Review Paper

REVIEW

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12

Stacey J. Bell, DSc, RD
Managing Director, Functional Foods, LLC

Functional Foods, LLC
http://www.functionalfoodsllc.com
238 Main Street, Suite 400
Cambridge, MA 02142
Phone: 617 661-4300
Fax: 617 876-1873

Before joining Functional Foods, Dr. Bell spent 25 years in academic medicine as a clinical dietitian and researcher. She has published over 50 articles and written or edited 7 books, and has been a frequently requested speaker at over 200 national and international conferences for health care professionals.

Her areas of research include nutritional support using enteral and parenteral nutrition, and nutritional assessment for patients with burns, major surgery, cancer, and AIDS. For her doctoral dissertation work, she evaluated the effect of dietary fish oil on immune function in patients with HIV infection. During the time Dr. Bell was conducting this research, she opened a free nutritional counseling clinic. Later, she founded a company, Functional Foods, LLC, that develops medical foods and dietary supplements for persons with chronic conditions and for those wishing to maintain health.

Whey Protein Concentrate Enriched with Immunoglobulins

Abstract

The possibility of providing passive immunization through food is unique to mammals who receive it through colostrum at birth. Colostrum contains both immunostimulatory and immunosuppressive immunoglobulins. The former increase the host defense mechanisms against infective illness and the latter reduce inflammation and the development of allergies; together they provide a delicate balance in the early days of life. Later, the mammals will be able to make their own immunoglobulins, but in time of illness that ability may become impaired. Specially processed whey protein, one of the major proteins of cow's milk, can provide immunoglobulins to those in need. Because the product is undenatured, it is a rich source of amino acids that can serve as precursors for glutathione synthesis. Cysteine and glutamate form glutathione, a potent antioxidant, which is needed in greater quantities during stress. In this review, the benefits of consuming a whey protein with increased concentrations of immunoglobulins are examined. Characteristics of the product are discussed, followed by an account of supportive studies in the clinical setting. Patients with AIDS and cancer are used as examples. Finally, a guide on product use is provided.

Next