Lactoferrin
Description
Lactoferrin is a form of Transferrin (an Iron-binding Protein) found in mammals including humans. It is also regarded as a Cytokine. It is composed of numerous Peptides.
Lactoferrin is naturally-present throughout the human body, occurring in all secretions that bathe the body’s Mucous Membranes (it is present in Saliva, Tears, Bronchial secretions, Nasal secretions, Bile and Pancreatic Juice).
Health Benefits and Biological Function of Lactoferrin
Some of the health benefits of Lactoferrin only occur when it is disassociated from Iron (in which case it is known as apo-Lactoferrin).
Cardiovascular System
Lactoferrin is involved in the transport of Iron to Red Blood Cells (erythrocytes).
Digestive System
Lactoferrin may enhance the health (Immune function) of the Intestinal Wall. [1]
Immune System
Lactoferrin may inhibit the growth and of some types of Cancer cells: [2]
Lactoferrin may help to prevent Cancer - Colon. [3]
Lactoferrin may suppress the growth of Cancer - Pancreas cells. [4]
Lactoferrin may suppress the growth of Squamous Cell Carcinoma. [5]
Lactoferrin may stimulate the apoptosis (cell death) of Cancer - Stomach cells. [6]
Lactoferrin may suppress many types of Bacteria - Detrimental (this occurs as a result of the Lactoferricin B fragment of Lactoferrin chelating ferric Iron from the cellular structure of Bacteria - Iron is an essential element for the growth of certain Bacteria). [7] Bacteria that may be inhibited by the Lactoferricin B fragment of Bovine Lactoferrin include:
Campylobacter jejuni Anecdotal Evidence
Clostridium perfringens Anecdotal Evidence
Corynebacterium diphtheriae Anecdotal Evidence
Escherichia coli [8]
Shigella flexneri [15]
Staphylococcus epidermidis [17]
Streptococcus mutans [18]
Vibrio cholerae [19]
Lactoferrin (in its apo-Lactoferrin form) may suppress some types of Fungi - Detrimental: [21]
apo-Lactoferrin may kill Candida albicans. [22]
apo-Lactoferrin may kill Candida krusei. [23]
Lactoferrin may inhibit Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Anecdotal Evidence
Lactoferrin may inhibit Trichophyton rubrum. Anecdotal Evidence
Lactoferrin may enhance the function of the Immune System: [24]
Lactoferrin may accelerate the maturation of B-Lymphocytes. [25]
Lactoferrin may enhance the ability of Macrophages to function as Phagocytes. [26]
Lactoferrin may enhance the ability of Monocytes to function as Phagocytes. [27]
Lactoferrin may enhance the function of Neutrophils. [28]
Lactoferrin may enhance the function of NK Lymphocytes. [29]
Lactoferrin may reduce Inflammation. [30]
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