Present in milk and bodily fluids, lactoferrin is a protein with a thousand benefits . First and foremost, it protects the body from infections, including those caused by bacteria and viruses (and, according to a recent study, also from Covid-19). It also strengthens the immune system and is antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory. Human milk, especially colostrum, the breast milk produced in the first few days after birth, is particularly rich in it. This is no coincidence. Lactoferrin helps strengthen the immune system of newborns. But it's important to continue taking it into adulthood, and this can be done in the right doses with the help of dietary supplements.
LACTOFERRIN AND CORONAVIRUS
A study published in the Journal of Molecular Sciences , titled "Lactoferrin as a Natural Protective Barrier of the Respiratory and Intestinal Mucosa against Coronavirus Infection and Inflammation," conducted by researchers at the University of Tor Vergata and La Sapienza, highlighted the importance of lactoferrin against Covid-19. This is because this protein appears to help reduce viral load , thereby also decreasing the severity of symptoms, blocking the infection in its early stages. The study was conducted on a group of people who tested positive for coronavirus, who were administered an innovative formulation of lactoferrin orally and intranasally. The disease course was mild, with rapid remission of the infection within 12 days. Furthermore, studies conducted in China, before the outbreak of the current pandemic, had already demonstrated the effectiveness of lactoferrin against another type of infection.
However, as promising as the research results are, they should be taken with a pinch of salt. According to numerous virologists and experts, there is currently no clinical evidence demonstrating the actual usefulness of lactoferrin in the treatment and prevention of Covid-19 . Further studies are needed to confirm them.
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WHAT IS LACTOFERRIN?
Lactoferrin is an iron-binding protein discovered in 1939. It is present in milk, nasobronchial fluid, leukocytes, pancreatic juice, and saliva. Breast milk contains higher concentrations than cow's milk, especially colostrum.
It is known for its myriad properties , from its antimicrobial properties , due to its ability to bind iron, removing it from the metabolism of certain bacterial species that depend on it for growth (such as Escherichia coli), to its anti-inflammatory properties, useful in cases of infections. It also has immunomodulatory effects and improves iron absorption in the intestine , transporting it to cells. Not to mention the fact that it improves the immune system of breastfed babies and promotes the development of the gastrointestinal system , protecting them from possible bacterial infections.
It is also used to treat intestinal ulcers, diarrhea, and hepatitis C. It is also considered an excellent antioxidant that helps prevent free radicals. It also appears to have antiviral effects because it can bind to the glycosaminoglycans in cell membranes. By doing so, lactoferrin prevents viruses from entering the cell, suppressing the infection in its early stages. According to the results of several studies, it is effective against several types of viruses, such as herpes simplex and cytomegalovirus. It is also effective against common viral infections such as the common cold and flu.
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WHERE IS LACTOFERRIN FOUND IN NATURAL PRODUCTS?
Lactoferrin is present in higher concentrations in human milk than in cow's milk, especially in colostrum . However, it is present in the milk of all mammals, albeit in varying quantities. Therefore, if we want to obtain it naturally, we should focus on milk. Other products that contain it are dairy products , such as cheese.
Obviously, lactoferrin-based food supplements contain higher concentrations of it, proving useful for integrating it.
HOW TO TAKE LACTOFERRIN
Lactoferrin can be taken naturally or in the form of dietary supplements. Commercially available supplements include a special formulation of liposomal lactoferrin, which is more easily absorbed by the body. Among the most popular supplements are lactic acid bacteria with lactoferrin, lactoferrin drops, and supplements in tablet form.
As for dosages, they depend on the product and any underlying medical conditions, so it's always best to consult your doctor before starting to take it. In any case, it doesn't pose any particular contraindications, except for those who are lactose intolerant.
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