What is Lactoferrin?

Primarily an agent that boosts the immune system through various actions within the body.

Lactoferrin is a glycoprotein that belongs to the iron transporter or transferrin family. It contains 703 amino acids and is considered a multifunctional or multi-tasking protein. It appears to play several biological roles.

Lactoferrin appears to have antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immunomodulatory activities.

The possible antibacterial activity of supplemental lactoferrin may be accounted for, in part, by its ability to strongly bind iron. Iron is essential to the growth of pathogenic bacteria. Lactoferrin may also inhibit the attachment of bacteria to the intestinal wall. A breakdown product of lactoferrin is the peptide lactoferricin. Lactoferricin, classified as a bioactive peptide, may also have antibacterial, as well as antiviral, activity. The possible antiviral activity of supplemental lactoferrin may be due to its inhibition of virus-cell fusion and viral entry into cells.

Lactoferrin's possible antioxidant activity can also be accounted for by its ability to strongly bind iron. Free iron is a major contributor to the generation of reactive oxygen species via the Fenton reaction.

Lactoferrin's possible anti-inflammatory action may be accounted for by its possible antioxidant and immunomodulatory activities.

There is some preliminary evidence from in vitro and animal research that supplemental lactoferrin may have some immune-enhancing effects. There is no evidence that it is effective as a treatment or preventive in any form of cancer. Neither is there any credible evidence to support claims that it helps those with fatigue or allergy.

Source: PDRhealth

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