Nutrients (Jul 2024)

Revealing the Potency of Growth Factors in Bovine Colostrum

  • Yalçın Mert Yalçıntaş,
  • Hatice Duman,
  • Jose M. Miranda López,
  • Alicia C. Mondragón Portocarrero,
  • Mauro Lombardo,
  • Farid Khallouki,
  • Wojciech Koch,
  • Matteo Bordiga,
  • Hesham El-Seedi,
  • António Raposo,
  • Jose Luiz de Brito Alves,
  • Sercan Karav

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16142359
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 16, no. 14
p. 2359

Abstract

Read online

Colostrum is a nutritious milk synthesized by mammals during the postpartum period, and its rich bioactive components has led to a global increase in the consumption of bovine colostrum as a supplement. Bovine colostrum contains key components such as immunoglobulins, oligosaccharides, lactoferrin and lysozyme. It is a special supplement source due to its natural, high bioavailability and high concentrations of growth factors. Growth factors are critical to many physiological functions, and considering its presence in the colostrum, further research must be conducted on its safe application in many bodily disorders. Growth factors contribute to wound healing, muscle and bone development, and supporting growth in children. Additionally, the molecular mechanisms have been explored, highlighting the growth factors roles in cell proliferation, tissue regeneration, and the regulation of immune responses. These findings are crucial for understanding the potential health effects of bovine colostrum, ensuring its safe use, and forming a basis for future clinical applications. This review article examines the growth factors concentration in bovine colostrum, their benefits, clinical studies, and molecular mechanisms.

Keywords