Table 1. Major bioactive proteins components and their biological activities of cow milk and colostrum

Protein Concentration (g/L) Molecular weight Biological activity
Colostrum Milk Daltons
Caseins (αs1, αs2, β , and κ) 26 28 14.000–22.000 Ion carrier (Ca, PO4, Fe, Zn, Cu), precursor for bioactive peptides immunomodulatory, anticarcinogenic.
β-Lactoglobulin 8.0 3.3 18.400 Vitamin carrier, potential antioxidant, precursor for bioactive peptides, fatty acid binding.
α-Lactalbumin 3.0 1.2 14.200 Effector of lactose synthesis in mammary gland, calcium carrier, immunomodulatory, precursor for bioactive peptides, potentially anticarcinogenic.
Immunoglobulins 20–150 0.5–1.0 150.000–1,000.000 Specific immune protection through antibodies and complement system, potential precursor for bioactive peptides.
Glycomacropeptide 2.5 1.2 8.000 Antimicrobial, antithrombotic, prebiotic, gastric hormone regulator.
Lactoferrin 1.5 0.1 80.000 Antimicrobial, antioxidative, anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, iron transport, cell growth regulation, precursor for bioactive peptides, immunomodulatory, stimulation of osteoblast proliferation.
Lactoperoxidase 0.02 0.03 78.000 Antimicrobial, synergistic effects with immunoglobulins, lactoferrin and lysozyme.
Lysozyme 0.0004 0.0004 14.000 Antimicrobial, synergistic effects with immunoglobulins, lactoferrin and lactoperoxidase.
Serum albumin 1.3 0.3 66.300 Precursor for bioactive peptides.
Milk basic protein N.A N.A 10.000–17.000 Stimulation of osteoblast proliferation and suppression of bone resorption.
Growth factors 50 μg–40 mg/L <1 μg–2 mg/L 6.400–30.000 Stimulation of cell growth, intestinal cell protection and repair, regulation of immune system.
Data compiled from Pihlanto and Korhonen (2003), Korhonen and Pihlanto (2007) and Korhonen (2009). NA, not announced