From the Guidelines
Lactoferrin is a protein found naturally in milk and other bodily secretions that has multiple beneficial functions in the human body, including immune defense, iron absorption, and antimicrobial activity, as supported by recent studies 1.
Key Functions of Lactoferrin
- Lactoferrin is an iron-binding glycoprotein that plays a crucial role in sequestering iron, which many harmful microorganisms need for growth, effectively starving them of this essential nutrient.
- It has direct antimicrobial properties against bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites by disrupting their cell membranes.
- Additionally, lactoferrin helps regulate the immune system, reducing inflammation while enhancing immune cell function.
Importance in Human Milk
- Lactoferrin is most abundant in colostrum (first milk) and is particularly important for newborns' developing immune systems.
- The protein's natural presence in breast milk highlights its importance in early development and immune protection, as noted in studies on human milk composition 1.
Clinical Applications
- Lactoferrin supplements are available commercially and are sometimes used to support immune function, gut health, and iron regulation, though specific dosing varies by product and intended use.
- Its role in managing ulcerative colitis has been explored, with guidelines suggesting the use of fecal lactoferrin as a biomarker for monitoring disease activity 1.
Conclusion Not Provided as per Guidelines
Please refer to the provided evidence for further details on lactoferrin's role in human health and disease management.
From the Research
Definition and Properties of Lactoferrin
- Lactoferrin (Lf) is a glycoprotein of the primary innate immune-defense system of mammals, present in milk and other mucosal secretions 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- It has broad antimicrobial properties by depriving pathogens of iron or disrupting their plasma membranes through its highly cationic charge 2.
- Lf exhibits immunomodulatory activities, performing up- and down-regulation of innate and adaptive immune cells, contributing to homeostasis in mucosal surfaces exposed to various microbial agents 2, 5.
Biological Functions
- Lactoferrin plays a key role in immune and inflammatory processes, with its modulating effects helping the host fight against microbes and protecting against harmful effects of inflammation 3, 5.
- It interacts with numerous cellular and molecular targets, modulating the migration, maturation, and functions of immune cells, and interacting with a plethora of compounds, either soluble or cell-surface molecules 5.
- Lf has anti-inflammatory activities, acting as an inhibitor of dermal inflammatory cytokine production, and may reduce immune-mediated tissue damage in infectious diseases 2, 3.
Clinical Significance
- Lactoferrin may be useful in reducing systemic inflammation, improving immune function, and preventing respiratory tract infections (RTIs) in humans 4, 6.
- Clinical studies have shown that Lf supplementation can reduce RTI incidence in infants and children, and may have beneficial effects on immune function in adults 4.
- Lf has been characterized as a potential inhibitor of enveloped viruses, such as SARS-CoV-2, and may have a potential role in inflammatory bowel disease 6.