Immunity in Current Pandemic - Colostrum, Lactoferrin and Phytonutrients

Immunity Check

The arrival of COVID-19 has finally led us to realize the importance of having immunity checks. A strong immune system not only aids in increasing resistance to infection, but also supports faster recovery when infected. This is, perhaps the reason, why most of the deaths that have occurred in the cases of COVID-19 included people who were either old or had some sort of chronic illness. In order to safeguard themselves from this disease, many people have started taking care of their body seriously and have started taking steps to strengthen their immune system. Apart from immunity COVID-19 has also led to an increase in the need for understanding the role of good nutrition to live a healthy & disease free lifestyle. Along with the essential staples sector, healthcare industries are opting towards Fortification of supplements by increasing the amount of macro and micro nutrients and adding immunity boosters in products.

Bovine colostrum

Bovine colostrum is the pre-milk liquid produced from the mammary glands of cows during the first 24 to 48 hours after giving birth. Bovine colostrum is rich in immunoglobulins (antibodies), growth factors, various proteins, and enzymes. One of the most interesting components of bovine colostrum is lactoferrin.

Lactoferrin

Lactoferrin plays a critical role in nourishing the newborn as well as protecting it from infection via its immune enhancing and antimicrobial effects. The name lactoferrin signifies that this compound is from milk (lacto) and is able to bind iron (ferrin). In case of infection iron stimulates the growth of the infecting organism. In the case of inflammation, free unbound iron generates free radicals that damage body tissues (1). By binding to iron lactoferrin may be able to reduce the amount of free radical. This iron-binding property of lactoferrin is one of the ways in which it inhibits the growth of many microorganisms by making iron unavailable to them (2). Researchers compared bovine lactoferrin with human lactoferrin and found after being broken down to lactoferrin in the gastrointestinal tract, bovine lactoferrin is even more potent than human lactoferrins (3).

Protein Powder for Kids containing Lactoferrin

Aspects of Colostrum & lactoferrin on gut microbiota and immune system

Inside the gut are about 100 trillion live microorganisms that promote normal GI function, protect the body from infection, and regulate metabolism and mucosal immune system. In fact, they comprise more than 75% of the immune system. Both colostrum immunoglobulins and lactoferrin exert broad spectrum antimicrobial action by effectively inhibiting the growth of disease-causing protozoa, yeast, bacteria and viruses. More important than actually killing organisms, lactoferrin prevents the attachment of pathogens to cells that line the mouth and entire gastrointestinal tract. At the same time, lactoferrin is a powerful growth promoter of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli species which assists in the development of a healthy microflora environment. In general, lactoferrin appears to be particularly important in the health and function of the intestinal tract. (4, 5, 6)

Protein Powder for Kids containing Lactoferrin & Colostrum

Phytonutrients: Nature’s Natural Defense

Phytonutrients play a positive role by maintaining and modulating immune function. Being natural products, they hold a great promise in clinical therapy as they possess no side effects, comparatively cheap and thus significantly reduce health care cost. Phytonutrients are the plant nutrients with specific biological activities that support human health. Some of the important bioactive phytonutrients include polyphenols, terpenoids, resveratrol, flavonoids, isoflavonoids, carotenoids, phytoestrogens, phytosterols, anthocyanins, Omega-3 fatty acids, and probiotics. They have specific pharmacological effects on human health such as anti-microbial, anti-oxidants, anti-inflammatory, antiallergic and many more. Zeon has come up with wide range of premium Ayurvedic products and supplements containing phytoactives that improve immunity and fight infection.

Products containing Phytonutrients

We at Zeon Lifesciences aim for

“Good Health for All”

With 30+ years of experience in the industry, we are working meticulously to bring the

knowledge of nature with innovation and advanced technology in the form of Unique Combinations to our consumers. Our in-house Formulae for Kids, Pregnant and Lactating Mothers and Formula for all age Group in various SKU’s (Powders, Diskette, Chewable Tablets), are enriched with Colostrum, Lactoferrin and goodness of traditional immunity boosting phytonutrients to synergize immunity.

References:

1. Biochem Cell Biol 2002;80(5):679-689.

2. Am J Clin Nutr 2003;77(6):S1537-S1543.

3. Scand J Infect Dis. 1998;30(5):513-7.

4. Br H Nutr 2000;84 Suppl 1:S135-S146.

5. Infect Immun 1993;61(2):719-728.

6. Med Microbiol Immunol 1993;182(2):97-105.