Lactoferrin: What it's for and where it's found

La lactoferrin, also known as lactotransferrin, was discovered by Italians during the Covid-19 pandemic, when many doctors recommended it to combat the virus, considering its antiviral and antibacterial properties. In reality, lactoferrin is a glycoprotein, which belongs to the transferrin family and was isolated as early as 1939 by two Danish chemists, Peter Lauritz Sorenson and Margrethe Hoyrup Sorenson.

LACTOFERRIN

La lactoferrin It is present in the milk of all mammals, and the human body contains two grams per liter: the most important iron reserve in milk. Among animals, cattle are the most abundant sources of lactoferrin. Like all natural proteins, lactoferrin demonstrates multifunctional qualities.

WHAT IT'S FOR

There are over 10 thousand international works that demonstrate, in in vitro and in vivo models, the multiple biological functions and applications of lactoferrin which continues to have excellent results for the treatment of Covid-19, thus halving the time it takes to become negative. Lactoferrin's applications range from pediatrics to infectious diseases, from breastfeeding and bottle-feeding to gastroenterology, from oncology to neurology. In particular, lactoferrin is used to:

• Contribute to the various defenses of the immune system for some types of bacteria
• Protecting against oxidative stress in neurodegenerative diseases and Parkinson's disease
• Take care of theanemia
• Produce an immunostimulatory action in children under 6 years of age

HOW MUCH CAN WE TAKE?

According to the guidelines of the Ministry of Health, contained in the document “Other nutrients and other substances with nutritional and physiological effect” You should not take more than 200 milligrams of lactoferrin per day..

PURE LACTOFERRIN

To be effective, lactoferrin must be pure. Unfortunately, since it is sold as a food supplement, does not require quality controls, and it is sold in such a condition as to be ineffectiveMany commercial products, for example, contain colostrum, which, despite containing lactoferrin, isn't as effective. So, it's best to do your research before making a purchase—which is also pointless.

LACTOFERRIN FOR THE CHILD

In the context of child health, it is good to recognize the role of lactoferrin, not only as a precious source of iron but also for his contribution in theoptimize absorption of this essential mineral.

Il breast milk, although it is the most suitable food for newborns given its balanced composition and richness in vital nutrients, has lower iron levels than the specific needs of the infant. This apparent deficiency is effectively compensated by iron reserves accumulated by the baby during the fetal period, underlining the importance of breast milk as an ideal source of nourishment in the first months of life.

Lactoferrin is distinguished by its ability to bind iron, thus also acting as an antioxidant. By sequestering excess iron, lactoferrin prevents the formation of harmful free radicals, thus promoting the health and well-being of the child.

Further research has highlighted how lactoferrin may have a positive impact on bone health e cartilaginous, stimulating the activity of osteoblasts and chondrocytes, the cells responsible for the formation of bone tissue and cartilage.

These discoveries open new perspectives on the relevance of lactoferrin not only for the immediate well-being of the newborn but also for its long-term development and, therefore, for adults as well.

COUNTERINDICATIONS

The use of lactoferrin is contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity to the active substance. In particular, it is contraindicated for those who are allergic to milk proteins, and therefore not simply to the lactose. Despite the extremely rare adverse reactions to the active ingredient, lactoferrin, taken according to the instructions, is considered safe and well-tolerated by the body. However, it is recommended to consult a doctor before starting any form of dietary supplement.

What to know about natural proteins:

• Foods that have the most plant-based proteins
• Where to find the proteins we need
• Spirulina: properties, benefits, and contraindications
• Oilseeds: The 10 Best and How to Use Them