Lactoferrin – action, indications, dosage, contraindications

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Lactoferrin is a dietary supplement used primarily to improve the body’s immunity. Available without a prescription, it comes in the form of oral drops, powder for suspension and hard capsules. What is lactoferrin? Is lactoferrin for children indicated?

Lactoferrin – what is it?

Lactoferrin is a protein found in cow’s milk and human milk. Colostrum, the first milk produced after having a baby, contains a high level of lactoferrin, about seven times more than milk later in lactation. It is also found in several other body fluids in the body, such as saliva, tears, mucus, and bile.

Also read: Breast milk from a pediatrician’s perspective – facts and myths

Lactoferrin – what is it used for?

The main functions of lactoferrin include binding and transporting iron. Lactoferrin is also used to treat gastrointestinal ulcers, diarrhea, hepatitis C and, as an antioxidant and prophylactically against bacterial and viral infections. No wonder that it can be found in the composition of immunity and antiviral products, such as AntiVir for viruses – Doctor Life dietary supplement.

Other uses include stimulating the immune system, preventing aging-related tissue damage, replenishing healthy gut bacteria and preventing cancer.

Some researchers suggest that lactoferrin may play a role in addressing global health problems such as iron deficiency and severe diarrhea.

In industrial agriculture, lactoferrin is used to kill bacteria during meat processing.

See: The Most Deadly Cancer

Lactoferrin – action

Lactoferrin helps regulate iron absorption in the intestine and its delivery to the body’s cells. It protects against bacterial infection by preventing the growth of bacteria, depriving them of essential nutrients, or killing them by destroying cell walls. Lactoferrin in breast milk helps to protect breastfed infants from bacterial infections.

In addition to bacterial infections, lactoferrin has a protective effect against infections caused by certain viruses and fungi. It also takes part in the regulation of bone marrow functions (myelopoiesis) and strengthens the body’s defense (immune) system.

At Medonet Market you will find lactoferrin supplements, such as:

  1. Lactoferrin bLF Forte – Doctor Life dietary supplement for intestinal disorders and immunity,
  2. Lactoferrin bLF 200 mg – Doctor Life dietary supplement for use in the course of selected infections or iron disorders,
  3. Colostrum with Lactoferrin Powder – Doctor Life’s dietary supplement for immunity, intestinal and skin health.

Read: Ways to Supplement with Iron

Lactoferrin and hepatitis C

There is some evidence that lactoferrin may inhibit the development of infection caused by the hepatitis C virus. This is evidenced, inter alia, by the results published in Hepatology Research in 2013. Scientists have found that lactoferrin treatment can help increase levels of interleukin-18 (an immune system protein that plays a key role in fighting the hepatitis C virus). 63 people with hepatitis C participated in the year-long study.

Other studies have confirmed the benefits of lactoferrin at some stages of the development of hepatitis C. For example, in vitro studies and clinical trials have shown that lactoferrin can inhibit viral replication at the intracellular level. However, conflicting data have been published regarding the ability of lactoferrin to prevent viral entry into the target cell.

Editors recommend: A new drug for hepatitis C

Lactoferrin and acne treatment

It has been proven that lactoferrin has a positive effect on inflammatory changes caused by acne. Among others, in a study published in Nutrition in 2010, participants consumed either fermented milk with 200 mg lactoferrin or “pure” fermented milk once a day for twelve weeks. Acne lesions were assessed at monthly visits.

At the end of the treatment period, people who were given milk with lactoferrin had a reduced number of acne lesions, inflammatory lesions, sebum compared to people who took a placebo. Scientists also noticed a reduction in the amount of triacylglycerols (a type of fat) on the surface of the skin.

In a 2017 study that tested the use of lactoferrin supplements in combination with vitamin E and zinc for three months in people with mild to moderate acne, a reduction in the total number of acne lesions, blackheads, and inflammatory lesions was found compared to those taking a placebo.

Lactoferrin and peptic ulcer disease

Lactoferrin may help protect the body against Helicobacter pylori infection. In a report published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology in 2014, researchers analyzed previously published clinical studies of the use of fermented milk and several of its ingredients (including lactoferrin) against Helicobacter pylori infection. The results showed that lactoferrin sourced from cow’s milk can help eliminate Helicobacter pylori and reduce the infection rate.

Read: Linolenic acid as a terror to Helicobacter pylori

Lactoferrin – dosage

The dosage depends on the form of the supplement and the age of the patient.

  1. Hard capsules – 1-2 capsules a day,

In this form, lactoferrin for children can be difficult to swallow. Therefore, it can be opened and its contents administered directly or dissolved in a cool liquid.

  1. Drops – 10 drops a day,

The product can be administered directly into the mouth or dissolved in a warm (but not hot) liquid.

  1. Powder for suspension – adults: 2 sachets a day, infants and children: 2 sachets a day.

The contents of the sachet should be dissolved in cool water and mixed thoroughly.

Lactoferrin – contraindications to use

The product leaflet informs about contraindications to use. The supplement is not recommended in case of hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients.

Lactoferrin – warnings

Warnings regarding supplementation with Lactoferrin:

  1. cannot be a substitute for a well-balanced diet,
  2. do not put the powder into hot liquid,
  3. before using the preparation during pregnancy or breastfeeding, consult a physician.

Lactoferrin – drug interactions

The leaflet does not indicate any interactions with other drugs.

Lactoferrin – side effects

There are no data on possible side effects associated with Lactoferrin supplementation.

Before use, read the leaflet, which contains indications, contraindications, data on side effects and dosage as well as information on the use of the medicinal product, or consult your doctor or pharmacist, as each drug used improperly is a threat to your life or health.

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