Lactoferrin is the most abundant protein in human milk. Without it, your body would be more susceptible to infection from bacteria and viruses. You might also lose critical iron stores to these invaders. Supplementation of lactoferrin may be effective in correcting iron deficiency anemia.
About Lactoferrin
In addition to human milk, lactoferrin is also in tears, saliva and mucus. The protein modulates immune function and has antimicrobial properties. Lactoferrin also promotes bone growth by stimulating the proliferation of bone-building cells and inhibiting production of cells that break down bone, according to a study on mice published in “Clinical Medicine and Research” in 2005. Elevated fecal lactoferrin is a marker for inflammation. Your doctor can measure the amount of lactoferrin in your stool to differentiate between inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome.
Lactoferrin and Iron
Iron is essential for bacteria to grow and successfully infect the host. Lactoferrin sequesters iron so that microorganisms can’t use it, and binds to bacteria and viruses to prevent them from binding to your cells, according to a 2005 research paper published in “Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences.” The iron-binding protein also regulates iron absorption and puts it into storage for later use.
About Anemia
When you don’t have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen to your tissues, you have anemia. Potential causes include iron or B vitamin deficiency, chronic diseases that interfere with red blood cell production, blood or bone cancers and other conditions. Pregnant or menstruating women are at particular risk. You are also at risk if you have a chronic malabsorptive condition, such as Crohn’s disease. Untreated anemias can lead to fatigue, heart disease and even death. A diet adequate in vitamins and minerals can prevent some forms of anemia. Your doctor can tell if you have anemia with a simple blood test.
Lactoferrin and Anemia
Hemoglobin is a red blood cell protein that carries oxygen to your organs. A 30-day course of oral lactoferrin increased total iron and hemoglobin levels more so than iron supplements in pregnant women with iron deficiency anemia. These levels decreased significantly in the group that did not get lactoferrin, noted research published in the “International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology” in 2006. Similarly, a study in "Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologia" in 2009 showed that lactoferrin given to pregnant women with iron deficiency was just as effective in raising iron levels as iron sulfate and produced fewer gastrointestinal side effects.
References
- “Journal of the American College of Nutrition”; Anti-inflammatory Activities of Lactoferrin; O.M. Conneely; October 2001
- “Clinical Medicine and Research”; Lactoferrin: A Novel Bone Growth Factor; D. Naot, et al.; May 2005
- Quest Diagnostics: Lactoferrin
- “Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences”; Lactoferrin...; P. Valenti, G. Antonini; November 2005
- Mayo Clinic; Anemia; February 2011
- “International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology”; Oral Administration of Lactoferrin Increases Hemoglobin and Total Serum Iron in Pregnant Women; R. Paesano, et al; June 2006
- “Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologia”; Efficacy and Tolerability of Oral Bovine Lactoferrin...; C. Nappi; et al; September 2009
