Lactoferrin

Lactoferrin plays several biological roles related to its iron binding ability, immune support and antioxidant activities, and its ability to bind iron.. Lactoferrin binds the free iron and reduces the amount of oxidative free radicals

Lactoferrin supports intestinal health by scavenging iron and supporting the balance of healthy flora in the G.I. tract. By modulating healthy levels of iron in the body, Lactoferrin plays a key role in maintaining overall health. 

Description

Lactoferrin is a glycoprotein that belongs to the iron transporter or transferrin family. It was originally isolated from bovine milk, where it is found as a minor protein component of whey proteins (see Whey Proteins). Lactoferrin contains 703 amino acids and has a molecular weight of 80 kilodaltons. In addition to its presence in milk, it is also found in exocrine secretions of mammals.

Lactoferrin is considered a multifunctional or multi-tasking protein. It appears to play several biological roles. Owing to its iron-binding properties, lactoferrin is thought to play a role in iron uptake by the intestinal mucosa of the suckling neonate. That is, it appears to be the source of iron for breast-fed infants.

Three isoforms of lactoferrin have been isolated: lactoferrin-alpha, lactoferrin-beta and lactoferrin-gamma. Lactoferrin-beta and lactoferrin-gamma have RNase activity, whereas lactoferrin-alpha does not. Receptors for lactoferrin are found in monocytes, lymphocytes, neutrophils, intestinal tissue and on certain bacteria. Lactoferrin is abbreviated LF and Lf. Bovine lactoferrin is abbreviated bLF.

Bovine lactoferrin, derived from whey proteins, is marketed as a nutritional supplement. Supplemental lactoferrin typically contains low amounts of iron.

How it works

Little is known of the pharmacokinetics of oral lactoferrin. Lactoferrin appears much more resistant to proteolytic action than most dietary proteins. Lactoferrin is digested in the intestine to the bioactive peptide lactoferricin. Most of the possible actions of oral lactoferrin may be confined to the gut. There is some preliminary evidence that lactoferrin and lactoferricin may be absorbed, in part, from the lumen of the small intestine into enterocytes and that these molecules enter other cells as well. However, this is unclear.

Benefits In Summary

A number of in vitro and animal studies have shown that lactoferrin has various immune defense supporting properties.

Pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid using lactoferrin supplements.

 Click here for further reading on Lactoferrin in an article on Lactoferrin by Geoff Kwait, Ph.D. This article is from http://intelegen.com

TOP

Suggested Usage Southern Country Lactoferrin.

Adults - Take 2 x 250mg capsules per day as a conditioning dose, one in the morning and one at night for a month or two then drop back to 1 x x250mg capsule per day.