found that early skin-to-skin contact and colostrum exposure encouraged breastfeeding in very preterm babies.
• Preventing failure to thrive: In babies with a low birth weight, receiving colostrum either from the mother or as a bovine supplement from formula may support healthy weight gain and prevent failure to thrive.
• Achieving feeding goals: A 2020 reviewTrusted Source states that preterm babies who received an oropharyngeal administration of their mother’s colostrum were released from the hospital sooner and met their feeding goals quicker than babies who did not.
• Supporting early nutrition: Colostrum is a baby’s first food, providing hydration, protein, and important nutrients immediately after birth.

A 2018 study in infant macaques, which are a type of monkey, found that supplements of bovine colostrum helped improve bone mineral density.

Researchers have not yet tested this claim in humans. However, if humans experience similar benefits, bovine colostrum may help improve bone health in infants whose bones are not developing at a healthy rate.

Colostrum benefits for adults

In recent years, some adults have tried using colostrum as a supplement. For example, doctors may suggest colostrum to treat a number of gastrointestinal conditions, including:

• stomach injuries related to the overuse of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• infections with Helicobacter pylori, which are bacteria linked to stomach ulcers
• infectious diarrhea

As with many other supplements, researchers have not thoroughly tested all the benefits that proponents of colostrum claim to exist.

Bioactive Molecules in Bovine Colostrum

BOVINE COLOSTRUM AS IMMUNOMODULATOR

In humans, maternal immunoglobulins with specific antimicrobial activity are transferred to the new born via placenta and confer a degree of passive immunity. Contrarily, in animals such as bovines, ovines, caprines and equines, the immunoglobulins are transferred posnatally through colostrum as the placenta does not allow significant transfer of macromolecules. Bovine colostrum contains immunoglobulins such as IgG, IgM, IgA, IgD, and IgE. IgG and IgM function in systemic infections while IgA functions within internal body surfaces such as the intestine (Muller and Ellinger, 1981). When taken orally, the immunoglobins in colostrum are not absorbed into the blood stream in case of animals older than 36 to 48 h. However, within the GI tract of animals of all ages they are very effective against pathogenic organisms. Colostral immunoglobins are able to bind and agglutinate invading organisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites that enter the intestinal tract, facilitating their removal before they cause infection and diseases (Oyenyi and Hunte, 1978). The immunoglobulins also prevent pathogens from binding to intestinal surfaces (Bitzan et al., 1998) thereby inhibiting an important step in the infection process. Colostrum supplementation in rabbits has shown immunomodulatory potential by enhancing cell mediated immune response without any effect on humoral immune response (Nagaraja, 2010). The iron binding glycoprotiens, lactoferrin and transferrin, found in colostrum slow pathogen growth by sequestering free iron molecules in the gut and moving the iron in the blood stream (Pakdaman et al., 1998). Lactoferrin attacks pathogens directly by destabilizing the coat membranes of gram negative bacteria (Dionysius and Milne, 1997) which allows the immune system to attack them more successfully. It increases the ability of neutrophils to attack and destroy bacterial invaders (Miyauchi et al., 1998). It may also bind to receptors in the intestine and act as a signal to stimulate the immune system (Miyauchi et al., 1998). It is proven to exhibit antiviral properties most likely by attaching to the virus and preventing it from entering the cells (Sato et al., 1996; Swart et al., 1998). The cytokines IL-1, IL-2, IL-6, TNF  and IFN present in the colostrum are fundamental components of immune system. They enhance B and T cell maturation and increase the level of endogenous antibody production (Watkins et al., 1995). They are required to fight systemic infections and to protect against septic shock. They play a major role in the regulation of epithelial cell growth and development including intestinal inflammation and epithelial restitution following mucosal damage (Elson et al., 1994). Transfer factors, a family of small oligoribonucleopeptides, are known to potentiate the action of T cells (Wilson et al., 1982; Kirkpatrick, 1996). The stimulated T cells produce a secondary immune response upon first exposure to antigens, rather than a primary response that would otherwise be the case. These factors function in a cross species manner (Radesevich et al., 1985). Proline Rich Polypeptide (PRP) present in colostrum stimulates the weakened immune system and also stabilizes hyperactive immune system due to autoimmune diseases and allergies in the body (Thapa, 2005).

BOVINE COLOSTRUM AS HEALTH PROMOTER

Colostrum contains a number of growth and maturation factors such as somatomedins (IGF-1, IGF-2), somatotrophin, fibroblast growth factor (FGF), transforming growth factor  and (TGF- and TGF-), insulin, platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) which form a powerful combination in colostrum (Oda et al., 1989; Ginjala and Pakkanen, 1998). These naturally occurring substances have been shown to enhance the synthesis of DNA, RNA and protein, while at the same time inhibit breakdown of protein (Ballard et al., 1982; Ginjala and Pakkanen, 1998). There are receptors for these compounds throughout the intestinal tract and they are postulated to be mediators of intestinal growth and development (Montaner et al., 1999). They are known to increase cell mass of intestine, influence the composition of absorptive surfaces and may be involved in stimulating wound healing (Hardin et al., 1993). Maturation and proliferation of intestinal cells result in increased absorption of electrolytes and nutrients from intestine (Opleta-madsen et al., 1991; Alexander and Carey, 1999). Bovine colostrum supplementation in rabbits increased body weight gain without any significant effect on biochemical parameters except AST (Dar et al., 2010). Further, the adjunctive therapeutic potential of colostrum along with Ivermectin has been reported against naturally Psorptes cuniculi infested rabbit (Dar et al., 2010). Colostrum supplemented calves suffered less diarrhea and received fewer antimicrobial treatments than control and placebo calves (Berge et al., 2009) Nucleotides and nucleosides in colostrum belong to the group of natural bioactive minor substances. They are not only active as metabolites but seem to be important in the regulation of body functions also. They participate in iron absorption in the gut, desaturation and elongation rates in biosynthesis of fatty acids. Their concentration tends to decrease with time after parturition (Przybylska et al., 2007). Grehlin, present in colostrum, is an acylated peptide from stomach, which plays a role in stimulating growth hormone release by the pituitary gland and in affecting feeding behavior as stimulator of food intake (Kojima and Kangawa, 2005). Trypsin and protease inhibitors present in colostrum are highly effective in protecting the immune and growth factors from being broker down in the gastrointestinal tract. They prevent Helicobacter pylori from attaching to the walls of the stomach and have a beneficial role in the treatment of peptic ulcers (Bitzan et al., 1998). Lysozyme is a lytic enzyme of 14.3 kDa. The natural substrate of this enzyme is the peptidoglycan layer of the bacterial cell wall and its degradation product results in lysis of the bacteria (Reiter, 1978). A peculiarity of the lysozyme is its interaction with other factors present in the colostrum. It partly activates lactoperoxidase by forming a complex with it (Hulea et al., 1989). In presence of lactoferrin, the antimicrobial activity of lysozyme against Escherichia coli is also enhanced as lactoferrin damages the outer membrane of gram negative bacteria and the organism becomes susceptible to lysozyme (Yamauchi et al., 1993). It also works in synergy with IgA and complement factors against E. coli (Hill et al., 1974). Lactobacillus bifidus acidophilus, a friendly bacterium in colostrum, is necessary for the normal digestion of food and its presence is essential to reduce the growth of harmful bacteria in the digestive system. It also effectively combats Candida albicans.

BOVINE COLOSTRUM AS AN ANTIOXIDANT

At birth the newborn encounters an environment much richer in oxygen than the intrauterine life and antioxidant defense mechanisms that are poorly developed in the neonatal period may be overcome by the generation of excessive reactive oxygen species thereby exposing the neonate to oxidative stress. Colostrum with a significantly high total antioxidant capacity can be beneficial against this oxidative damage. It is rich in enzymatic as well as non enzymatic antioxidants. The enzymatic antioxidants include lactoperoxidase, catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. Lactoperoxidase, a basic glycoprotein containing a heme-group with Fe 3+ catalyses the oxidation of thiocyanate (SCN – ) in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), producing a toxic intermediary oxidation product which inhibits bacterial metabolism via the oxidation of essential sulphahydryl groups in microbial enzymes and other proteins (Pruitt et al., 1985). H2O2 + SCN – OSCN + H2O Its biological significance lies in its involvement in the natural host defense system against invading microorganisms, degradation of various carcinogens and protection of animal cells against peroxidative effects. Catalse catalyses the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide. 2H2O2 2H2O + O2. Cream and skim milk contains about 60 and 40%, respectively of milk catalase. Most of it in cream is bound firmly to the membranes of fat globules and cannot be released readily into skim milk (Ito and Akuzawa, 1983). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) catalyses the dismutation of superoxide anion to hydrogen peroxide: 2O2 – + 2H + H2O + O2 There are three types of SOD which contain either manganese, copper/zinc or iron, respectively. In bovine milk Cu/Zn-SOD is found (Asada, 1976). It is absent in cream and only found in skim milk. The concentration of SOD in milk varies between cows and breeds. In cow’s milk it is probably not affected by stage of lactation or age

of cow and does not vary between morning and night milking. Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity has been detected in bovine milk at levels between 12 and 32 U/ml and correlated significantly with selenium concentration. This suggests that GSH-Px is one of the biologically active forms of selenium in milk (Hojo, 1982; Debski et al., 1987). Both GSH-Px activity and selenium content of milk have been shown to decrease within the time of lactation (Hojo, 1986). It has been found that several seleno compounds may scavenge peroxynitrite radicals (Sies et al., 1997). The non enzymatic antioxidants in colostum include vitamin E, A, C, lactoferrin, selenium, copper, zinc, cysteine etc. Vitamin E, an important lipid-soluble membrane antioxidant enhances the functional efficiency for neutrophils by protecting them from oxidative damage following intracellular killing of ingested bacteria. It acts as a radical scavenger and protects from peroxidative damage of all phospho-lipid containing membranes. Vitamin A has numerous functions that are not fully understood, but its main role is the resistance to infectious diseases particularly mastitis. Vitamin C is water soluble and is present in the cytosolic compartment of the cell. It serves as an electron donor to vitamin E radicals generated in the cell membrane during oxidative stress. It contributes to maintaining the redox integrity of cells and thereby protects them against reactive oxygen species generated during the respiratory burst and in the inflammatory process. Lactoferrin provides protection from iron induced lipid peroxidation (Bennett et al., 1986). Its physiological role is the responsibility for primary defense against microbial and viral infection (Masson et al., 1969). It may serve as an antioxidant by binding any catalytic iron generated during the course of cell destruction, minimizing hydroxyl radical mediated tissue injury associated with neutrophiloxidant production during inflammation. It is able to inhibit Haber-Weiss reaction as well (Ye et al., 2000). The different subfractions of colostrum lactoferrin possess five different enzyme activities: DNase, RNase, ATPase, Phosphatase and malto-oligosaccharide hydrolase. Selenium is transferred through the placenta and mammary tissue. The mammary-gland regulates mechanisms that control the synthesis and secretion of seleno-compounds throughout lactation with a high total Se level in colostrum that decreases as lactation progresses. It appears in colostrum as a component of specific seleno-proteins and seleno-amino-acids that are well tolerated by infants. Se in colostrum occurs as glutathione-peroxidase (4 to 31% total Se) > selenocystamine> selenocystine > Selenomethionine. The wide range of colostrum Se concentration depends on Se consumed in natural foods which reflects the Se contents of the soils where animals are grown. Se prophylaxis, either through the soil Se fertilization or maternal supplements, is effective in raising colostrum Se concentration (Przyblyska et al., 2007). Se-enriched yeast was much more effective than sodium selenite in increasing the concentration of Se in the blood, colostrum and milk, as well as the GSH-Px activity (Slavik et al., 2008). Others include Copper, Zinc, Cysteine etc. The former two are necessary for proper activity of antioxidant enzymes besides possessing their own antioxidant properties (Ahmed et al., 2004). The latter is a precursor of glutathione (Goldmas et al., 1986) which is a powerful antioxidant found in colostrum. Casiens and whey proteins from colostrum exert antioxidant activities measured by reducing power, ferrous ion chelating abilities as well as inhibitory effects on lipid peroxidation (Chiang and Chang, 2005). Colostrinin, a complex of proline rich polypeptides possesses antioxidant activity besides inducing mitogenic stimulation. It reduces intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species and appears to down regulate 4- hydroxynonen-mediated lipid peroxidation (Bilikiewicz and Gaus, 2004). Colostrum is also capable of spontaneous reduction of cytochrome c, depletion of polymorpho nuclear leukocyte-produced H2O2 and protection of epithelial cells from PMN-mediated detachment (Przyblyska et al., 2007). Published reports have shown that colostrum and its components are effective against a wide range of common pathogens, including Rotavirus, Cryptosporidium spp., Staphylococcus aureus, Candida spp., Clostridium spp., Feline immunodeficiency virus, Shigella spp., Streptococcus spp. and E. coli. It is a proven effective nutraceutical for the enhancement of immune function in a diverse range of animal species including cattle, horse, pig, sheep, cats, mice, hamsters, ferrets and lizards (Taillon and Andreason, 2000).

Rerence-on request

Edited by-Prof. SUMIT BANDHOPADHYYA

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