Natural Growth Factors

Growth factors are so called because historically they have been identified by their ability to stimulate the growth of various cell lines in vitro but, in reality, the functions of these peptide-based molecules are considerably more diverse.

The growth factors in colostrum play a key role in correcting intestinal permeability. Just as they stimulate growth and development of an infant’s digestive tract, they also stimulate growth and repair of an adult’s. By stimulating cell growth, they strengthen the lining and improve the integrity of the gut. In addition, colostrum is a source of gangliosides—another compound that supports healthy gut integrity.

 

Insulin like-growth factor 1 (IGF-1) lowers blood glucose while at the same time lowering serum insulin levels in normal volunteers. Its mechanism of action appears to be independent of activation of the insulin receptor although the role of IGF-1 in normal carbohydrate metabolism remains incompletely defined. It also  promote normal growth of bones and tissues. IGF2 is a crucial factor for the regulation of cell proliferation, growth, migration, differentiation and survival. IGF2 (as well as IGF1) interacts with several receptors and binding proteins in order to exert its actions. It binds to the non-signaling IGF type 2 receptor (IGF2R) with high affinity.