Lactoferrin is a protein that packs punch. Ultimately, it has a number of benefits including; stimulating immunity, antibacterial effects, improving the health of the gut flora, regulating iron absorption and increasing bone health.

Immunity is comprised of two systems; innate immunity and adaptive immunity. Lactoferrin works to increase your innate immunity, which is your first line of defense against foreign invaders. This will help you understand some of the unique attributes of this amazing protein.

What is lactoferrin?

Lactoferrin is a protein naturally found in human breast milk and bovine milk. Its highest concentration is found in human colostrum, which is the part of breast milk that transfers immunity to the newborn. Colostrum is the first breast milk the newborn receives immediately after birth and during the first few days of life. It is the most important food for the newborn because it contains antibodies to boost the undeveloped immune system and contains proteins, such as lactoferrin, that sets up the digestive system for long-term health through innate immunity. Lactoferrin is known to support the proper development of the intestinal flora, skeletal structure and immune system of the newborn.

What is lactoferrin used for?

Lactoferrin is best known for its immune-stimulating abilities. Specifically, this powerful protein boosts the first line defenses of the immune system through the stimulation of white blood cells and its action right at the mucous membranes of the digestive tract. It also is antibacterial and antiviral, so it not only increases your body’s ability to fight infection; it also kills bacteria and viruses for a double whammy against infections.

It can also be used as a supportive therapy in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy because of its ability to increase innate immunity. While it supports a stronger immune system for cancer patients, it can also reduce the side effects of chemo.

Interestingly, lactoferrin can be used to increase bone health. Studies have shown that lactoferrin can stimulate bone growth by stimulating the activity of osteoblasts. Osteoblasts are the cells that create and strengthen bone.

How does it work?

Evidence suggests that supplementing with lactoferrin actually increases the phagocytic (the engulfment and destruction of foreign invaders and debris) activity of immune cells, as well as stimulating the natural killer cells of the immune system. Lactoferrin also works directly at the intestinal mucosa to stimulate the production of intestinal cells and to promote the good bacteria of the intestine. It does this by reducing the “bad bacteria” and helping the spread of the “good bacteria” such as lactobacillus and bifidobacterium.

Lactoferrin’s antioxidant and antibacterial activity comes from its ability to bind iron. Free iron is a harmful oxidant and promotes bacterial growth. Lactoferrin will bind free iron, making it unavailable to bacteria, which require it for growth and multiplication.

Due to lactoferrin’s ability to transport iron, it may also increase the body’s ability to absorb iron. Taking lactoferrin along with supplemental iron or a diet rich in iron can improve anemia.

How to use it

You can supplement directly with Lactoferrin in capsule form. You can also find lactoferrin naturally occurring in Colostrum products and some colostrum supplements will indicate the amount of lactoferrin present. Since lactoferrin is also found in bovine milk, there is a small amount found in whey protein and you will find that some whey proteins have been formulated to contain higher levels of lactoferrin.