Lactoferrin is a protein present naturally in human, cow, and other mammals’ milk. It can also be found in physiological fluids such as saliva, tears, mucus, and bile. Lactoferrin contains antiviral and antibacterial characteristics and aids in iron transport and absorption in the body.
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Lactoferrin * concentrations in humans are highest in colostrum, a nutrient-dense first form of breastmilk produced shortly after a baby is born. Lactoferrin is abundant in breast milk for babies, and dietary supplies are accessible for adults.
Lactoferrin supplements are used by certain persons for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Though Lactoferrin is commonly derived from genetically modified rice, it can also be derived from cow’s milk.
This page will go through the ostensible applications and benefits of Lactoferrin, as well as its side effects, precautions, interactions, dose, and food sources.
Lactoferrin supplement use should be personalized and vetted by a healthcare professional, such as a qualified dietitian, pharmacist, or healthcare practitioner. There is no supplement that is meant to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
Lactoferrin is said to have numerous applications. It is thought to have antioxidant, antiviral, and antibacterial benefits as a supplement. With COVID-19 in mind, researchers are also investigating Lactoferrin’s potential involvement in immunity.
Many people believe that Lactoferrin can help the immune system. However, the majority of current research has been conducted in laboratories rather than on humans, and more proof is required in most cases.
The following is a review of the available research on the alleged uses of Lactoferrin.
Infections
Lactoferrin may defend the body from pathogenic organisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Infections caused by bacteria
It has been proposed that the binding action of Lactoferrin to iron prevents bacteria from transporting iron through the body.
Lactoferrin has been examined for its use in Helicobacter pylori infection, a type of bacterial infection known to cause stomach ulcers, with conflicting results. Lactoferrin from cows was reported to decrease the growth of H. pylori in one lab investigation. It also boosted the potency of standard antibiotics used to treat the infection. However, this study was conducted in vitro (in a lab test tube) rather than in humans.
Other lab studies on the use of Lactoferrin for bacterial infections have yielded comparable findings, but further human trials are needed to confirm.
Infections caused by viruses
Lactoferrin has been studied for its ability to defend against viral infections such as the common cold, flu, herpes, and gastroenteritis. It is assumed to accomplish this by preventing viruses from adhering to and multiplying on cells. However, the study was conducted on nonhuman animals.
Lactoferrin may also help to prevent hepatitis C infection, according to some research. Several research have been conducted to study the relationship.
Lactoferrin was found to help raise levels of interleukin-18, a protein found to have a critical role in combating hepatitis C in one study. The year-long study included 63 infected persons, a tiny sample size. However, research on Lactoferrin’s significance in hepatitis C prophylaxis has yielded conflicting results.
Lactoferrin’s potential to prevent and treat COVID-19 is particularly intriguing. According to preliminary studies, Lactoferrin may be useful in the treatment of both asymptomatic and mild-to-moderate COVID-19. The study’s sample size, however, was limited (92 people). Before advocating the usage of Lactoferrin, larger, longer-term trials are required.
Infections caused by fungi
Lactoferrin may possibly have antifungal properties.
Several animal experiments have been conducted to determine whether Lactoferrin can assist in treating fungal infections, such as yeast infections or candida. In one study, yeast-infected mice given Lactoferrin had less severe infections than mice that were not given Lactoferrin.
More human trials on Lactoferrin’s potential function in the treatment of viral, fungal, and bacterial infections are required.
Acne
Participants in one trial ingested fermented milk containing 200 mg of Lactoferrin or fermented milk alone every day for 12 weeks. At the end of the treatment period, individuals who received the lactoferrin-supplemented milk had fewer acne lesions and less sebum (oil) than those who received the placebo.
Another minor investigation yielded similar findings. For eight weeks, adolescent volunteers with acne vulgaris consumed chewable lactoferrin supplements. They exhibited fewer acne lesions and inflammation towards the end of the research. The vitamins were well tolerated as well. However, because there was no control (comparison) group in the study, the results are not as reliable as those of a control group study.
Osteoporosis
Although research on Lactoferrin’s bone-building advantages is limited, preliminary evidence suggests that Lactoferrin may help prevent osteoporosis.
Lactoferrin has been shown in lab and mouse tests to stimulate osteoblasts or bone-building cells. It has also been shown to reduce the symptoms of osteoporosis, presumably through cell signaling. However, experts are unsure how Lactoferrin acts to improve osteoporosis and whether these benefits would apply to humans.
Lactoferrin was also found to help build and preserve bones in mice whose ovaries had been removed in another study. The ovaries are believed to be removed to manage hormonal fluctuations. These findings lead researchers to conclude that Lactoferrin could be effective in preventing and treating bone loss caused by estrogen deficiency, which is frequent in menopausal women. Human research, on the other hand, is scarce.
More human trials are needed for osteoporosis, as with most alleged benefits of Lactoferrin. While animal and laboratory studies can teach us, outcomes in humans need to be replicated to confirm the purported advantages.
Other Applications
Other alleged but unproven uses for Lactoferrin include:
- Preterm newborn sepsis treatment
- Encouragement of vaginal births
- Taking care of urinary tract infections
- Defending against Chlamydia
- Chemotherapy-induced alterations in taste and smell
More research is required to back up these statements. If you are interested in using Lactoferrin for these or other purposes, consult with your healthcare professional.
What Are the Consequences of Lactoferrin?
Lactoferrin is regarded as safe in concentrations present in food. In fact, the US Food and Drug Administration considers Lactoferrin to be generally recognized as safe (GRAS).
Side effects are possible when taking lactoferrin supplements.
Common Adverse Effects
Lactoferrin might cause minor, common side effects. These are more frequent when Lactoferrin is taken in large quantities.
Many researches on Lactoferrin have found no obvious adverse effects from using it.
In one tiny, 30-day human experiment, a few lactoferrin users reported:
- stomach ache
- Constipation Vomiting
- Lactoferrin has been associated with decreased appetite in youngsters.
Serious Side Effects
Lactoferrin has not been linked to any serious negative effects.
It is conceivable, however, to be allergic to Lactoferrin.
A mouse study discovered that injecting Lactoferrin into the blood or mucosal tissues could create allergies. In the study, mice developed an allergic reaction that caused their airways to become inflamed.
The same results, however, have not been observed in humans. If you experience an adverse reaction to Lactoferrin, stop using it immediately and contact your physician.
Precautions
When it comes to Lactoferrin, there are few reported risks. Lactoferrin is widely regarded as safe, particularly when ingested in the prescribed levels.
It looks to be a safe supplement for many vulnerable groups, including youngsters and pregnant women.
However, when utilizing Lactoferrin, it is critical to follow the guidelines and not take more than is recommended. Taking more Lactoferrin than is suggested may cause negative effects.
Lactoferrin Dosage: How Much Should I Take?
Before using a supplement, always consult with your healthcare professional, first.
Lactoferrin does not have a defined dose. This means that dosage may vary depending on age, health, and gender.
Lactoferrin has been used in clinical trials at doses ranging from 100 mg – 4,500 mg per day, according to one review. There were no documented toxicities as a result of these doses.
Discuss with your healthcare professional the best lactoferrin dose for your unique needs.
What Happens If I Overdose on Lactoferrin?
Lactoferrin does not appear to be poisonous or to have an overdose risk. There is also no upper limit (UL) because Lactoferrin is not a needed nutrient for human survival.
If you take more Lactoferrin than is recommended, you may encounter negative effects such as stomach trouble. As a result, it’s critical to only use lactoferrin and other supplements as advised.
Interactions
Supplements can sometimes interact with other supplements, drugs, or minerals. Lactoferrin has no known or well-documented interactions.
Even if no known interactions exist at this time, it is always advisable to consult with your healthcare professional before beginning Lactoferrin if you are taking any drugs.
It is critical to thoroughly study the ingredient list and nutrition label of any supplement to determine which ingredients are there and how much of each ingredient is present. Please discuss potential interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications with your healthcare professional after reviewing this supplement label.
Lactoferrin Storage Instructions
You should take additional precautions when storing lactoferrin supplements.
Lactoferrin supplements should be stored in a cold, dry environment. Make certain that your vitamins are not in direct sunlight. Keep Lactoferrin and other supplements away from small children and pets.
Lactoferrin supplements should be discarded when they reach the expiration date specified on the container.
Comparable Supplements
Supplements with similar alleged effects to Lactoferrin include:
- Garlic extract has been shown in experiments to have antibacterial effects.
- Vitamin D: The sunshine vitamin has recently been discovered to have antiviral properties.
- Oregano oil: In laboratory tests, oregano oil has shown antifungal action and potential utility in the treatment of yeast infections.
- Topical vitamin A (retinol) has long been regarded as an effective acne treatment.
- Boron: A trace element, some research suggests that boron can help with bone health, which is an important part of osteoporosis prevention.
Your healthcare practitioner can assist you in navigating numerous supplements, as it is sometimes advised to take only one at a time for a health problem.
Lactoferrin Sources and What to Look For
Lactoferrin is available in both food and supplement forms. As with any vitamin, starting with food is always the best way to go.
Lactoferrin supplements may be required only if your healthcare provider recommends them. Otherwise, your body should be able to obtain all of the Lactoferrin it requires from a variety of meals.
Lactoferrin Food Sources
Lactoferrin can be found in the milk of mammals such as humans, cows, and goats. This means that Lactoferrin can be found in a variety of dairy products.
Lactoferrin is found in foods prepared from cow or goat milk. Dairy items containing Lactoferrin include milk, cheese, yogurt, buttermilk, ice cream, butter, and cream cheese. Lactoferrin will remain in lactose-free dairy products.
Lactoferrin can be obtained from breast milk by breastfeeding newborns and toddlers.
Supplements containing Lactoferrin
Lactoferrin supplements are typically sold in capsule form and are widely available online. Lactoferrin is also available in some natural foods stores, drugstores, and dietary supplement stores.
Vegans should verify the supplement box to confirm the product is suitable for their diet. Vegan capsule coatings are not usually available.
It is crucial to note that dietary supplements, like Lactoferrin, are not as closely controlled by the FDA as pharmaceuticals are. When selecting a supplement, search for items approved by ConsumerLabs, the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), or NSF International. These organizations do not guarantee the safety or effectiveness of a product. Nonetheless, they test for quality as well as making sure that what is listed on the label is truly in the product.
Remember that no supplement can cure or prevent disease, and nothing can substitute a nutritious, well-balanced diet.
To Conclude
Lactoferrin is a protein found in mammalian milk, such as that of humans and cows. It has been investigated for its antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal effects. Lactoferrin may also be used to treat acne, osteoporosis, and other health issues, according to some research. Lactoferrin is generally safe, however, it is crucial to consult with your doctor before using it.
It is too early to offer lactoferrin supplements as a treatment for any ailment due to limited data. If you’re thinking about using it, talk to your doctor first to assess the risks and advantages and determine whether it’s right for you.