Q:What is Broad Spectrum Antimicrobials in colostrum ?
Lactoferrin
Iron-binding glycoprotein.
One of the antimicrobial components of
the immune system that fights bacteria
and fungi in the body.
It binds metal ions which are necessary
bacterial metabolites, making them
unavailable for bacterial development.
This anti-inflammatory glycoprotein binds
free iron ions in biological fluids,
transporting the iron to blood cells.
Lactoferrin has been shown to inhibit the
growth of specific microbes,
like E. coli and Salmonella.
Lactoferrin has additionally demonstrated
antiviral effects.
Lysozyme
Antibacterial enzymes that help to support
the immune system by disrupting the cell
walls of harmful bacteria. A special attribute
of lysozyme is its interaction with other
colostral components. It has been shown
to work in a synergistic effect with
lactoperoxidase, IgA and lactoferrin.
With lactoperoxidase, lysozyme partly
activates it by forming a complex.
With IgA, it works in synergy to
combat E. coli.
And in the presence of lactoferrin,
the antimicrobial effects of lysozyme
are also enhanced.
Lactoperoxidase
A major antibacterial enzyme found
in colostrum. Protects the lactating
mammary gland from infections.
Partly activated by forming a
complex with lysozyme. Also shown
to work with lactoferrin for some
antibacterial effects. Some viruses,
like polioviruses, are sensitive to
lactoperoxidase’s toxic effects on viruses.
