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Summary of Scientific Evidence
This summary describes research studies on the safety and efficacy of bovine immunoglobulins (also called antibodies). Colostrum contains additional antimicrobial factors (i.e. lactoferrin, lactoperoxidase, lysozyme and growth factors). This summary will focus primarily on the substantial scientific studies supporting immunoglobulins. A brief description of the additional antimicrobial factors from bovine colostrum is included near the end of this document.
Over the past 20 years, more than 80 research studies have been published on immunoglobulins derived from dairy cow colostrum. This research has primarily explored the role immunoglobulin plays in the prevention and treatment of human disease. Studies confirm that:
- Colostral antibodies present in the GI tract can combine with disease-causing microorganisms to reduce their movement and adhesive properties. These functions decrease the ability of microorganisms to attach to the epithelial surface of the intestinal wall or the oral cavity and prevent their entrance into the internal environment of the body. Antibodies may also block the harmful effects of toxins and other products secreted by these microorganisms.
- The antimicrobial benefits of colostral immunoglobulins can survive the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It has also been demonstrated that fragments of immunoglobulins that may have been partially digested in the stomach also retain their functional properties.
- Bovine colostrum preparations contain the same disease resistance factors found in human breast milk and unpasteurized cow's milk.
Immunoglobulins and Immunity
There is a wealth of "natural" antibodies circulating through our body. It is well known that when the body faces a challenge from disease (or vaccination), our defense mechanism produces additional antibodies or defense components to fight diseases and infections. Unfortunately, a strong attack from the harmful germs may result in illness.
Scientists have been researching ways to enhance the body's existing defense mechanism.
Recent research reports show scientists that naturally occurring antibodies appear to play an important role in interfering with early disease processes. As public interest continues to move towards maintaining health and wellness, discovering that infectious agents (bacteria and viruses) may be disabled before illness or disease results promises exciting possibilities. Bovine immunoglobulins and other natural immune components are known to support and supplement this natural defense system. Additionally, the intake of dairy cow colostrum may activate components of the body's own immune system. GalaGen is conducting clinical research to confirm this potentially important benefit of its specially processed ingredients.
GalaGen's products, derived from dairy cow colostrum, provide a concentrated dietary source of broad-spectrum antibodies to supplement the body's naturally produced antibodies. As dairy cows are exposed to many of the same disease-causing organisms, antibodies produced by cows are active against the bacteria and viruses found in humans. GalaGen has developed special manufacturing processes to protect the biological activity of these natural components. These proprietary processes are a critical part of insuring high quality. By conducting original research on its finished products, GalaGen ensures that the final products deliver the promised benefits.
Gastrointestinal Survival of Bovine Immunoglobulins
A logical concern with the administration of any bioactive ingredient by mouth is the ability of that ingredient to survive the varying conditions in the gastrointestinal tract in a functional form. Early studies in infants showed that both active immunoglobulin fragments and intact molecules were still capable of in vitro activity after traveling through the entire digestive tract. These observations have been confirmed in the majority of adult studies as well. Thus it has been demonstrated that immunoglobulins, in particular, retain their activity throughout the digestive tract.
Additional Colostral Components and Immunity
Bovine colostrum contains additional antimicrobial factors, including lactoferrin, lactoperoxidase, lysozyme and growth factors. Lactoferrin is widely recognized as an iron-binding protein. As iron is an essential mineral for the growth of bacteria, this binding activity inhibits bacterial growth. Lactoperoxidase damages the surface of microbes, weakening them and allows lysozyme to enter the cell's interior. Lysozyme, once it penetrates the cell, kills the bacteria. These antimicrobial factors complement each other, and, together with the antibodies, contribute to the total antimicrobial activity of bovine colostrum. Additional information on the biological mechanism of actions for these factors can be found in the International Dairy Federation Bulletin, Number 191 (1985), as well as many other publications.
Summary
In summary, bovine colostrum preparations have repeatedly demonstrated their
effectiveness, particularly for use in prevention of diarrheal diseases and against oral
pathogens. Specific antibodies from the milk and colostrum of immunized cows appear efficacious in the treatment of diverse pathogens including bacteria and their toxins, viruses, protozoal parasites and fungi. GalaGen continues to research the health benefits of its patent protected colostral ingredients. This commitment to scientific research is one of the foundations of product development at GalaGen.
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