Lactoferrin

Related Terms

59Fe, Biotene?, Bioxtra?, bovine lactoferrin (bLf, bLF), breast milk lactoferrin, Elleffe 100?, human lactoferrin, human lactoferrrin 1-11 (hLF1-11), granulocyte lactoferrin, lactoferrin-alpha (Lf-alpha), lactoferrin-beta (Lf-beta), lactoferrin-gamma (Lf-gamma), liposomal lactoferrin, Lf, Lf100?, LTF, neutrophilic lactoferrin, prebiotic lactoferrin-derived peptide-I (PRELP-I), talactoferrin (TLF), talactoferrin alfa, recombinant human lactoferrin (rhLF), XP-828L.

Background

Lactoferrin is a red, circular-shaped protein. It is made by certain cells in the body and is found in secretory fluids, such as milk, tears, saliva, nasal excretions, as well as secretions from the pancreas.
The most abundant source of lactoferrin is human milk made during late pregnancy and shortly after birth (otherwise known as "first milk").
Lactoferrin is a key part of the innate immune system of mammals. It binds iron and also interacts with many cellular parts. Lactoferrin has demonstrated both anti-inflammatory and anticancer activity, as well as protective effects against bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


Research has demonstrated that lactoferrin treatment in combination with conventional treatment had a significant H. pylori elimination rate. Further research is needed to form any firm conclusions in this area.

 B


Research has demonstrated that lactoferrin treatment in combination with conventional treatment had a significant H. pylori elimination rate. Further research is needed to form any firm conclusions in this area.

 B


In human research, lactoferrin lacked significant benefit over placebo for the treatment of athlete's foot. However, there was some improvement in symptom scores. Further research in this area is needed.

 C


In human research, lactoferrin lacked significant benefit over placebo for the treatment of athlete's foot. However, there was some improvement in symptom scores. Further research in this area is needed.

 C


In very low birth weight neonates, lactoferrin reduced the frequency of total late-onset sepsis and gram-positive (but not gram-negative) bacteria-induced late-onset sepsis. Although early results appear promising, additional high quality research is needed to form firm conclusions.

 C


In very low birth weight neonates, lactoferrin reduced the frequency of total late-onset sepsis and gram-positive (but not gram-negative) bacteria-induced late-onset sepsis. Although early results appear promising, additional high quality research is needed to form firm conclusions.

 C


Evidence is conflicting with respect to the effects of lactoferrin in cancer patients. Further research in this area is needed.

 C


Evidence is conflicting with respect to the effects of lactoferrin in cancer patients. Further research in this area is needed.

 C


Early evidence suggests that lactoferrin, taken with a mixture of various probiotics and prebiotics, reduces the number and severity of lung infections during cold season. Although promising, the effect of lactoferrin alone is unclear. Further research is needed before any firm conclusions in this area may be made.

 C


Early evidence suggests that lactoferrin, taken with a mixture of various probiotics and prebiotics, reduces the number and severity of lung infections during cold season. Although promising, the effect of lactoferrin alone is unclear. Further research is needed before any firm conclusions in this area may be made.

 C


Early research has showed mixed results with lactoferrin's effect on oral health. In human research, beneficial effects on plaque score and bacterial count have been reported, but lacking treatment benefit in other studies. Further research is needed to form any firm conclusions.

 C


Early research has showed mixed results with lactoferrin's effect on oral health. In human research, beneficial effects on plaque score and bacterial count have been reported, but lacking treatment benefit in other studies. Further research is needed to form any firm conclusions.

 C


In children, lactoferrin lacked a significant effect on diarrhea. However, lactoferrin given in a rice-based oral solution with lysozyme reduced diarrhea duration and increased the number of children with solid stools as compared to controls. Further research in this area is needed to form any firm conclusions.

 C


In children, lactoferrin lacked a significant effect on diarrhea. However, lactoferrin given in a rice-based oral solution with lysozyme reduced diarrhea duration and increased the number of children with solid stools as compared to controls. Further research in this area is needed to form any firm conclusions.

 C


In adults with dry mouth, lactoferrin given with other enzymes and as part of an oral mouthwash or gel, showed some beneficial effects on dry mouth and salivation. However, the effects of lactoferrin alone are unclear. Further research is needed in this area before any firm conclusions may be made.

 C


In adults with dry mouth, lactoferrin given with other enzymes and as part of an oral mouthwash or gel, showed some beneficial effects on dry mouth and salivation. However, the effects of lactoferrin alone are unclear. Further research is needed in this area before any firm conclusions may be made.

 C


Early research suggests that compared to iron, lactoferrin improves iron status in the body. Although promising, further high quality research is needed in this area.

 C


Early research suggests that compared to iron, lactoferrin improves iron status in the body. Although promising, further high quality research is needed in this area.

 C


In patients with mild to moderate plaque psoriasis, a protein-rich combination product containing lactoferrin showed improvements in psoriasis symptom severity. Although promising, the effects of lactoferrin alone are unclear. Further research in this area is needed before any firm conclusions can be made.

 C


In patients with mild to moderate plaque psoriasis, a protein-rich combination product containing lactoferrin showed improvements in psoriasis symptom severity. Although promising, the effects of lactoferrin alone are unclear. Further research in this area is needed before any firm conclusions can be made.

 C


In human research, lactoferrin improved various eye- and tear-related outcomes in individuals with Sj?gren's syndrome. Although promising, early findings are limited, and further high quality research is needed before any firm conclusions may be made.

 C


In human research, lactoferrin improved various eye- and tear-related outcomes in individuals with Sj?gren's syndrome. Although promising, early findings are limited, and further high quality research is needed before any firm conclusions may be made.

 C


In human research, lactoferrin lacked benefit over placebo for the treatment of diabetes-associated foot ulcers. Due to the limited number of available studies in this area, further high quality research is needed before any firm conclusions may be made.

 C


In human research, lactoferrin lacked benefit over placebo for the treatment of diabetes-associated foot ulcers. Due to the limited number of available studies in this area, further high quality research is needed before any firm conclusions may be made.

 C


According to early research, lactoferrin lacked treatment benefit over placebo for chronic hepatitis C viral infections. However, other studies have demonstrated decreased levels of serum alanine transaminase (ALT) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA. Further research in this area is needed.

 D


According to early research, lactoferrin lacked treatment benefit over placebo for chronic hepatitis C viral infections. However, other studies have demonstrated decreased levels of serum alanine transaminase (ALT) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA. Further research in this area is needed.

 D


The effect of lactoferrin on various immune system parameters has been examined in hepatitis C patients, cancer patients, and post-surgical patients, with mixed results. Further research in this area is needed before any firm conclusions can be made.

 D


The effect of lactoferrin on various immune system parameters has been examined in hepatitis C patients, cancer patients, and post-surgical patients, with mixed results. Further research in this area is needed before any firm conclusions can be made.

 D


The effect of lactoferrin on various parameters of infant development, including growth, resistance to infection, and fecal flora, has had mixed results. Further high quality research in this area is needed to before any firm conclusions can be made.

 D


The effect of lactoferrin on various parameters of infant development, including growth, resistance to infection, and fecal flora, has had mixed results. Further high quality research in this area is needed to before any firm conclusions can be made.

 D
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
For cancer, 1.5 grams or 3 grams of bovine lactoferrin have been taken by mouth daily for 12 months without benefit. In addition, 1.5 grams of human lactoferrin (talactoferrin) has been taken by mouth twice daily on a schedule of 12 weeks on and two weeks off for two cycles (or a maximum of 24 days talactoferrin). A range of 1.5-9 grams of talactoferrin alfa has been taken by mouth daily on a schedule of two weeks on and two weeks off for two cycles (or a maximum of 28 days talactoferrin alfa).
For hepatitis C viral infection (chronic), 1.8 grams of bovine lactoferrin has been taken by mouth daily for 12 weeks, as two divided doses, without benefit. Bovine lactoferrin has also been taken by mouth in doses of 1.8, 3.6, or 7.7 grams daily for eight weeks.
For H. pylori infection, 200 milligrams lactoferrin has been taken by mouth twice daily for 7-14 days in addition to standard treatment, with some studies showing a lack of benefit. Two 100 milligrams of bovine lactoferrin tablets or capsules have been taken by mouth twice daily for seven days to 12 weeks, either alone or in addition to standard treatment.
For immunomodulation, 20 milligrams of bovine lactoferrin has been taken by mouth daily for five days and both 1.5 and 3 grams of bovine lactoferrin have been taken by mouth daily for 12 months.1.8 grams of bovine lactoferrin has been taken by mouth daily for 12 weeks, as two divided doses with a lack of benefit.
For iron deficiency anemia, four tablets containing 0.45 grams of bovine lactoferrin each has been taken by mouth daily for eight weeks in female endurance athletes at high risk for iron deficiency anemia due to menstruation and strict weight control. In pregnant women, one capsule of 100 milligrams of bovine lactoferrin has been taken by mouth twice daily for 12 months.
For Sj?gren's syndrome, 270 milligrams of enteric lactoferrin has been taken by mouth daily for one month.
For tinea pedis (athlete's foot), 75 milligrams of lactoferrin tablets or four 250 milligrams lactoferrin tablets have been taken by mouth twice daily for eight weeks without showing benefit.
For ulcers, a 1%, 2.5%, and 8.5% talactoferrin gel have been applied to foot ulcers twice daily for 30 days. However, a 2.5% and 8.5% talactoferrin gel has been applied to the affected area twice daily for 12 weeks without showing benefit.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Lactoferrin may alter blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using medications that may also affect blood sugar. People taking drugs for diabetes by mouth or insulin should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary
Lactoferrin may interact with agents for sepsis, agents for the eyes, agents for the skin, agents that affect immune function, agents that affect the blood products, antibiotics, antifungals, antimicrobials, antivirals, calcium, cancer agents, dental agents, diarrhea agents, iron, liver toxins, magnesium, nervous system agents, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, potassium, and stomach and intestine agents.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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