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Health News Archive 178 - Bacteria and Virus
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Colostrum Reduces or Blocks Bacteria and Virus

For years, studies have suggested that colostrum may be useful in promoting general health and healing of the body. Research also indicates that colostrum provides protection against enteric infectious agents and their toxins, as well as provides systemic immunological enhancement. With recent alerts to viruses and public concern about agricultural use of antibiotics, Sterling Technology, Inc. is focusing research on colostrum’s activity against various pathogens (parasites, viruses, bacteria and toxins).

The majority of disease and illness begins in the gastrointestinal tract. Colostrum has been found to inhibit enteric viruses. Iron-binding proteins found in colostrum inhibit the binding of pathogens to the bowel lining making it unable to proliferate and cause disease. Research conducted by Dr. David J. Hurley showed that the “addition of the colostral whey preparations at the same time as the virus generally gave greater inhibition of infection than treatment of the cells prior to exposure to the virus, suggesting that componenets of the whey interact with both the virus and the cell surface in interfering with viral infection.” Another study done by Hurley also demonstrated effects on bacterial toxins.

A collaborative research project between Sterling Technology, Inc. and South Dakota State University demonstrated that the colostral whey concentrate: 1) kills the O157 E. coli involved in food borne outbreaks; 2) inhibits the growth of pathogenic E. coli, Salmonella, and Camphylobacter bacteria in culture; 3) blocks the action of bacterial toxins; 4) blocks the infection by enteric viruses in culture; 5) promotes anabolic action of cells in culture; 6) blocked the immunosuppression induced by E. coli 0111:NM infection; and 7) generally enhanced the immune response of infected pigs.

Several cases of human infection with bird flu viruses have occurred since 1997. H5N1 avian flu has caused the deaths of dozens of people in Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand since early 2004. An effective vaccine will be crucial; however, if a global outbreak occurs many will be unvaccinated. It is clear that prevention is important when it comes to viruses such as H5N1, and colostrum may be an important factor in effective prevention. Scientific research efforts are examining the importance of colostrum in maintenance of intestinal health, the immune system and general health. Colostrum has been shown to have an absolute effect on the immune system, the system responsible for protecting the body from foreign substances that may cause disease. Compounds found in colostrum have been shown to enhance physiological responses of the body and improve overall homeostatic function.

Colostrum and Sterling Technology, Inc.

Colostrum, the pre-milk fluid that is secreted by the mammary glands of female mammals to nourish their young, is rich in nutrients, proteins and nucleic acids, and vitamins. It provides life-supporting immune and growth factors that ensure health and vitality of the newborn and has long been recognized as an excellent nutritional supplement.