WHAT IS IT?
Lactoferrin (a protein) is present in human and animal milk. Lactoferrin levels are higher in colostrum, the first milk produced after a baby is born. Lactoferrin can also be found in fluids in the eye, nose, respiratory system, colon, and other parts of the body.
Lactoferrin is also used as a medication. Lactoferrin is often used to treat low iron levels during pregnancy and to prevent blood infections (sepsis) in preterm newborns. It is also used to treat diarrhea, the common cold, and a variety of other illnesses.
It also appears to protect against bacterial infection, possibly by inhibiting bacterial growth by depriving them of important nutrients or by killing bacteria by breaking their cell walls. Lactoferrin, which is found in mother's milk, is thought to help protect breastfed newborns from bacterial infections.
WHY SHOULD IT BE OF INTEREST?
Here are the most important benefits you can get from it:
- Lactoferrin regulates iron absorption in the intestine and iron transport to the cells. [1]
- Lactoferrin from cows can help certain hepatitis C patients. [1]
- Lactoferrin plays a part in the regulation of bone marrow function (myelopoiesis). [3]
- Lactoferrin may be effective against several viruses and fungus infections. [2]
- It may be capable of enhancing the body's defense (immune) system. [2]
- Lactoferrin is often used to treat low iron levels during pregnancy and to prevent blood infections (sepsis) in preterm newborns. [2]
- It also works well on acne lesions, comedones, and inflammatory lesions. [1]
HOW TO TAKE IT?
Lactoferrin supplements (typically in capsule form) are available at many natural foods stores, drugstores, and dietary supplement stores.
The appropriate dose of this supplement may vary depending on a number of factors, including your age and overall health. Lactoferrin does not have a generally accepted dosage range. Bovine lactoferrin at a dose of 1.8 to 3.6 grams per day can be used to treat hepatitis C.
People who are lactose intolerant or allergic to milk should make sure their supplement is made from rice rather than cow's milk to avoid the adverse effects.
References:
1. Armor. (n.d.). “What Are The Practical Applications Of Lactoferrin?” Retrieved from Armor-proteines.com:
https://blog.armor-proteines.com/en/applications-lactoferrin
2. Dougles. (n.d.). “The Biology Of Lactoferrin, An Iron-Binding Protein That Can Help Defend Against Viruses And Bacteria”. Retrieved from Frontiersin.org: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2020.01221/full
3. Wong. (n.d.). “What Is Lactoferrin?” Retrieved from Verywellhealth.com: https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-benefits-of-lactoferrin-89471
