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Lactoferrin What you should know about it

Homepage Articles Lactoferrin What you should know about it

Lactoferrin What you should know about it

What else is there to know about lactoferrin? This isn't its only function. The term lactoferin comes from the Latin word lacto (milk) and ferrum (iron) because it's a protein that can bind to this element, and it was first isolated from milk.

Table of Contents

1. I'm not sure if it's lactoferrin or not

Lactoferrin is also produced by cattle and is found in cow's milk. Its highest content is observed in sulfur (the first food produced by the mother) and in female milk; smaller amounts are found in tears, saliva and other body secretions.

2. The properties of lactoferrin

This is an important issue because excess iron can cause damage to tissues and organs, and deficiency causes anemia, which is associated with chronic fatigue and decreased energy. There are no known biological effects and the possibility of their use, but binding of free iron ions helps to maintain its constant level in the body. Lactoferrin's structure allows it to bind metal molecules primarily to iron, but it has been noted that it is also capable of binding ions such as zinc, copper, manganese or aluminium.

3. It's antibacterial

In addition, lactoferrin has the potential to directly affect the bacterial cell membrane, causing it to damage and break down. It is also worth noting that it does not exhibit antibacterial action against probiotic bacteria. Free iron ions feed certain types of bacteria, so removing them reduces the ability of bacteria to multiply and develop infections. The third mechanism is to allow bacterial cells to attach to tissues and grow further.

4. It has antiviral properties

Lactoferrin inhibits the development of viral infections binds to the membrane of the host cells, which prevents the binding of virus molecules.

5. Anti-fungal effects

Their effectiveness has been noted in particular for Candida albicans, which is found in increased amounts in people with reduced immunity or who use antibiotics for a longer period of time. Gajda-Morszewski, K. Nakano, et al. 2019). Lactoferrin as in viruses stimulates the work of macrophages that ingest fungal molecules. Addition to the base of milk enriched with lactoferin caused a decrease in the growth of fungi (P. Śwak 2015), and in another study, it was noted that lactoferin combined with the enzyme lactoperoxidase exhibited strong fungal properties causing C. Albicans infection (M. Lactoferin), which leads to cell death due to cell damage caused by cell death.

6. It has anti-inflammatory properties

It also stimulates the maturation of T (helper) lymphocytes. It should be emphasized that elevated lactoferrin levels are observed in bacterial infections, whereas in viral infections they remain unchanged. It activates the anti-inflammatory system by increasing the production of anti- inflammatory cytokines (interleukin 10) and decreasing the manufacture of proinflammable cytokins (Interleukin 1 and 6, TNF-α).

7. When to use lactoferrin?

Therefore, in premature infants who do not receive breast milk, the risk of complications such as sepsis or acute bowel infection in this group is increased, so supplementation is often used to reduce the likelihood of developing such conditions (given at the time of hospitalization). The efficacy of this indicator is limited, however, studies also show promising results. Due to its unwanted effects on the body's long-term digestive tract (which may lead to severe inflammation of the liver, as well as pain in the body, as to the liver and liver) during the period 2021-2021, researchers have observed that reducing the effectiveness of the treatment of acute lactose intolerance in women and children (such as in patients with diabetes mellitus) and the effects of the use of lactic acid and lactose supplements in the age groups of 3 and 6 (in patients with asthma and asthma) in 2021 and 2021 has been observed.

8. In what form should lactoferrin be taken?

A similar opinion was expressed in June of that year by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). There are currently no medicinal products on the market containing lactoferrin as an active substance. It comes in capsules, powder or drops so that you can choose a supplement tailored to your preferences. It should be noted that lactophores should not be combined with soda or hot drinks, as as with other proteins high temperatures cause its structure to be destroyed, which does not fulfil its function properly. In November 2012, the European Commission decision made that lactofferrin and dairy products should be made available for use as a novel ingredient in food preparations for the European Parliament and the Council (ECSC).

9. Where can I buy lactoferrin?

However, you should consult a specialist before starting to take the supplement. Since lactoferrin is available as a dietary supplement, no prescription is required. Lactoferrine preparations are available in pharmacies and online. Side effects are unlikely except for intolerance to the ingredients of the preparation.

Source

Algahtani F.D. et al., The Prospect of Lactoferrin Use as Adjunctive Agent in Management of SARS-CoV-2 Patients: A Randomized Pilot Study, „Medicina” 2021, 57(8), epub.
da Silva Lopes K. et al., Nutrition-specific interventions for preventing and controlling anaemia throughout the life cycle: an overview of systematic reviews, „The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews” 2021, 9(9), epub.
Decyzja wykonawcza Komisji z dnia 22 listopada 2012 r. zezwalająca na wprowadzenie do obrotu laktoferyny bydlęcej jako nowego składnika żywności zgodnie z rozporządzeniem (WE) nr 258/97 Parlamentu Europejskiego i Rady, „Dziennik Urzędowy Unii Europejskiej” 27.11.2012, L 327, 52–54.
Gajda-Morszewski P., Śpiewak K., Laktoferyna – białko multipotencjalne, „Zeszyty Naukowe Towarzystwa Doktorantów UJ. Nauki Ścisłe” 2015, 1(10), 177–188.
Jamka M., Rys historyczny wiedzy o laktoferynie, „Acta Medicorum Polonorum” 2017, 7(2), 44–53.
Kazimierska K., Kalinowska-Lis, U., Milk Proteins—Their Biological Activities and Use in Cosmetics and Dermatology, „Molecules” 2021, 26(11), epub.
Lauterbach R. et al., Laktoferyna – glikoproteina o dużym potencjale terapeutycznym, „Developmental Period Medicine” 2016, 20(2), 118–125.
Lepanto M.S. et al., Efficacy of Lactoferrin Oral Administration in the Treatment of Anemia and Anemia of Inflammation in Pregnant and Non-pregnant Women: An Interventional Study, „Frontiers in Immunology” 2018, 9, epub.
Nakano M. et al., Synergistic anti-candida activities of lactoferrin and the lactoperoxidase system, „Drug Discoveries & Therapeutics” 2019, 13(1), 28–33.
Oda H. et al., Effects of lactoferrin on infectious diseases in Japanese summer: A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial, „Journal of Microbiology, Immunology and Infection” 2021, 54(4), 566–574.
Scientific Opinion on bovine lactoferrin, „EFSA Journal” 2012, 10(5), epub.
Shin K. et al., Effects of orally administered lactoferrin and lactoperoxidase on symptoms of the common cold, „International Journal of Health Sciences” 2018, 12(5), 44–50.