Lactoferrin is known for its diverse qualities, including its potential to support immune function and its role in maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria and viruses. Predominantly present in mammalian milk, it plays a role in supporting the immune system.
This article explores the potential benefits lactoferrin may offer for immune support. We will discuss how lactoferrin functions, from influencing immune responses to interacting with microbial threats, and examine its practical application in various settings.
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Lactoferrin and Its Immune-Supporting Properties
Lactoferrin is an iron-binding glycoprotein found in abundance in the whey protein of most mammalian milk, with the highest concentrations in colostrum, the initial form of breastmilk produced after giving birth (20).
Lactoferrin can also be produced by human epithelial cells of various body organs and the fluids that they secrete. So, it is found extensively throughout the human body from organs such as the pancreas, gallbladder, lungs, and intestines to fluids such as saliva, tears, pancreatic secretions, and bile (17). Artificially, lactoferrin can be taken as a supplement in the form of bovine lactoferrin, which is 70% homologous (having the same structure) to human lactoferrin (3).
Its presence in body fluids, especially those that interact with the external environment, such as saliva and nasal secretions, is likely due to lactoferrin’s role in supporting innate immunity (17).
The innate immune system is the body’s first line of defense, a non-specific reaction that involves repelling unwanted microorganisms by supporting natural barriers such as mucus production and releasing signals to recruit immune cells that engage with pathogens. Lactoferrin is also produced by neutrophils, a type of white blood cell vital to the innate immune response. In the presence of a pathogen, neutrophil granules release lactoferrin to help manage potential infections (22).
Antimicrobial Activity:
Lactoferrin is a part of the transferrin family, able to bind iron and help modulate iron levels in the body. Therefore, it may reduce available iron levels for bacteria, which can support the body's defense against bacterial proliferation (3). It may also increase the permeability of gram-negative bacterial cell membranes. In viral interactions, lactoferrin may prevent viruses from entering cells where they could otherwise replicate and may help manage the effects of viruses on human cells.
Lactoferrin has demonstrated effects that may help manage certain viruses and bacteria in the upper respiratory and intestinal tract (17). In H. influenzae, lactoferrin may inactivate adhesion peptides, potentially preventing the virus from adhering to respiratory mucosa. In the digestive tract, lactoferrin may interfere with the ability of enterotoxigenic E.coli to adhere to human cells (17).
Lactoferrin’s activity is not just limited to viruses and bacteria. It also has demonstrated action against fungi, yeast, and parasites. Lactoferrin may limit fungal growth through iron deprivation and is thought to also have direct actions on the surface of fungal cells (4).
In yeasts, lactoferrin has been shown to inhibit the growth of Candida albicans and may prevent the formation of biofilms by disrupting their density and metabolic activity (17). Furthermore, its actions against parasites such as Plasmodium vivax, which causes malaria, and the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii suggest potential benefits in managing parasitic interactions (20).
Immunomodulation:
Lactoferrin has important effects on the body's immune response. It may help manage oxidative stress by binding to free iron particles that could otherwise create free radicals, thereby supporting organs and bodily tissues from inflammation-induced injury (22). Lactoferrin also influences the production of signaling proteins called cytokines in response to the presence or absence of a threat. In this way, it may help manage the body's inflammatory response by supporting pro-inflammatory pathways when needed and reducing them when they are not.
This action was demonstrated in a study where healthy participants were given 40mg of lactoferrin daily and had their blood tested against bacterial lipopolysaccharides to induce an inflammatory response. It was found that lactoferrin adjusted immune activity in participants with varying responses (22).
Gut Health and Immunity:
Lactoferrin may promote healthy gut function via its immunomodulatory actions as well as its ability to support mucosal barriers. It stimulates the growth and activity of intestinal epithelial cells, increasing nutrient absorption while also supporting the cells against pathogens and the effects of food allergens (20). Its actions on iron sequestration may promote the growth of beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus sp. and Bifidobacterium sp. that have low iron needs (23).
In this way, lactoferrin is considered a prebiotic, promoting the growth of healthy probiotic strains (20).
Lactoferrin may help support gastrointestinal health due to its antibacterial, antiviral, fungicidal, and anti-parasitic actions. It has shown the ability to inhibit biofilm formation by gut pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (20). Clinical Applications of Lactoferrin
Clinical Applications of Lactoferrin
Lactoferrin may be helpful in the following conditions:
Infectious Diseases:
With its potential to support the body's defense against infections caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, yeast, and parasites, lactoferrin may play a role as an adjunctive tool in managing certain infectious diseases such as influenza A viruses and HSV (17). Its functions in the gut make it a potential adjunct in managing gastrointestinal health, especially when biofilms are a concern (23).
Its ability to help manage oxidative stress may support the body's response to inflammation, such as seen in COVID-19, and in managing chronic health concerns.
Chronic Inflammation and Autoimmune Conditions:
Lactoferrin’s ability to influence inflammatory responses makes it a potentially useful tool in managing chronic inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. Evidence suggests that it may play a supportive role in inflammatory bowel conditions such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease by helping to manage inflammation in the digestive tract (23).
A small clinical study showed improvements in multiple sclerosis symptoms in participants given oral lactoferrin with concomitant reductions in pro-inflammatory cytokines (22).
Pediatric Health:
The potential benefits of lactoferrin on pediatric health start as early as in the womb. Lactoferrin may support healthy tissue and bone development, iron absorption, and protection against microbial threats. Indeed, lactoferrin is one of the key components responsible for the positive effects of breast milk.
Even bovine-derived lactoferrin has been shown to reduce fungal infections, incidences of diarrhea, respiratory infections, and risk for sepsis in infants and young children (20). In infants at high risk for anemia, a study found that oral supplementation with bovine lactoferrin for 3 months improved iron status.
Incorporating Lactoferrin into Clinical Practice
Here are helpful tips for considering lactoferrin in practice:
Dosage and Administration:
Lactoferrin taken supplementally is often in the form of bovine lactoferrin. Lactoferrin dosing varies widely across studies, with an average range of 100-400mg per day for most conditions across all age ranges. For chronic conditions, dosing duration often extends to 6 months or more, especially in managing chronic inflammatory and autoimmune conditions (22).
When lactoferrin is administered orally, much of it is degraded in the stomach by gastric juices, decreasing its potential. Therefore, lactoferrin in high amounts in multiple doses per day is sometimes considered (23).
Additionally, liposomal delivery forms are advantageous in that they have greater potential to resist gastric degradation and, therefore, improve lactoferrin delivery into the small intestine and general circulation (3).
Safety and Contraindications:
Bovine lactoferrin is considered safe by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) when taken orally at appropriate doses (less than 7000mg per day). Multiple studies indicate few side effects with lactoferrin administration, implying safety even in young children.
As bovine lactoferrin is derived from proteins in cow’s milk, it is contraindicated in patients with milk protein allergies. Bovine lactoferrin does not contain milk sugar, however, and so is safe to use in patients with lactose intolerance (20).
Monitoring and Evaluation:
Despite the safety of lactoferrin supplementation, it is important to work with a healthcare provider to ensure efficacy and appropriate implementation. Symptoms should be monitored to determine whether dosage adjustments are needed and to determine treatment duration. For patients using lactoferrin to support gut health, GI testing may be appropriate to assess positive changes in microbiome populations and inflammatory markers.
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Key Takeaways
- Multifaceted Immune Support: Lactoferrin is a protein that may support immune function with its potential antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties, contributing to the body's defense mechanisms against a range of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.
- Gut Health and Beyond: It plays a role in maintaining gut health by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria and supporting the integrity of the intestinal barrier, highlighting its importance in gastrointestinal health and systemic immunity.
- Clinical Applications: Lactoferrin has shown potential in supporting the management of infectious diseases, chronic inflammation, autoimmune conditions, and pediatric health issues. Its ability to influence immune responses and help manage oxidative stress makes it a valuable adjunct in these areas.
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