- Maintains normal intestinal microflora
- Proven bifidogenic activity
- Has antifungal properties
- Promotes immune enhancement
- Improves iron absorption
- Natural immunomodulator
- Suppresses inflammation
Jarrow Formulas Lactoferrin is a dietary supplement containinglactoferrin , an endogenous protein that is often referred to as multipotent due to its numerous activities and functions in the body. To date, lactoferrin's immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and bacteriostatic properties have been proven. It is also attributed to bone-forming and bifidogenic effects.
The product is especially recommended for immune deficiency and frequent viral, bacterial and fungal infections. It brings many benefits to those struggling with Helicobacter pylori infection and gastrointestinal parasites. Its scientifically proven effectiveness and safety of use allows it to be administered even to children.
Lactoferrin is a natural substance, present in large amounts in milk and colostrum, as well as other body fluids and secretions of mammals. Biochemically, lactoferrin belongs to the group of glycoproteins of the transferrin genus. Its most important property is its ability to chelate iron ions, which not only affects the absorption of this element, but is also associated with the main mechanism of lactoferrin's antimicrobial action.
Support for the immune system
The most important function that lactoferrin performs in the body is immunostimulation, i.e. regulation of the cellular and humoral immune response.
Lactoferrin stimulates both non-specific (NK cells - natural killers, macrophages) and specific (B and T lymphocytes) immune cells. These are elements of the body's first line of defense against pathogens.
Lactoferrin also enhances the process of phagocytosis, during which pathogenic microorganisms are captured and engulfed by specialized cells of the immune system.
Improving iron absorption
Lactoferrin is an iron donor. It binds ions of this metal and transports them to the interior of cells, where they are released in a reduced pH environment. The released iron is used by cells in a variety of biochemical reactions.
Given the great difficulty in absorbing iron from food and the number of physiological processes in which it is involved, such saturation of cells with iron ions is extremely beneficial to the system.
Antimicrobial effect
Lactoferrin can protect the organism from the harmful effects of bacteria. This substance acts both bacteriostatically, meaning that it limits the growth and spread of bacteria, and bactericidally, meaning that it effectively eliminates them from the body. There are several mechanisms of lactoferrin's antibacterial action.
Lactoferrin is involved in iron homeostasis - it binds its ions, making them inaccessible to pathogens. Iron is an essential metal for the development and growth of bacteria - deprived of it, they are unable to replicate and multiply.
Lactoferrin destroys the cell membranes of pathogens. The positive charge of its N-terminal fragment attracts the differently charged compounds present in the cell membranes of Gram-negative bacteria, thus leading to the disruption of cell membranes and bacterial death.
Many types of bacteria (e.g., E. coli, Streptococus mutant) produce a specific biofilm with a structure that is very difficult to remove. It protects the bacteria from degradation and makes them resistant to the activity of bactericides, including antibiotics. Lactoferrin not only prevents bacteria from forming such a biofilm, but also degrades the biofilm that already exists. This makes it more effective than standard antibiotics in some cases.
Antiviral activity
Lactoferrin has activity against a very large group of viruses, both sheath viruses (e.g. HIV) and non-sheath viruses (rotaviruses, polioviruses, adenoviruses).
It interacts with both DNA and RNA of viruses, causing their breakdown and blocking their ability to replicate. What's more - by binding to viral particles, lactoferrin prevents the virus from contacting the body's cells, thus preventing infection.
Antifungal action
Lactoferrin prevents the spread of fungi in the body and effectively eliminates existing ones. It is very effective against Candida albicans, the fungus responsible for candidiasis.
As with its antibacterial action, a huge role is played by its ability to chelate iron, which is essential for the reproduction of certain fungi (such as Aspergillus fumigatus, which causes ear, sinus and respiratory tract fungus).
Lactoferrin also directly affects fungal cells - by altering permeability and disrupting cell wall structure, it leads to fungal death.
Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties
Hidden and chronic inflammation is the substrate of many diseases. Due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, lactoferrin is an antidote to such problems.
Lactoferrin regulates the synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-alpha, interleukin 6 and interleukin 1, while enhancing the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines.
Lactoferrin plays a major role in oxidation-reduction metabolism. It conditions the oxidative balance, prevents the formation of excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) and protects the body from oxidative stress.
Benefits for the digestive system
Lactoferrin has a positive effect on the digestive system. It seals the intestinal epithelium and helps maintain normal intestinal flora.
Despite its strong antibacterial effect, lactoferrin does not destroy beneficial probiotic bacteria. What's more - it works similarly to prebiotics and has proven bifidogenic properties. By making available to the Bifidobacterium family bacteria the necessary iron ions for life, it promotes their growth and development.
Lactoferrin stimulates the secretion of lactase, the main enzyme responsible for breaking down lactose. As a result, it can reduce the symptoms of dairy intolerance.
Lactoferrin is very effective in eliminating from the body the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, responsible for the formation of ulcers and, in extreme cases, even stomach cancer. It also has an antiparasitic effect.
Benefits for the skeletal system
Lactoferrin regulates the activity of osteoblasts (bone-forming cells) and osteoclasts (bone-depleting cells). An imbalance between the activity of these cells leads to the development of many bone diseases, such as osteoporosis. By regulating the processes determined by osteoclasts and osteoblasts, lactoferrin brings many benefits to bone tissue, promotes bone growth and prevents dangerous processes of bone demineralization.
In conclusion, Lactoferrin is a supplement with very high health-promoting potential. It provides excellent protection for the body, and is recommended especially for weakened people.
