Lactoferrin is a naturally occurring protein found in milk and bodily fluids. It is a potent anti-microbial and modulator of the immune system. As a supplement, lactoferrin may improve iron status, skin health, immunity, and more. Read this post to learn the health benefits of lactoferrin, along with food sources & side effects.

What is Lactoferrin?

Lactoferrin (also known as lactotransferrin or LF) is a type of iron-binding glycoprotein that is mostly secreted from bodily fluids including milk, saliva, tears, vaginal fluids, semen, secretions from lungs and nose, bile, digestive juices, and urine [1].

It provides antibacterial and immune-supporting activity to human infants. LF is a component of the immune system responsible for defense at the mucosal level, due to its high antimicrobial activity.

Lactoferrin is crucial to the increase in immune functions for breastfed infants. It is also believed to be widely important to maintaining immune functions further in life past infancy.

Lactoferrin is also found in secondary neutrophil granules, blood, and amniotic fluid. It also binds to DNA and other molecules in milk like IgA, casein, albumin, etc. [2, 1].

It helps develop the gastrointestinal and immune system in newborns [3].

The iron-bound form of lactoferrin is called holo-lactoferrin, whereas the lactoferrin without iron is apo-lactoferrin.

Snapshot

Proponents:

• Helps the immune system and prevents inflammation
• Has anti-cancer properties
• Supports iron absorption
• Shields preterm infants
• Anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral
• Promotes bone health

Skeptics:

• High doses may cause digestive upset
• Supplementation is not well studied in humans

Marker of Inflammation and Infections

Lactoferrin kills bacteria and protects from infections. Therefore, natural lactoferrin levels in our bodies rise during times of infections and inflammation.

To combat bacterial infections, blood lactoferrin rapidly rises and iron levels drop during E. coli infection in the blood in mice [4].

Doctors test lactoferrin in the stool to detect inflammation in the intestines, especially to diagnose inflammatory bowel disease [5].

Fecal lactoferrin levels also naturally rise in the case of Clostridium difficile infections in humans [6].

Antioxidant Properties

Because iron can cause oxidative stress, lactoferrin can reduce oxidative stress by binding and removing iron, which prevents cell damage or cell