Also known as lactotransferrin, it is a key ingredient in the lactoferrin formula for infants. When a woman gives birth, the first round of suckling by the baby stimulates her breast to produce what is known as “colostrum” which is quite rich in lactoferrin. Sometimes, this lactoferrin could also be harnessed from cows in factories to make the product you could get on the supermarket counter as lactoferrin formula for babies. So far, we have said a lot about lactoferrin. What is it? Why does my baby need it? Can my baby do without it? Just keep reading and you’ll find answers to all your questions in this article! 

Lactoferrin—What is it? 

Lactoferrin is an extremely essential macronutrient found in the milk of humans or animals such as cows. What macronutrient is it? Short answer, protein. It can also be found in body fluids and saliva, tears, mucus, and bile. In recent times, lactoferrin has also been extracted from genetically modified rice. 

Benefits of Lactoferrin Formula 

There are a lot of benefits one could get from this supplement. We will look at the science behind each purported benefit. 

Protection from Infections 

Pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi can greatly harm your body. However, some reports back the fact that lactoferrin has antiviral properties and will boost the immune system enough to wade off other harmful microorganisms from causing harm or damage to your system. 

Secondly, it protects your body against helicobacter pylori infection—this infection is one of the most common and stubborn causes of ulcers. What more? Even infections such as hepatitis C have been inhibited by lactoferrin formula.

Treatment of Acne 

Continuous intake of the lactoferrin formula combined with vitamin E and zinc has been shown to decrease acne lesion count and even inflammatory lesion count. Furthermore, even fats such as triacylglycerols on the skin surface have been proven to be drastically cut down with the continuous intake of these supplements. 

Prevention of Osteoporosis 

Lactoferrin has bone-building effects that may be enough for the prevention of osteoporosis. How? It works with a chemical in the body that stimulates the production of osteoblasts. (Osteoblasts are the building block of bone tissue or mass.) Recent research on postmenopausal women who take the formula has shown that it has a significant positive effect on their bones compared to those who only relied on the placebo. 

Aids in Iron Absorption 

People who are at risk of anemia, pregnant women, or female athletes may find the Lactoferrin formula to aid iron absorption. Although, there is still ongoing research in this area. 

It can also support weight loss in the long run. 

Side effects 

Is lactoferrin formula safe when consumed in high amounts? Well, it depends on its source—where it was made from. For example, consuming lactoferrin from cow milk in high amounts is safe for up to a year. Those from processed rice are safe for up to two weeks or there about. However, in very high amounts, it can cause skin rashes, chills, fatigue, loss of appetite, constipation, etc. 

Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before taking the lactoferrin formula. Plus, if you’ve an infection you want to treat with the formula, consult your doctor if the supplement may interact with the drugs you’re already taking. What do you think we left out? Tell us in the comment session!