LACTOFERRIN FOR INFANTS
WHAT IS LACTOFERRIN?
Lactoferrin is a globular glycoprotein found in human,
bovine, and other mammalian milks. The content in human
milk is highest in colostrum (7g/L), dropping down to
around 1g/L in mature milk. Bovine and human lactoferrin
share a high degree of homology, making bovine
lactoferrin a good option for better matching mother’s
milk in infant formula. While bovine milk naturally contains
lower lactoferrin levels (0.5g/L) than human milk, Milk
Specialties Global can reach up to 95% lactoferrin purity
by employing processing technology.
Lactoferrin’s physiological functions are extensive and
mainly immune-related, from antifungal, antiviral and
antibacterial, to iron absorption, antioxidant, and
microbiome modulation.
LACTOFERRIN AND IMMUNE FUNCTION
Lactoferrin in breastmilk and formula provides immune support for the growing infant, both in terms of protecting the infant from harmful pathogens and facilitating their own immune development. Supplementing healthy formula fed infants with bovine lactoferrin has been shown to help maintain health, reduce frequency and duration of common immune system events, promote a more robust immune system defense against environmental stress and support respiratory function.
LACTOFERRIN AND IRON STATUS
As an iron-binding protein, lactoferrin can support and
improve iron status in both infants and adults. Lactoferrin
has been shown to increase iron absorption by up to 56%
in young infants when consumed with supplemental iron.
