Colostrum Outperforms Flu Vaccine
Bovine colostrum supplementation prevents influenza more effectively than flu vaccination, according to a 2007 Italian study. Colostrum, a substance produced in mammary glands within 48 to 72 hours after a female mammal gives birth, abounds with nutrients, growth factors, and immune-supporting compounds, including antibodies. Bovine colostrum has a similar composition to human colostrum.
Researchers, led by M. R. Cesarone, at San Valentino Spoltere Vascular Screening Project in Pescara, Italy, compared the effectiveness of an oral colostrum tablet (900 mg, once in the morning) with anti-influenza vaccine in healthy subjects, ages 30 to 80, They divided the subjects into four groups: those who received vaccination alone, those who received vaccination and colostrum supplements, those who received only colostrum, and those who received no flu-preventive treatment. The researchers looked at the number of influenza episodes during the two-month treatment period plus the month after (three months total) and the total days of illness. Both colostrum-receiving groups experienced significantly fewer cases of flu than either the untreated or the vaccination-only group: “The number of days with flu was 3 times higher in the non-colostrum subjects. The colostrum group had 13 episodes versus 14 in the colostrum + vaccination group, 41 in the group (with) flu vaccine prophylaxis, and 57 in nontreated subjects.”
A second part of this study involved 65 very high-risk cardiovascular patients, all of whom received influenza vaccination. Again, the colostrum group had fewer cases of influenza and fewer complications that required hospital admission. Cesarone et al. conclude: “Colostrum, both in healthy subjects and high-risk cardiovascular patients, is at least 3 times more effective than vaccination to prevent flu and is very cost-effective.”
Nick: I have used colostrum with great effectiveness. In the past few years I have diagnosed several cases of appendicitis and used acupuncture, colostrum and another anti bacterial herb formula to help those people avoid surgery. In China, appendicitis is typically treated in this way with herbs and acupuncture. Approximately 20% of cases progress to needing surgery. I use Pure Encapsulation Colostrum with 40% IgG. It is quite useful for any intestinal infection. You can get it at Emerson Ecologics. See the top of this email for access information to their site.