Colostrum for Bone and Joint health

Arthritis, involving swelling of the joints and thickening of connective tissue throughout the body, causes pain, swelling and inflammation.

Both growth factors and anti-inflammation components found in Colostrum offer anti-inflammatory protection against microbial pathogens. The anti-inflammation agents

include Lactoferrin, Proline-rich Polypeptide (PRP) and Lysozyme , and growth factors : TGF-B and IGF-1.

* Lactoferrin, which has a controlling influence on cytokine release and its receptors, have been found on immune cells including lymphocytes, monocytes, macrophages and platelets.

* Proline - rich Polypeptide (PRP), a hormone that regulates the thymus gland, stimulates an under active immune system or down regulates an over active immune system, e.g., with Rheumatoid Arthritis. PRP appears to act on T-cell precursors to produce helper T-cells and suppressor cells.

* Lysozyme, an immune system booster, is capable of destroying bacterial and viral pathogens on contact.

Colostrum forces the differentiation of certain cells to prevent rapid onset, severe and extended inflammation.

* TGF-B - has an anti-inflammatory effect on substances that are toxic to cells.

* IGF-1 in bovine colostrum is identical to Human IgF-1.This factor stimulates growth and repair of bones and muscles.

TNF-alpha and IL-6 are two pro-inflammatory cytokines, that, under normal conditions are produced as a first line of defence.

However, overproduction of inflammatory cytokines are often associated with chronic inflammatory diseases such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis and multiple sclerosis. These conditions can be prevented by blocking the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines like : TNF-alpha , IL-6 and IL-1.

A study done with bovine Colostrum at the University of Otago in New Zealand had shown that Colostrum has the potential to block these cytokines.