Human lactoferrin is a ~78 kDa globular protein found in body secretions such as milk and saliva and is a member of the transferrin family proteins. Lactoferrin is used as a therapeutic and prophylactic treatment of various illnesses, such as cancers and intestinal illnesses.
Where is lactoferrin found in the human body?
Lactoferrin is a protein found in cow milk and human milk. Colostrum, the first milk produced after a baby is born, contains about seven times more lactoferrin than is found in milk produced later on. Lactoferrin is also found in fluids in the eye, nose, respiratory tract, intestine, and elsewhere.
Does the body produce lactoferrin?
Lactoferrin is a protein found naturally in milk from humans and cows. It is also found in several other fluids in the body such as saliva, tears, mucus, and bile. Lactoferrin is found in highest amounts in colostrum, the first type of breast milk produced after a baby is born.
What is the difference between transferrin and lactoferrin?
The transferrins are a family of proteins that bind free iron in the blood and bodily fluids. Lactoferrins (found in bodily secretions such as milk) are only known to have an anti-bacterial function, via their ability to tightly bind free iron even at low pH, and have no known transport function.
What does lactoferrin do in the body?
The Biology of Lactoferrin, an Iron-Binding Protein That Can Help Defend Against Viruses and Bacteria. Lactoferrin is a nutrient classically found in mammalian milk. It binds iron and is transferred via a variety of receptors into and between cells, serum, bile, and cerebrospinal fluid.
Does lactoferrin protect against Covid?
It has been demonstrated that LF can protect the host against a variety of viral infections by preventing the internalization of viruses, such as HSV, and by occupying their binding sites (51). The protective effects of LF against SARS-CoV Pseudovirus infection of 293E/ACE2-Myc cells has been investigated (31).
Why is lactoferrin and transferrin important?
Lactoferrin is one of the transferrin proteins that transfer iron to the cells and control the level of free iron in the blood and external secretions.
How much lactoferrin can I take a day?
Doses of 1.8 or 3.6 grams/day of lactoferrin are needed.
How much lactoferrin can I take?
For adults, take 1-2 capsules, up to two times per day. Capsules not to be given to children under 4 years of age, to be administered as directed by your healthcare professional. Your healthcare professional will tell you how many Lactoferrin Enhanced capsules to take each day.
