Colostrum comes from the mammary glands of mammals at the later stages of pregnancy and in the first few days after birth. The freeze dried colostrum I take is from a cow (bovine) and it is the growth factors (IGF-1 and IGF-2) in the colostrum which recent research is suggesting may increase overall muscle growth, increasing lean muscle mass.
If we think about it in terms of a new born baby whom colostrum is naturally designed for, their digestive system is very immature and their small stomachs mean they need a very dense form of nutrients in low volume form. The high protein and vitamin A assists the development of the gut of the neonate, for my purpose Vitamin A is hugely beneficial for gene transcription, immune function, anti oxidant production and bone health.
Colostrum contains many different immunoglobins - which is one of my main reasons for taking this product. These immunoglobins and additional antibodies will hopefully give some protection to my immune system and prevent any further bouts of illness. (Interestingly before antibiotics were created, colostrum was the main treatment for infections)
The growth factors contained in colostrum are thought to influence cell growth and division. Insulin like growth factors, meaning they act like an insulin molecule in the blood stream and assist the transport of glucose into cells. This assistance of glucose will help direct amino acids into cells, promoting muscle anabolism. Other growth factors contained within colostrum are:
- platelet derived growth factors - growth of blood vessel and formation of new blood vessels from existing ones, allowing more blood flow to working muscles - meaning more oxygen to cells to allow for longer exercise duration
- fibroblast growth factor - these proteins are involved in wound healing by stimulating granulation tissue growth, they also asssist the process of differentiation and proliferation of cells. This is vital during recovery of "DOMs" where the muscle physically tears slightly.
- epidermal growth factor - this polypeptide manly effects the esophagus and stomach, it maintains these organs tissue integrity and stimulates DNA synthesis. DNA synthesis stimulation means that glycolysis and protein synthesis is stimulated through the enzyme tyrosine kinase, leading to potential lean muscle mass.
- vascular endothelial growth factor - this signalling proteins role is to create new blood vessels and restore the oxygen supply to tissues when oxygen is limited - e.g. during exercise
Colostrum also has antioxidant components, which again assists in the body's ability to fight diseases and infections from potential toxins (alcohol, pollution, nicotine etc)
Colostrum also has a very mild laxative affect as it functions to remove the meconium (the baby's first stool), so it may possibly also serves to function to clear any excess bilirubin (the waste product of dead red blood cells). This COULD be beneficial to keep a healthy gut.
So if this colostrum is so beneficial in terms of ...
1. immunity
2. vitamins and minerals
3. growth of lean muscle mass
...why on earth does everyone not take this? Yes it tastes foul, yes it may be pain to take three times a day, and yes it certainly gives me slight stomach ache (mildly lactose intolerant) - but if it "does what it says on the tin" (in the research) then even I can handle gagging three times a day to gain these benefits...only time will tell whether it really does walk the walk.
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