Colostrum

Seasonal flu can infect up to 20% of the worldwide population, causing about 3 to 5 million cases of severe illness, and about 290.000 to 650.000 deaths linked to respiratory diseases. It is clear how vaccination campaigns and the use of antiviral drugs represent relevant instruments to contain and mitigate the health and socio-economic costs of seasonal flu. Vaccines and antiviral drugs aim at the prevention of serious consequences (hospitalization and death), especially in weaker individuals such as children, older and debilitated subjects. Since the spreading of new virus variants, together with the notion that the immune system in weaker subjects may be less responsive, classical vaccination and therapeutic approaches can be more challenging, thus requiring actions aimed at boosting the immune system of the weaker individuals.

In this scenario, the prophylactic modulation of the immune system through the use of naturally available products, such as colostrum, is an interesting option. Colostrum is characterized by numerous properties capable of protecting individuals from the attack of pathogenic organisms, representing the most-known natural substance with the greatest immune-boosting effects. Indeed, colostrum, which contains high levels of antibody and other antimicrobial agents (e.g. lactoferrin), conveys protection to the offspring of many mammalian species, including humans, against several pathogens. The use of colostrum, in contrast to the use of the single components contained in it (e.g. lactoferrin, antibodies, growth factors) may have relevant advantages. The natural matrix in which its components are embedded can protect them from the digestion of the acidic environment of the stomach. For several reasons human colostrum (HC) cannot be easily used and commercialized and, recently, bovine colostrum (BC) has been identified as a valid alternative. Finally, BC can be enriched with other relevant ingredients such as vitamin C and vitamin D₃ in order to address the needs of different population groups, such as children and elderly.

Properties and Indications

The bovine colostrum (BC) contained in Colostrum has a high content of immunoglobulins (Ig) and growth factors and its properties are linked to its variegated composition, which includes carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, amino acids, vitamins and mineral salts. Noteworthy is the protein component, which includes IgG (G1+G2), IgA, IgM that are essential for the immune activity of BC. Other relevant components are creatine, creatinine, lactoperoxidase and lactoferrin. The latter one represents a relevant component able to stimulate the innate immune response against pathogens, such as viruses.

Ingredients

• Bovine Colostrum

Recommended Use

Colostrum is available in chewable tablets; it is recommended to take one tablet per day before the main meal.

Instructions

The recommended daily dose should not be exceeded. Food supplements are not a substitute for a balanced and varied diet and a healthy lifestyle. Keep away from children below 3 years old.