Lactoferrin is an iron-binding protein naturally found in milk, it is a multifunctional protein and belongs to the transferrin family. Lactoferrin is a globular glycoprotein and acts as a natural antioxidant with antibacterial, antiviral, and immune-stimulating properties.
As its name might suggest, it is a protein which is important in the metabolism of iron. Receptors are found all around the body in organs and cells for lactoferrin to bind. It is an antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory protein which stimulates immune and inflammation responses. It helps deprive bacteria of the iron they require to reproduce and releases iron into the red blood cells enhancing oxygenation of tissues.
Lactoferrin is beneficial in maintaining gut permeability and stability. It also exhibits strong antioxidant and detoxification properties which reduce inflammation. As a result of lactoferrin’s ability to reduce inflammation and scavenge free radicals, colostrum containing lactoferrin protects the body from all sorts of invading compounds.
