Many of us cannot initially imagine what the terms “immunoglobulins” and “colostrum” mean. Immunoglobulins is the technical term for the so-called “antibodies” in our body. Colostrum is also known as “first milk” or “colostrum” and contains these immunoglobulins. BE THE CHANGE® has made the essential benefits of immunoglobulins in the form of colostrum available in a sustainable and animal-friendly way and made the valuable active ingredients in the BE THE CHANGE colostrum products bioactively available.
In this article, we would like to explain to you in more detail what exactly colostrum and immunoglobulins have to do with each other, to what extent colostrum is beneficial for adults and why animal welfare and sustainability also play an important role in this context.
What are immunoglobulins?
Immunoglobulins are an indispensable and essential part of our specific immune system and are also called antibodies.
Our immune system protects us from pathogens such as viruses and bacteria, as well as from defective cells in the body, such as the much-feared tumor cells.
Our immune system, the invisible protector
Our immune system is our body's defense system and it fights harmful pathogens and cells so that we do not become ill but stay healthy.
The immune system is a complex network that consists of various actors that act within it: several organs, numerous messenger substances and different cell types are part of our immune system.
Immunoglobulins, antibodies, are also part of our so-called specific immune system - now you may be wondering whether there is another immune system if there is a "specific" one? To a certain extent, yes.
Because: Did you know that our immune system is divided into two functional parts?
Nonspecific Immune System – The Innate Protection
Our innate immune system is also known as the “non-specific immune system” and has protective mechanisms that include both external barriers, such as our skin and mucous membranes, and internal protective mechanisms, such as the defense cells in our body. White blood cells and bacteria-killing substances are just a few examples of how our non-specific immune system protects us from pathogens.
Specific Immune System – The Acquired Protection
Our specific immune system is not innate, but is acquired after birth through external influences and through confrontation with our environment and its pathogens. When our body comes into contact with a potential pathogen, such as a virus or bacteria, our body uses certain defense mechanisms to specifically ward off and fight the pathogen. Our immune system basically remembers the properties of the pathogen and can then fight it off even more effectively on further contact. The so-called T cells and B cells, a certain type of white blood cell, play an important role in our specific immune system.
The heroes of our specific immune system – immunoglobulins
Our antibodies, the immunoglobulins, are proteins and have the shape of a Y, which cannot be seen even under a microscope because they are so small - they are invisible to us humans with the naked eye. Immunoglobulins circulate in our blood and play an essential role in the specific immune defense against pathogens, which are colloquially also called invaders.
According to the lock-and-key principle, which some may remember from biology class, immunoglobulins recognize certain structures and characteristics on the surfaces of pathogens, which we in turn call antigens.
The antibodies attach themselves to these antigens and in this way mark the unwanted bacteria, viruses or defective cells in the body. The defense cells, the T cells mentioned above, react to this marking and destroy the unwanted invaders.
Immunoglobulins are vital for our survival so that our body can adequately protect itself against harmful substances. There are different types of immunoglobulins or antibodies.
The different types of immunoglobulins
The different types of antibodies are grouped into the immunoglobulin classes [1] :
Immunoglobulins G (IgG): G immunoglobulins are the most common antibodies in our blood, which protect us primarily against viruses and bacteria. We received the first G immunoglobulins as unborn fetuses via our mother's placenta, which protect us from pathogens in the first months of our lives.
Immunoglobulin A (IgA): IgA is found primarily on our mucous membranes and in body fluids. As babies, we receive IgA through breast milk.
Immunoglobulin M (IgM): After contact with a pathogen, IgM is the first immunoglobulin class to be formed and indicates the acute infection phase of a disease.
Immunoglobulin D (IgD): The function of IgD has not yet been fully researched, but it is suspected that it plays a role in the activation of B cells. D-immunoglobulins can only be detected in small amounts in our plasma and they are broken down very quickly by the body.
Immunoglobulin E (IgE): IgE are the immunoglobulins that play a role in allergies and parasites.
What is colostrum?
The term colostrum, or colostrum, colostrum or first milk, may not mean anything specific to you at first. Mothers or people with immune disorders may already know the word and have heard it from their midwife or doctor.
Colostrum is the first substance that is given to the newborn after pregnancy of a mammal, e.g. a woman or a female cow. In liquid form, colostrum is produced by the female mammary glands and contains concentrated and versatile ingredients in the form of antibodies, proteins, vitamins, amino acids, and much more.
But what exactly is colostrum good for and how does it differ from regular breast milk?
Back to the Origin
Colostrum supports the immune system of newborns in a completely natural way because it is one of the most original supply mechanisms in mammalian biology.
The unique “first milk” is the first strengthening food of every mammal to make the new living being resilient and able to survive. If the colostrum is produced by a cow, it is also known in agriculture as colostrum.
When a newborn, whether human or ruminant, is born, the immune system is only weakly developed – in young calves it is not developed at all.
If a living being were to be exposed to the environment without colostrum, it would be exposed to the many bacteria and viruses without adequate protective mechanisms and its survival would be at great risk.
Mother Nature designed colostrum to intensively strengthen the immune system of newborns within the first few days, so that the new creatures can quickly survive. This is why colostrum contains an even more concentrated mixture of valuable ingredients that support the immune system than the breast milk produced later.
Colostrum is only produced by a mother in the first 18-36 hours after birth and is then replaced by normal breast milk. Colostrum also looks different from breast milk, as it is thicker and yellowish.
Why Colostrum from Cows is More Effective
We have already learned that people are born with an innate immune system and that this nonspecific immune system is expanded after birth by the specific immune system.
A newborn calf, on the other hand, unlike a human infant, does not have its own antibodies after birth and is therefore completely defenseless against bacteria, viruses and the environment.
But evolution is reliable – because colostrum from cows’ first milk contains up to 40 times higher concentrations of immunoglobulins than human colostrum, as a study by Natural History Magazine found in 1969.
Compared to milk, other nutrients are also contained in higher concentrations. [2] For this reason, we at BE THE CHANGE® only use high-quality colostrum from colostrum for our immunoglobulin concentrates.
Nutrients in Colostrum:
- immunoglobulins, antibodies
- enzymes
- proteins
- Lactoferrin
- amino acids
- nucleotides
- growth factors [3]
- vitamins
- minerals
Benefits for Adults
Why should an adult take colostrum?
The positive effects of colostrum on human health have long been scientifically proven and are particularly diverse. It is not for nothing that the evolutionary development of mammals has created this little miracle cure that offers us impressive health benefits.
In addition to the already described support of our immune system throughout our entire lifespan through immunoglobulins, colostrum also has an antibacterial effect and can neutralize free radicals.
The importance of a healthy diet is crucial for our general health. Colostrum extracts are not a medicine or a dietary supplement, but a very special type of food that can support our health and immune system in a very original way through its natural effectiveness. We are essentially making use of Mother Nature's evolutionary genius.
Colostrum is also suitable for people who are lactose intolerant. This is because with a normal daily intake of high-quality, freeze-dried colostrum in an amount of about 1 gram per day, the lactose content is so low that even with lactose intolerance, no reaction can occur. [4]
Three important effects of colostrum:
- Colostrum supports the immune system
- Colostrum has antibacterial effects
- Colostrum can neutralize free radicals
1. Support of the immune system
The antibodies (immunoglobulins) contained in colostrum and the numerous other nutrients support both our specific and non-specific immune systems throughout our lives.
As we age, our immune system becomes less efficient and will therefore gratefully accept a supply of immunoglobulins and other valuable nutrients. Especially in stressful times or after illness, adjusting our diet and taking additional immunoglobulins in the form of colostrum can help us to feel generally well.
2. Antibacterial effect – Natural resistance
Researchers attribute an antibacterial effect to bovine colostrum. [5] The lactoferrin contained in colostrum has properties that remove iron from bacteria.
However, since iron is vital for bacteria, the pathogens die. This antibacterial effect can therefore have a positive effect on fighting pathogens.
3. Colostrum neutralizes free radicals and activates our immune cells
Researchers led by Professor Josef Beut at the University of Cologne also found an antioxidant effect in a scientific study. In the study, colostrum activated immune cells and neutralized free radicals. [6]
When too many free radicals cause what is known as “oxidative stress,” this can lead to numerous diseases, such as arteriosclerosis, arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Immunoglobulins from colostrum can neutralize these free radicals and potentially help prevent or counteract diseases.
Animal Welfare and Sustainability – Happy Cows for High-Quality Colostrum
Now you may say that it is not animal-friendly to deprive calves of vital colostrum, or you may not even drink cow's milk anymore? Rest assured.
BE THE CHANGE has made it its mission to act exclusively in a sustainable, animal-friendly manner and in harmony with human biochemistry, as well as regenerative and organic agriculture.
The calf remains No. 1
The cow also produces colostrum in excess in organic dairy farming. This means that our calves first get more than enough to drink before the farmer skims off part of the surplus that the calves no longer drink and carefully freezes it.
After the stock has been skimmed off, a few liters of colostrum remain, which are not used for milk or cheese processing. Reputable and animal-friendly producers only collect this surplus of colostrum. We therefore work exclusively with selected farmers who respectfully nurture and care for the calf and its mother in their nature and natural needs. In our opinion, humans should only come into play once the calves have received the colostrum they are entitled to in sufficient quantities.
Sustainability & Quality
We at BE THE CHANGE therefore work with our own suppliers from Swiss agriculture and maintain personal and long-term relationships with all farmers. Organic and regenerative agriculture are part of our company's mission statement.
We know exactly which colostrum collection comes from which mother cow. There are many different types of colostrum available on the market - and in varying qualities because it can be obtained in different ways.
The overall health of the cows is crucial for the best quality, just as it is with conventional cow's milk. The well-being of the animals is directly related to free-range husbandry on healthy pastures, local and natural nutrition, as well as species-appropriate and loving animal husbandry so that high-quality and rich colostrum can be produced, which in turn subsequently leads to high-quality cow's milk [7] .
We are pioneers – ultrafiltration without pasteurization
BE THE CHANGE has pioneered the first 100% cold-processed Swiss colostrum with the highest immunoglobulin concentration and bioactivity.
Most common colostrum products are pasteurized, i.e. heated. Heat leads to the denaturation of the immunoglobulins and also destroys other temperature-sensitive nutrients and active ingredients. Pasteurization therefore significantly reduces the natural effectiveness of the colostrum.
High-quality colostrum, on the other hand, is gently microfiltered/cold-filtered. The gentle processing of our colostrum using ultrafiltration without pasteurization, i.e. without heat, is of great importance for our high quality. With our special filtration method, we ensure that the colostrum retains its natural strength and in particular the immunoglobulins.
This complex process preserves the valuable nutrients and guarantees food safety. In addition, producers of premium colostrum have their first milk (colostrum) expertly tested and certified by independent testing centers. We work exclusively with this type of colostrum for our BE THE CHANGE immunoglobulin concentrates.
Sources:
1: Antibodies on www.immundefekte.info, last accessed on 13.05.2022
2: Bruce, CE: Natural History Magazine, February 1969
3: R. Pakkanen, J. Aalto: Growth Factors and Antimicrobial Factors of Bovine Colostrum. In: International Dairy Journal. 7 (5), 1997, pp. 285-297
4: Kritzinger, Franz: The quality classification of colostrum with a simple precision funnel, Munich 2017, p. 6; last accessed on 25.06.2019
5: Klapper, DG et al: Endicrinology, June 1983
6: Colostrum has an antioxidant effect and strengthens the immune system on aerztezeitung.de, 18.01.2008, last accessed on 25.06.2019
7: Przybylska, J.; Albera, E.; Kankofer, M.: Antioxidants in Bovine Colostrum , April 2007
[1] https://www.immundefekte.info/immundefekt/basisn/das-immunsystem/antikoerper.php
[2] Bruce, CE: Natural History Magazine, February 1969.
[3] R. Pakkanen, J. Aalto: Growth Factors and Antimicrobial Factors of Bovine Colostrum. In: International Dairy Journal. 7 (5), 1997, pp. 285-297
[4] Kritzinger, Franz: The quality classification of colostrum with a simple precision funnel, Munich 2017, p. 6; last accessed on 25.06.2019
[5] Klapper, DG et al: Endicrinology, June 1983
[6] Colostrum has an antioxidant effect and strengthens the immune system on aerztezeitung.de, 18.01.2008, last accessed on 25.06.2019
[7] Przybylska, J.; Albera, E.; Kankofer, M.: Antioxidants in Bovine Colostrum, April 2007