Lactoferrin: What It Is and Why It Matters for Your Health

Lactoferrin: An Overview

 

Lactoferrin (lactotransferrin), is a kind of iron binding glycoprotein which belongs to the transferrin family a multifunctional iron-binding glycoprotein primarily found in mammalian milk and various bodily fluids. Lactoferrin has garnered considerable attention in scientific research due to its diverse biological activities and potential applications. Lactoferrin helps regulate how well iron is absorbed into the body from the intestine. It also protects against infections from bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Lactoferrin is high in colostrum and milk, which was discovered in breast milk by scientists MONTREUIJ and JOHANSONB in 1960.

 

Lactoferrin (LF) or lactotransferrin has recently come under the spotlight, particularly with regards to the new coronavirus pandemic that started in 2019 (COVID-19). Diet and supplements support a well-functioning immune system, and favorably influence the body's ability to fight infection.

 

Lactoferrin is also an immunomodulator that regulates the activity of various immune cells. It exhibits anti-inflammatory properties by suppressing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and promoting the release of anti-inflammatory molecules.

Lactoferrin Benefits: What Lactoferrin Can Do for the Body

 

Lactoferrin’s main functions in the body are to bind with iron, and to transport iron to various parts of the body. It is touted as a solution or aid to a range of health conditions and processes including the following.

 

1. Guards Against Infections

 

Lactoferrin is an important component involved in immune responses. For better appreciation, it has to be noted that iron has a tricky role in the body’s immune system. While it triggers and activates the rapid increase of immune cells during immune response, iron also encourages bacterial and microbial growth. When a foreign body invades, your body (host) and pathogenic microorganisms (invading agents) fight over iron, and proteins such as lactoferrin keep iron safely away.

 

The iron-binding protein also exhibits destructive behavior against invading foreign bodies, as it destroys the walls around bacteria. To add, it is thought that lactoferrin in mother’s milk (especially in colostrum) helps protect breast-fed infants against infections.

 

A few studies suggest that lactoferrin may also inhibit hepatitis C infection. It helps increase the production of an immune-system protein that plays a key role in fighting off hepatitis C.

 

2. Promotes Stronger Bones

 

Although there is little research to it, it is suggested that lactoferrin has bone-building properties that could help with strengthening bones and preventing osteoporosis.

 

Laboratory tests have found that when combined with a mineral called hydroxyapatite, lactoferrin stimulates the production of osteoblasts or bone-forming cells. Studies have also been done on lactoferrin being able to minimize bone resorption in postmenopausal women.

 

 

3. Aids in Good Blood Health

 

Lactoferrin also has a role in keeping blood health up. By ensuring that iron is well-absorbed into the body, lactoferrin aids in the production of hemoglobin’s. These are substances in red blood cells that are responsible for supplying oxygen to vital organs and other parts of the body. When you have good blood health, you can expect less fatigues, and more physical and mental energy.

 

4. Supports Skin Health

 

Lactoferrin is an antioxidant that comes with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is through these features that lactoferrin keeps the skin functioning like a well-oiled machine.

 

As an antioxidant, it fights off cell-damaging free radicals which means a lot to keeping skin healthy. It helps optimize skin cell renewal and keeps the skin’s protective barrier intact. From the outside, the skin would look healthy and supple, and wounds would heal faster.

Lactoferrin’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties help a great deal with keeping the skin clear of acne. These ensure that acne-causing bacteria and inflammation are minimized.

A study found that when combined with vitamin E and zinc, lactoferrin’s acne-clearing features are enhanced and able to reduce acne lesions, comedones and inflammatory lesions.

 

Functions

 

Lactoferrin is an iron binding glycoprotein in transferrin, which is concentrated in human and mammalian milk and various secretory fluids. However, the content in colostrum is the highest. A small amount of lactoferrin is also contained in mammalian mucosal surface, tear, saliva, leukocyte particles, pancreatic juice, bile and intestinal fluid. It has a wide range of functions, including sterilization, bacteriostatic, anti-virus, immune regulation, promoting iron absorption and other unique physiological functions.

 

1. Antibacterial

 

It has been determined that lactoferrin is a broad-spectrum bacteriostatic agent, which can inhibit Gram-negative bacteria requiring iron, such as coliform, Salmonella, etc.; It can also inhibit Gram-positive bacteria. However, it basically does not inhibit bacteria with low iron demand, such as lactic acid bacteria.

 

2. Antiviral

 

Pioneer Biotech is the Lactoferrin Manufacturer. It is plays a great role in resisting viruses in the host, and can inhibit human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), cytomegalovirus, herpesvirus types 1 and 2, hepatitis C virus (HCV), influenza virus and so on. One explanation for the antiviral mechanism of lactoferrin is that lactoferrin can combine with virus and host cells, so as to block the combination between virus and host cells and protect the latter from the harm of virus.

 

 

3. Antioxidant

 

Excess oxygen free radicals in the body form lipid peroxide, which can damage cells and tissues. It is a sign of aging and disease. Lactoferrin can bind iron ions and block the lipid oxidation and survival transformation of oxygen free radicals caused by iron ions. All these can reduce the damage of free radicals to elastin in arterial wall, so as to prevent and treat atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease.

 

4. Regulate immune response

 

Lactoferrin can combine with lymphocytes, monocytes, macrophages and other cells to play a variety of functions. Lactoferrin can induce humoral immune response, promote lymphocyte proliferation, regulate bone marrow cell production and reduce inflammation. At the same time, lactoferrin can kill pathogens by stimulating neutrophils to produce peroxides. Lactoferrin can induce the proliferation of intestinal mucosal cells and spleen cells and promote the maturation of intestinal immune system.

 

5. Inhibit the development of cancer

 

Lactoferrin is an in vitro broad-spectrum antiviral substance of human and animal viruses based on DNA / RNA. Resistant to: herpes simplex virus type I and II, cytomegalovirus, human immune deficiency virus, hepatitis C virus, hantavirus, rotavirus, poliovirus type I, human respiratory syncytial virus and murine leukemia virus.

 

Reference: https://www.spandidos-publications.com/10.3892/ijo.2021.5265

 

6. Regulate iron absorption

 

As an iron fortifier, the absorption effect of lactoferrin is much better than that of ferric sulfate. Lactoferrin has the ability to bind and transport iron. It can release iron after reaching the human intestine, which can enhance the actual absorption and bioavailability of iron.

 

7. Lactoferrin for the treatment of COVID‑19

 

Recently, American scientists have used artificial intelligence technology to screen dozens of drugs that can deal with COVID-19, including lactoferrin.

 

Reference: https://www.spandidos-publications.com/10.3892/etm.2020.9402

 

8. Other functions

 

Lactoferrin can prevent gastrointestinal tumors, such as colon cancer and gastric cancer, and inhibit tumor metastasis. In addition, lactoferrin can promote the growth of beneficial bacteria such as bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus in the intestine and inhibit harmful bacteria.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Lactoferrin

 

Can lactoferrin be taken if people are lactose sensitive or allergic to milk?

It depends upon the source of lactoferrin. If it is a highly purified lactoferrin product, it can be taken with confidence by people with lactose intolerance or milk allergies. If the source is colostrum, it should not be used by people sensitive or allergic to milk.

 

Does lactoferrin contain iron?

Again, it depends upon the source of lactoferrin. A highly purified lactoferrin product is virtually free of iron (less than 180 mcg per gram). This form of lactoferrin is called “apolactoferrin” as it is free of iron. There may be some iron if using colostrum, but it is not a significant source.

 

Should bovine lactoferrin be taken as a preventive measure against infection?

Supplementation with bovine lactoferrin can support non-specific host defenses and overall immune health. It can be used as a preventive whenever the immune system is challenged. The same is true for bovine colostrum.

 

Where to Buy lactoferrin？

You can purchase lactoferrin at YANGGE BIOTECH INGREDIENTS Company is an industry-leading manufacturer and distributor for pure dietary supplements. YANGGE BIOTECH INGREDIENTS is not just a consumer brand. It also supplies pure ingredients to other brands that distribute food and other supplement products. Contact yanggebiotech.com to place an order today.

 

Wrapping up, Lactoferrin clearly has immunological benefits, as well as having an important antibacterial and antiviral role. Because it is known to interfere with some of the receptors used by coronaviruses, it may contribute usefully to the prevention and treatment of coronavirus infections. The potential benefit for lactoferrin to protect infants to adults with immune development and basic defense systems as well as iron absorption and counter inflammatory mechanisms make it an attractive therapeutic for multiple applications. As part of the body’s natural defense mechanisms, elevated lactoferrin is a biomarker for IBS when in feces and through blood or tears may indicate other diseases. Therapeutic applications of lactoferrin include oral health, skin health particularly for wound healing, allergies, lung health, iron metabolism, vaginal health, newborn health, gastrointestinal health, respiratory health, and overall immune health.