From the Guidelines
Lactoferrin tablets are not recommended for routine use in patients with ulcerative colitis, but may be considered as part of a biomarker-based monitoring strategy to rule out active inflammation and avoid routine endoscopic assessment of disease activity. The use of lactoferrin tablets is supported by the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) clinical practice guideline on the role of biomarkers for the management of ulcerative colitis 1. Some potential benefits of lactoferrin include:
- Supporting immune function
- Promoting gut health
- Providing antioxidant effects
- Potentially helping with iron absorption However, the evidence for the use of lactoferrin tablets in patients with ulcerative colitis is limited, and more research is needed to fully establish its effectiveness for various health conditions 1. In patients with ulcerative colitis in symptomatic remission, the AGA suggests using fecal calprotectin <150 mg/g, normal fecal lactoferrin, or normal CRP to rule out active inflammation and avoid routine endoscopic assessment of disease activity 1. It is essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting lactoferrin supplementation, especially if you have any underlying health issues or are taking medications. The optimal dose and duration of lactoferrin supplementation are not well established, and more research is needed to determine the best approach for using lactoferrin tablets in patients with ulcerative colitis. In general, lactoferrin is well-tolerated, and a typical dose is 100-300 mg taken once or twice daily. It is crucial to weigh the potential benefits and risks of lactoferrin supplementation and to consider the individual patient's needs and circumstances when making decisions about its use.
From the Research
Uses of Lactoferrin Tablets
Lactoferrin tablets have various uses, including:
- Preventing infections and promoting immune system maturation in infants 2
- Exhibiting anti-inflammatory, immune regulating, and anti-infective properties, making it a potential preventive and therapeutic supplement for SARS-CoV-2 infection 3
- Treating chronic gastrointestinal symptoms in children with long COVID 4
- Boosting or resetting energy metabolism, with potential benefits for human health, including promoting oral and gastrointestinal homeostasis, controlling glucose and lipid metabolism, reducing systemic inflammation, and regulating iron absorption and balance 5
- Reducing the risk of infection in premature infants, improving the anemia status of infants and pregnant women, improving the eradication rate of Helicobacter pylori in children and adults, and improving the immune function of the elderly 6
Key Benefits
The key benefits of lactoferrin tablets include:
- Antibacterial activity against certain pathogens, such as Cronobacter sakazakii 2
- Anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory properties, making it a potential therapy for COVID-19 treatment and prevention 3
- Potential treatment for chronic gastrointestinal symptoms in children with long COVID 4
- Regulation of iron absorption and balance, and promotion of oral and gastrointestinal homeostasis 5
- Improvement of immune function in different populations, including infants, pregnant women, and the elderly 6
Potential Applications
Lactoferrin tablets may have potential applications in:
- Infant formula supplementation to strengthen baby's defenses against pathogenic bacteria 2
- Preventive and therapeutic supplement for SARS-CoV-2 infection, in combination with vitamin D 3
- Treatment of chronic gastrointestinal symptoms in children with long COVID 4
- Adjuvant treatment of metabolic disorders, such as insulin resistance/type II diabetes and the metabolic syndrome 5
- Clinical application in different populations, including infants, pregnant women, and the elderly, to reduce the risk of infection and improve immune function 6