Lactoferrin is a component found in colostrum and belongs to the transferrin family.
As its name might suggest, it is a protein which is important in the metabolism of iron.
Receptors are found all around the body in organs and cells for lactoferrin to bind.
It is an antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory protein which stimulates immune and inflammation responses.
It helps deprive bacteria of the iron they require to reproduce and releases iron into the red blood cells enhancing oxygenation of tissues.
It is beneficial in maintaining gut permeability and stability.
It also exhibits strong antioxidant and detoxification properties which reduce inflammation.
As a result of lactoferrin’s ability to reduce inflammation and scavenge free radicals, colostrum containing this protein and protects the body from all sorts of invading compounds.
Lactoferrin is a protein found in cow milk and human milk. Colostrum, the first milk produced after a baby is born, contains high levels of lactoferrin, about seven times the amount found in milk produced later on. It is also found in fluids in the eye, nose, respiratory tract, intestine, and elsewhere.
HOW DOES LACTOFERRIN WORK?
Lactoferrin helps regulate the absorption of iron in the intestine and delivery of iron to the cells.
It also seems to protect against bacterial infection, possibly by preventing the growth of bacteria by depriving them of essentials nutrients or by killing bacteria by destroying their cell walls. The lactoferrin contained in mothers’s milk is credited with helping to protect breast-fed infants against bacterial infections.
In addition to bacterial infections, lactoferrin seems to be active against infections causes by some viruses and fungi.
Lactoferrin also seems to be involved with regulation of bone marrow function (myelopoiesis), and it seems to be able to boost the body’s own immune system.
•Belongs to the transferrin family
•Protein that is important in the metabolism of iron
•Receptors are found all around the body
•It is antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory protein
•Maintains gut permeability and stability
•Antioxidant and detoxification properties