Lactoferrin is one of the transferrin proteins that transfer iron to the cells and control the level of free iron in the blood and external secretions. Though human colostrum (“first milk”) has the highest concentration, followed by human milk, then cow’s milk, lactoferrin is found throughout the human body.112, 113
Published studies examining lactoferrin as a supplement and its beneficial effects on immunity have been quite promising.114-121 Lactoferrin helps maintain a proper level of “good” bacteria in the intestinal tract, while controlling the number of “bad” bacteria.122-126 Lactoferrin is also known to have an extremely high affinity to bind to iron.127-129
Studies show that apolactoferrin, the iron-depleted form of lactoferrin, has unique benefits and may be superior to lactoferrin for supplementation.121, 130-133 Life Extension’s lactoferrin supplement from bovine whey contains only the superior apolactoferrin form of this important whey.
References available upon request.
