Mucus from Pig Stomachs Is Effective as Anti-Viral Agent:May Be Useful in Cosmetics and Baby Formula

From: Mucus from Pig Stomachs Is Effective as Anti-Viral Agent: May Be Useful in Cosmetics and Baby Formula

Evidently, the mucus which lines the digestive system inside a pig's body has been found to be highly effective in blocking viral infections....

Scientists are reporting that the mucus lining the stomachs of pigs could be a long-sought, abundant source of "mucins" being considered for use as broad-spectrum anti-viral agents to supplement baby formula and for use in personal hygiene and other consumer products to protect against a range of viral infections.

(added wiki link to "Mucin")

In the report, Katharina Ribbeck and colleagues point out that mucus, which coats the inside of the nose, mouth and vagina, is the immune system's first line of defense. The slimy secretion traps disease-causing microbes, ranging from influenza virus to HIV (which causes AIDS) before they can cause infection. That has led to consideration of mucin, the main component of mucus, for use as an anti-viral agent in a variety of products. However, existing sources of mucins, such as breast milk, cannot provide industrial-sized quantities. Large amounts of mucus exist in the lining of pigs' stomachs, and the authors set out to determine if pig mucus -- already used as a component of artificial saliva to treat patients with "dry mouth," or xerostomia -- has the same anti-viral activity.

I wonder why our human mucins are not as effective? I thought you might find this interesting.... enjoy!

Yay! and ewww. This is good news, except for the ick factor. I always wonder how do they find out this information? Who is the man/woman going "why don't I try this?". These days we need all the help against disease we can get! S&F

Not that my child has ever had formula but who would do that to a baby. "daddy loves you drink your pig juice". YUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sounds like it would probably kill an infant and give it diseases rather than prevent them.