Lactoferrin is a multifunctional bifidogenic milk glycoprotein with antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity and plays the role of the main defense of the immune system. Recent studies have classified it as nutraceutical because of its ability to protect the mucosa. It can also lower cholesterol, prevent atherosclerosis, reduce body weight.
Lactoferrin and other similar products in human milk create an environment for the growth of beneficial bacteria in the intestine, limiting the formation of colonies with pathogenic bacteria (1). In fact, this glycoprotein competes with siderophores, small molecules capable of chelating iron, thus hindering bacterial proliferation.
Due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant functions, lactoferrin exerts a neuroprotective action in senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain of Alzheimer's disease (2).
Lactoferrin intake improved subjective skin moisture scores in healthy adults, and subjective skin moisture and texture scores in women in winter (3) and can also represent a potential pharmacological remedy for intestinal cell injury by reducing inflammation and inducing cell proliferation (4).
According to this study lactoferrin could be included as a possible safe topical therapeutic option in the treatment of psoriatic plaque (5).
Lactoferrin, what scientific research says
Molecular Formula: C141H226N46O29S3
Molecular Weight: 3125.8 g/mol
CAS: 151186-19-5
EC Number: 604-775-1
MDL number MFCD00164307
NACRES NA.61
Synonyms:
- Lactotransferrin
