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| A protein that is found in milk, tears, mucus, bile, and some white blood cells and is being studied in the treatment and prevention of cancer. Lactoferrin is a glycoprotein that belongs to the iron transporter or transferrin family. It was originally isolated from bovine milk, where it is found as a minor protein component of whey proteins. Lactoferrin contains 703 amino acids. Human colostrum has the highest concentration, followed by human milk, then cows' milk. In addition to its presence in milk, it is also found in exocrine secretions of mammals and is released from neutrophil granules during inflammation. Function; Reasons For Use Lactoferrin is a multifunctional protein with antimicrobial activity (bacteriocide and fungicide), that is also part of the body's innate defense system, mainly in the mucous membranes. Lactoferrin is considered a multi-tasking protein, playing several biological rôles. Owing to its iron-binding properties, lactoferrin is thought to play a rôle in iron uptake by the intestinal mucosa of a newborn. That is, it appears to be the source of iron for breast-fed infants. It also appears to have antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immunomodulatory activities. There is some preliminary evidence from in vitro and animal research that supplemental lactoferrin may have some immune-enhancing effects. Neither is there any credible evidence to support claims that it helps those with fatigue or allergy. Those who supplement with lactoferrin typically take 250mg daily. Lactoferrin is also found in whey protein supplements. |
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