lactoferrinais a naturally occurring protein in the milk of humans, cows and other mammals. It is also found in other bodily fluids such as saliva, tears,culture, EGalle.Lactoferrin has antiviral and antibacterial properties and helps the body transport and absorb iron.
In humans, the highest concentrations of lactoferrin are found inColostrum, which is a very nutritious first form of breast milk produced shortly after the baby is born.Babies can get plenty of lactoferrin from breast milk, while adult food sources are available.
Some people take lactoferrin supplements for its supposed antioxidant andAntiphlogistikumBenefits. While the lactoferrin used in supplements usually comes from genetically engineered rice, it can also come from cow's milk.
This article discusses lactoferrin's purported uses and benefits, side effects, precautions, interactions, dosage, and dietary sources.
Dietary supplements are not regulated in the United States, which means that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve them for safety and effectiveness before the products are marketed. Whenever possible, choose a dietary supplement that has been tested by a reputable third party, such as the USP, ConsumerLabs, or NSF.
But even if supplements are third-party tested, that doesn't mean they're necessarily safe for everyone or generally effective. It's important to talk with your doctor about any supplements you're considering taking and learn about potential drug or supplement interactions.
add facts
●Active ingredients):lactoferrina
●Alternative(r) Name(n):Apolactoferrina, Rinder-Lactoferrina, Lactotransferrina
●status legal:Available legally and over the counter in the United States
●Recommended dose:There is not enough evidence to recommend a standard dose. Clinical studies have used doses ranging from 100 milligrams to 450 milligrams per day.
●Security aspects:There are few side effects associated with lactoferrin. Taking too much lactoferrin can cause an upset stomach, skin rashes, and loss of appetite.
Alleged use of lactoferrin
The use of dietary supplements should be individualized and reviewed by a healthcare professional, such as a registered dietitian, pharmacist or healthcare professional. No dietary supplement is intended to treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Lactoferrin has a wide range of intended uses. As a supplement, it is believed to have antioxidant, antiviral, and antibacterial properties. Researchers are also starting to look into lactoferrin's possible role in immunity.COVID 19in the head.
Many believe that lactoferrin can support thisimmune system. However, most current research has been done in the laboratory rather than humans, and more evidence is needed in most cases.
The following is a look at the available research on the purported uses of lactoferrin.
infections
Lactoferrin can protect the body from harmful organisms that cause bacterial, viral and fungal infections.
bacterial infections
It has been suggested that the binding effect of lactoferrinEisenprevents bacteria from using iron for transport throughout the body.
Although results are mixed, lactoferrin has been studied for its use inHelicobacter pylori (H. pylori)-Infection, a type of bacterial infection known to cause stomach ulcers. In a laboratory study, cow lactoferrin was found to inhibit the growth of H. pylori. It also increased the strength of medications commonly used to treat the infection.However, this study was performed in vitro (in a test tube in a laboratory) and not in humans.
Other laboratory studies that have focused on the use of lactoferrin for bacterial infections have found similar results, but more human studies must be done to confirm.
the viral infection
Research has examined the protective effect of lactoferrin against viral infections such asA cold,Gripe, herpes and gastroenteritis. This is believed to be achieved by preventing viruses from attaching to cells and replicating. However, the research was based on non-human animals.
There is also evidence that lactoferrin can inhibitHepatitis CInfection. Several studies have examined the connection.
In one study, researchers found that lactoferrin helped increase levels of interleukin-18, a protein that plays a key role in fighting hepatitis C. The one-year study involved 63 people with the virus, a small sample.However, it should be noted that results on lactoferrin's role in preventing hepatitis C have been mixed.
Of particular interest is lactoferrin's potential ability to prevent and treat COVID-19. Preliminary research on this topic led researchers to believe that lactoferrin could help treat asymptomatic and mild to moderate COVID-19.However, the sample size in the study was small (92 people). Larger, longer-term studies are needed before recommending the use of lactoferrin.
fungal infections
Lactoferrin is also said to have an antifungal effect.
Several animal studies have looked at whether lactoferrin can help treat fungal infections, including yeast infections.Candida. In one such study, yeast-infected mice treated with lactoferrin had less severe infections than mice that did not receive lactoferrin.
More human studies are needed on the potential role of lactoferrin in the treatment of bacterial, viral and fungal infections.
Does hepatitis C have a cure?
Acne
In one study, participants drank fermented milk containing 200 milligrams (mg) of lactoferrin or fermented milk alone daily for 12 weeks.At the end of the treatment period, those who received the milk supplemented with lactoferrin had lessAcneinjuries and lesssebum(oil) compared to those who took the placebo.
Another small study found similar results. young participants withacne vulgartook lactoferrin chewable supplements for eight weeks. At the end of the study, they had fewer acne lesions and inflammation. Dietary supplements were also well tolerated. However, the study did not include a control (comparative) group; Therefore, the results are not as reliable as those from a control group study.
Acne Home Remedies: What Works and What Doesn't
osteoporosis
While research on the bone-building benefits of lactoferrin is limited, preliminary research suggests that lactoferrin may help preventosteoporosis.
In laboratory studies and in mice, lactoferrin has been found to stimulate osteoblasts, or the cells needed to build bones. It has also been found to reduce the symptoms of osteoporosis, possibly through cell signalling. However, researchers are not sure how lactoferrin works to improve osteoporosis and whether these benefits translate in humans.
In another study, lactoferrin helped to strengthen and maintain the bones of mice whose ovaries had been removed. Removal of the ovaries is intended to control hormonal changes. These findings led researchers to believe that lactoferrin may be useful in preventing and treating bone loss that occurs due to estrogen loss, a common occurrence inmenopauseWomen. However, human studies are lacking.
As with most purported uses of lactoferrin, more human studies are needed in regards to osteoporosis. While we can learn from animal and laboratory studies, human results must be duplicated to confirm the proposed benefits.
Other uses
Other purported but less researched uses for lactoferrin include:
- Deal withBECAUSEin premature babies
- Support for vaginal births
- Deal withurinary tract infection
- Protect againstchlamydia
- treatment of changes in taste and smellchemotherapy
More research is needed to support these claims. Be sure to speak with your doctor if you are interested in using lactoferrin for these and other purposes.
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What are the side effects of lactoferrin?
Lactoferrin is considered safe at levels normally found in foods. In fact, lactoferrin is US licensed. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) generally considered safe (GRAS).
Regardless, side effects are possible when using lactoferrin supplements.
frequent side effects
Mild and common side effects can occur when taking lactoferrin. However, these are more likely when lactoferrin is taken in excessive doses.
Many studies on lactoferrin have reported no apparent side effects when ingested.
In a small 30-day human study, some participants who took lactoferrin reported:
- stomachache
- To vomit
- cold
In children, lactoferrin intake has been associated with decreased appetite.
serious side effects
Serious side effects have not been reported when taking lactoferrin.
However, it may be possible to be allergic to lactoferrin.
A study conducted in mice found that administration of lactoferrin into the blood or mucosal tissue can produceallergens. In the study, an allergic reaction was observed in the mice, leading to inflammation of the airways.
However, the same results have not been observed in humans. Stop using lactoferrin and see a doctor immediately if you experience an allergic reaction.
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Precautions
There are few documented precautions when it comes to lactoferrin. Lactoferrin is generally recognized as safe, especially when consumed in recommended amounts.
Appears to be a safe supplement for many sensitive groups such as childrenand people who arepregnant.
However, it is important to follow directions when using lactoferrin and not to take more than directed. Taking more lactoferrin than recommended can cause side effects.
Dosage: How Much Lactoferrin Should I Take?
Always speak with a healthcare professional before taking any supplement to ensure the supplement and dosage is appropriate for your individual needs.
There is no standard dose for lactoferrin. This means that the dosage may depend on age, health status and gender.
According to one review, lactoferrin has been used in several clinical trials in doses ranging from 100 mg (milligrams) to 4,500 mg per day. These doses did not result in known toxicities.
Talk with your doctor to find the right dose of lactoferrin for your specific needs.
What happens if I take too much lactoferrin?
Lactoferrin does not appear to have any toxicity or potential for overdose. As lactoferrin is not a nutrient necessary for human life, there is no upper limit (UL).
If you take more lactoferrin than recommended, you are more likely to experience side effects such as an upset stomach. Because of this, it's important to take lactoferrin and other supplements only as directed.
interactions
Supplements can sometimes interact with other supplements, medications, or nutrients. There are no known or well-documented interactions with lactoferrin.
While there are currently no known interactions, it is still important to check with your healthcare provider before starting to take lactoferrin if you are taking any medications.
It's important to read a supplement's ingredient list and nutrition label carefully to know what ingredients are in it and how much of each ingredient. Check this label with your healthcare professional to discuss possible interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications.
How to store lactoferrin
You must take extra care to store your lactoferrin supplements properly.
Lactoferrin supplements should be stored in a cool, dry place. Make sure your supplements are in an area that is not exposed to direct sunlight. Also, keep lactoferrin and other dietary supplements out of reach of small children and pets.
Discard lactoferrin supplements as soon as they reach the expiration date listed on the package.
Similar additions
Dietary supplements that have purported benefits similar to those of lactoferrin include:
- Garlic: Several studies have shown that garlic extract contains antibiotic properties.
- Vitamin D: It was recently discovered that the sunshine vitamin may contain antiviral properties.
- oregano beer: In laboratory studies, oil of oregano has shown antifungal activity and potential usefulness in treating fungal infections.
- Vitamin A: Topical vitamin A (retinol) has long been touted as a useful supplement for acne.
- Bor: A trace mineral, some evidence suggests that boron may play a role in improving bone health, a key component in preventing osteoporosis.
Your doctor can help you find different supplements, as it is sometimes recommended that you only take one at a time for health issues.
common questions
What does lactoferrin do?
Lactoferrin binds iron and transports it throughout the body. It can also help fight infections caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Lactoferrin is believed to prevent bacterial growth by binding to iron and preventing bacterial growth.
To know more:An overview of bacterial infections
What is a fecal lactoferrin test?
A fecal lactoferrin test helps detect inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract.
If lactoferrin levels in the stool are high, additional testing may be neededinflammatory bowel disease.
(Video) LactoferrinTo know more:inflammatory bowel disease
Are lactoferrin and apolactoferrin the same thing?
can you see the wordApolactoferrinused in supplement bottles.
Apolactoferrin is a component of lactoferrin, but differs structurally. And unlike lactoferrin, apolactoferrin is not bound to iron.
To know more:what is iron
Sources of lactoferrin and what to look for
You can find lactoferrin in both food and supplement forms. As with any nutrient, it's always best to eat the food first.
Lactoferrin supplements may only be needed if recommended by your doctor. Otherwise, you can get all the lactoferrin your body needs from a variety of foods.
Dietary sources of lactoferrin
Lactoferrin is found, among other things, in the milk of mammals such as humans, cows and goats. This means that you can find lactoferrin in many dairy products.
Foods made from cow's or goat's milk contain lactoferrin. Foods that contain lactoferrin include dairy products such asleite,Cheese,yogurt, buttermilk, ice cream, butter and cream cheese. Lactoferrin will continue to be included in lactose-free dairy products.
Breastfed babies and young children can get lactoferrin from breast milk.
Lactoferrin Supplements
Lactoferrin supplements are available online and are mostly sold in capsule form. You can also buy lactoferrin at some health food, drug and supplement stores.
People following a vegan diet should check the supplement's packaging to ensure the product fits into their diet. Capsule coatings are not always vegan.
It is important to note that dietary supplements, including lactoferrin, are not as tightly regulated by the FDA as medications are. When choosing a dietary supplement, it's best to look for products certified by ConsumerLabs, U.S.Pharmacopeia (USP) or NSF International. These organizations do not guarantee that a product is safe or effective. Still, they test the quality and ensure that what is written on the label is actually in the product itself.
Remember that no food supplement can cure or prevent illness and nothing can replace a balanced and healthy diet.
Summary
Lactoferrin is a protein found in the milk of mammals such as humans and cows. It has been studied for its potential antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. Some research shows that lactoferrin can also be used for acne, osteoporosis and other health issues. Lactoferrin is generally safe, but it's important to check with your doctor before using it.
Due to limited research, it is still too early to recommend lactoferrin supplements for the treatment of any medical condition. If you're considering using it, talk to your doctor first to weigh the potential risks and benefits and discuss whether it's right for you.