Lactoferrin Dietary Supplement, 60 Capsules - Dosage, Reviews

Lactoferrin 250 mg is a dietary supplement containing lactoferrin, a fascinating, natural molecule involved in many of the body’s defence mechanisms. It is extracted from whey proteins.

What exactly is lactoferrin?

Lactoferrin is a mammalian protein from the transferrin family. It has long been regarded as a simple anti-infective iron chelator, depriving pathogenic bacteria of the iron necessary for their growth.

Since the 2000s, however, it has been the subject of intensive study aimed at exploring its full potential, particularly its presumed ability to modulate the immune system and regulate bone growth.

In the human body, lactoferrin is present in breast milk, tears, bile, saliva and secretions from reproductive organs (1). It is also synthesised by microglial cells and polymorphonuclear neutrophils, two types of immune cell (2).

What benefits are believed to be offered by lactoferrin?

Lactoferrin is a key element of the immune system, particularly the innate immune system. Expression of lactoferrin in the body can be induced by a simple, pro-inflammatory stimulus (3). It essentially restricts the growth of bacteria and yeasts, as well as certain viruses and pathogenic fungi.

Lactoferrin acts on immunity via several mechanisms:

• Iron-depriving action: secreted in body fluids, it prevents the growth of bacteria by sequestering free iron.
• Destabilisation of bacterial membranes, thus increasing their permeability.
• Interaction with certain proteins used by viruses to penetrate cells.
• Apoptosis of certain yeasts (particularly those that cause oral thrush).

It’s also a powerful modulator of the inflammatory response (4). In particular, it regulates the production of cytokines (molecular messengers) and the recruitment of immune cells to the site of inflammation.

Finally, from a more theoretical perspective, lactoferrin may occupy a central position in regulating crucial cellular processes such as the cell cycle and cell death (apoptosis). It may exert a monitoring action on cell growth.

What does the latest research on lactoferrin show?

A number of studies suggest it offers benefits for certain dermatological problems (2017) (5). Researchers looked at six studies before reaching their conclusions on its therapeutic effects in the area of dermatology.

Lactoferrin, a modulator of innate and adaptive immune responses (2018) (6). A new review has confirmed lactoferrin’s ability to optimise immune system function in the face of pathogenic parasites, fungi and viruses.

Lactoferrin, a multifunctional protein (2019) (7). A Japanese team is revisiting the major physiological functions of lactoferrin and its practical applications .

Which other supplements can be taken alongside lactoferrin?

With the aim of strengthening the immune system, we’d recommend combining it with one of the following supplements:

• AHCC, a supplement containing an extract of shiitake mushroom mycelia;
• green propolis, rich in artepillin C;
• the proprietary probiotic Bacillus subtilis, for fighting external aggressors;
• The super-complex of 7 medicinal mushrooms Organic Mycocomplex.

Free from any toxicity, lactoferrin is attracting increasing interest in the pharmaceutical field. It offers numerous applications and its efficacy has been conclusively demonstrated by a growing number of clinical trials. It has been extracted and purified from bovine whey and formulated with 100% natural excipients: acacia gum and white rice bran.

Attention : contains milk.

Take one or two capsules a day as required, or more if advised by your therapist.

Caution: do not exceed the recommended daily dose. This product is a nutritional supplement and should not be used to replace a varied, balanced diet or healthy lifestyle. Keep out of young children’s reach. Store away from light, heat and humidity. As with all nutritional supplements, consult a health professional before taking if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or suffer from a health problem.

1. Masson PL, Heremans JF, Dive C. An ironbinding protein common to many external secretions. Clinica Chimica Acta 1966 ; 14 : 735-9
2. Masson PL, Heremans JF, Schonne E. Lactoferrin, an iron-binding protein in neutrophilic leukocytes. J Exp Med 1969 ; 130 : 643-58.
3. Li Y, Limmon GV, Imani F, et al. Induction of lactoferrin gene expression by innate immune stimuli in mouse mammary epithelial HC-11 cells. Biochimie 2009 ; 91 : 58-67
4. Legrand D, Pierce A, Elass E, et al. Lactoferrin structure and functions. Adv Exp Med Biol 2008 ; 606 : 163-94.
5. Hassoun LA, Sivamani RK. A systematic review of lactoferrin use in dermatology. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2017;57(17):3632-3639. doi:10.1080/10408398.2015.1137859
6. Moreno-Expósito L, Illescas-Montes R, Melguizo-Rodríguez L, Ruiz C, Ramos-Torrecillas J, de Luna-Bertos E. Multifunctional capacity and therapeutic potential of lactoferrin. Life Sci. 2018;195:61-64. doi:10.1016/j.lfs.2018.01.002
7. Hao L, Shan Q, Wei J, Ma F, Sun P. Lactoferrin: Major Physiological Functions and Applications. Curr Protein Pept Sci. 2019;20(2):139-144. doi:10.2174/1389203719666180514150921