Lactoferrin is a very important nutrient to take care of certain aspects of health, since it has immunological properties, being antibacterial and antiviral. If you want to know it in depth, stay with us and take note!
What is lactoferrin?
Lactoferrin is a type of protein – specifically, a natural globular multifunctional glycoprotein consisting of a chain of more than 700 amino acids, belonging to the family of transferrin – and which is found mainly in the mammalian milkbut also in other biological secretions (saliva, tears, bile, vaginal secretions, semen, bronchial fluid and secondary grains of neutrophils).
Helps regulate the absorption of iron in the intestine and can control the level of free iron in the blood and in external secretions.
Another important task is strengthen the body’s defensesso it has a functionality to protect against infections by bacteria, viruses and fungi; this is why lactoferrin in breast milk is thought to help protect infants against infection.
As iron conveyorlactoferrin protects the nervous system by chelating iron, reducing oxidative stress and improving metabolism of said element.
Properties and benefits of lactoferrin
Among the numerous protective activities exerted by this nutraceutical protein, the most important ones demonstrated after oral administration are: anti-anemic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, antioxidant and anticancer activity.
For the immune system
A key function of lactoferrin is non-immune defense and is considered to be a mediator linking the innate and adaptive immune responses. As indicated by a meta-analysis carried out, the effects of lactoferrin on immune function, inflammation and/or respiratory tract infections (RTI), the results are favorable.
If you are a sportsman and/or athlete, especially in endurance and long-duration disciplines, this supplement can be very useful for you.
Specific, the 200mg dose of Lactoferrin daily reduced inflammation markers (interleukin 6).
for digestive health
Lactoferrin has also been shown to participate in the maintenance of immune homeostasis of the intestinal mucosa. The bacteriostatic effect (preventing bacterial growth) attributed to it is due to the ability to chelate with iron (essential element for the growth of bacteria). In this way, people with pathologies related to the digestive system, such as E. coli, can benefit.
On the contrary, lactoferrin can serve as an iron donor to favor the growth of some bacteria with a lower iron demand, such as Lactobacillus sp. o Bifidobacterium sp.which is generally considered a beneficial effect.
For the skin
Lactoferrin also plays a prominent role when it comes to skin health based on research and, specifically, what is involved in skin health. skin wound healingimproving the initial inflammatory phase.
Lactoferrin stimulates the proliferation and migration of fibroblasts and keratinocytes and increases the synthesis of components of the extracellular matrix, such as collagen and hyaluronic acid.
From a dermatological perspective, by promoting the growth and movement of new cells and guaranteeing the effectiveness of wound-closing proteins, it causes a reduction in inflammation, favoring a more uniform formation of the skin and, therefore, reduces wrinkles. scars.
How to take lactoferrin?
The most effective way of adding lactoferrin to our diet would be via supplementation, by means of capsules. In the last point of the post, we explain what our recommendation is.
There is no established standard dose, since it can vary depending on the sex, age, state of health… Clinical studies have been seen where doses from 100 mg to 4500mg per day are used. No toxicity results were reported in any case.
In case of doubt, it is recommended to consult a doctor or specialist.
Natural sources of lactoferrin
The higher concentration of lactoferrin that we can find is in the colostrum of cow’s milk. We can also find it in other types of dairy products, and other types of animals that also provide us with milk, such as goats:
- Kefir.
- Greek yogurt.
- Queso.
lactoferrin supplements
At HSN you can find a wide range of food supplements to strengthen the immune system, such as Lactoferrin:
Lactoferrina de EssentialSeries.
- In vegetable capsules providing a high concentration of Lactoferrin from cow’s milk.
- 200mg of native and stabilized Lactoferrin.
- Enriched with vitamin D3 (Colecalciferol).
- Delayed-release capsules (DRcaps®) and gastro-resistant, which protect Lactoferrin from stomach acidity, ambient air and any degrading agent such as light or humidity.
- The recommended dose is 1 capsule per day, preferably on an empty stomach.
Related Entries
- Lactoferrin and colostrum they are closely related terms, the difference being that lactoferrin is found primarily in human colostrum, whereas this is the first form of milk secreted by the mammary glands of mammals. To learn more about colostrum you can visit this link.
- Los best foods to boost the immune system: go now.
