Generality
Lactoferrin (or lactotransferrin) is a glycoprotein with an antimicrobial and iron-transporter action.
Known for some time (discovered by Sorensen and Sorensen in cow's milk in 1939), it has recently been re-evaluated for its antioxidant, immunomodulatory and anti-infective properties.
More abundant in colostrum than in transition and maintenance milk, lactoferrin is also typical of neutrophil granulocytes, immune cells with defense functions against bacterial and fungal infections.
Its natural biological function also significantly affects its clinical potential.
Indications
Why is lactoferrin used? What is it for?
Lactoferrin is used mainly in the integrative and clinical field as an antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory remedy.
The ability to resist the proteolytic action of the stomach, would allow lactoferrin to reach the intestinal environment unaltered, thus being able to carry out its biological activity on site.
According to further pharmacokinetic studies, however still to be confirmed, lactoferrin could be absorbed as it is by enterocytes, thus extending its functions also at a systemic level.
Property and Effectiveness
What benefit has Lactoferrin shown during the studies?
Although most studies on the biological efficacy of lactoferrin mostly refer to experimental models, the molecular assumptions for their biological activity would seem to be well founded.
Lactoferrin and antibacterial activity
Several studies have shown the antibacterial utility of lactoferrin against pathogens such as E.Coli, Proteus Mirabilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans and others.
This activity would seem to be partly linked to the ability of lactoferrin to inhibit bacterial adhesion to the intestinal mucosa, and partly to the ability to bind iron firmly, making it unavailable to the pathogenic microorganism.
This would prevent the growth and proliferation of the microorganism.
Lactoferrin and antiviral activity
The antiviral activity of Lactoferrin - effective against viruses such as HIV, Herpes Simplex and Cytomegalovirus - would seem to be due to the ability to inhibit the fusion of virus and cell, by binding glycosaminoglycans.
Lactoferrin and immunomodulatory activity
According to some authors, lactoferrin could promote the differentiation and growth of T lymphocytes while modulating the expression of inflammatory cytokines.
This activity would be valuable in modulating the immune defenses both in the course of infectious and autoimmune diseases.
Lactoferrin and antioxidant activity
The ability of lactoferrin to bind ferric ion (Fe3 +) is twice higher than transferrin, the main plasma protein responsible for iron transport in the circulatory stream (both are part of the same family of proteins - called transferrins - capable of binding and transferring ions) Fe 3+). Each lactoferrin molecule can bind itself to two ferric ions and according to this saturation it can exist in three distinct forms: apolactoferrin (iron-free), lactoferrin monoferric (linked to a single ferric ion) and ololactoferrin (which binds two ions to itself) ferric).
This ability could be valuable in the redox balance, preventing the iron from reacting in the much feared Fenton reaction, forming highly reactive oxidative species.
Doses and method of use
How to use lactoferrin
Currently, standard and reproducible doses of lactoferrin are not known.
According to some clinical trials, the protective efficacy of this molecule would already be observed at dosages of 40mg daily, despite the presence of supplements and supplementary protocols at much more stringent dosages.
In most cases, lactoferrin is associated with probiotics, microorganisms with a protective function, or prebiotics, nourishment for the intestinal flora.
Side effects
With the exception of adverse reactions related to hypersensitivity to the active ingredient, very rare, the use of lactoferrin, according to the appropriate indications, is generally safe and well tolerated.
Contraindications
When should lactoferrin not be used?
The use of lactoferrin is contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity to the active ingredient.
Pharmacological Interactions
Which drugs or foods can modify the effect of lactoferrin?
Although there are currently no known pharmacological interactions, according to some evidence lactoferrin would seem to enhance the activity of antifungal drugs.
Precautions for use
What do you need to know before taking lactoferrin?
The use of lactoferrin should generally be contraindicated during pregnancy and in the subsequent breastfeeding period, given the absence of long-term studies on the safety profile of this molecule.
