Lactoferrin is a protein that is found in mother's milk, tears, bile, mucous and some white blood cells. Mother's milk is known to be optimal nutrition for newborn babies because of its high concentration of essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Lactoferrin has been shown to have many health benefits for the adult population as well as children.
Infections
Consumption of lactoferrin promotes infection-fighting properties. According to PubMed.gov, a study conducted by the Morinaga Milk Industry Co. Ltd. showed that consumption of lactoferrin inhibited infections in the digestive tract and other parts of the body. The research showed that consumption of lactoferrin has beneficial effects on the infections caused by the Heliobacter pylori bacteria and chronic hepatitis C.
Inflammation
Lactoferrin also contains properties that can reduce inflammation. According to the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, lactoferrin is an essential, multifunctional protein that is part of the immune system's first line of defense. This protein has been shown to be a potent anti-inflammatory agent at local sites of infection, including the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts.
Cancer
Lactoferrin may possess anti-cancer properties. The presence of lactoferrin was shown to inhibit the growth of solid tumors and prevent the spreading of the cancer cells in laboratory mice. Lactoferrin was administered in the presence of very aggressive, highly metastatic forms of cancer such as skin cancer and leukemia. The presence of lactoferrin inhibited these cancers from metastasizing to areas such as the lungs and liver.
Acne
Low levels of lactoferrin may initiate the inflammatory processes associated with acne. According to PubMed.gov, it was determined that patients who suffered from acne rosacea and seborrheic blepharitis contained a low concentration of lactoferrin in their tears. Blepharitis is red, itchy, swollen eyelids with the formation of dandruff like scales on the eyelashes. The presence of lactoferrin deprives the bacteria causing the acne of its needed iron, which starves the bacteria and improves the acne.
References
- PubMed.gov: Bovine Lactoferrin: Benefits and Mechanism of Action Against Infections
- Journal of the American College of Nutrition: Anti-inflammatory Activities of Lactoferrin
- Geoff Kwait Ph.D.: Lactoferrin Nature's Premier Immune-Boosting Protein
- Cancer.gov: Lactoferrin
- PubMed.gov: Tear Lactoferrin Levels in Chronic Meibomitis Associated with Acne Rosacea
