What is lactoferrin: role, benefits, indications

Lactoferrin, as it has been called since 1961, although originally discovered in milk in 1939, has become a subject of great interest for health researchers due to its multiple biological roles and therapeutic potential.

In this article, you will be able to find all the information you need about lactoferrin and learn whether supplementing your diet with this molecule is truly useful, especially in the case of certain dermatological conditions.

Contents

What is lactoferrin?

Lactoferrin is a glycoprotein present in milk, especially in colostrum and breast milk, as well as in tears, saliva, digestive secretions, urine, etc.

Lactoferrin is part of the transferrin family, and its main role in the body is to bind to iron molecules and transport them through the blood to the tissues.

What is the role of lactoferrin in the body?

The role of lactoferrin in the body is extremely complex. This molecule regulates iron absorption in the intestine, modulates the immune response, and is an important antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer agent, possessing anti-inflammatory properties (Reference: Hassoun LA, Sivamani RK. A systematic review of lactoferrin use in dermatology. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2017).

Here is a list of the main functions of lactoferrin:

• Antimicrobial function – this is based on the ability of lactoferrin to bind to iron molecules. Iron is a nutrient for bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Once iron becomes unavailable, pathogen replication is inhibited. Furthermore, lactoferrin can degrade the cell walls of bacteria, acting as a direct antimicrobial (bactericidal) agent.
• Immune system modulation – lactoferrin plays an important role in modulating both the innate and adaptive immune systems. It binds to cells involved in the inflammatory cascade.
• Antioxidant properties – lactoferrin protects cells against oxidative stress, thereby preventing damage caused by free radicals produced through the action of external or internal aggressors.
• Tissue regeneration and repair – lactoferrin is involved in the wound healing process and can stimulate the growth and regeneration of epithelial tissue.

What are the benefits of consuming lactoferrin?

Because this glycoprotein has so many roles in the body, supplementing the diet with lactoferrin can bring numerous benefits, such as:

1. Supporting skin health – due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, lactoferrin is used to improve skin health. It has proven especially useful for patients dealing with acne. Following dietary supplementation with lactoferrin, studies show a decrease in sebum secretion, the number of inflammatory lesions, and the total number of acne lesions. (Reference: Chan H, Chan G, Santos J, Dee K, Co JK. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to determine the efficacy and safety of lactoferrin with vitamin E and zinc as an oral therapy for mild to moderate acne vulgaris. Int J Dermatol. 2017).
2. Boosting immunity – lactoferrin supplements can facilitate immune system activity. They help prevent and fight bacterial and viral infections. Studies have shown that lactoferrin can reduce the severity of respiratory tract infections and can even contribute to the prevention of other infectious diseases.
3. Supporting digestive tract health – lactoferrin plays an important role in balancing the intestinal flora. It inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria, primarily Helicobacter pylori and E. coli.
4. Anti-inflammatory effect – due to its ability to intervene in the body's inflammatory response, lactoferrin can help reduce inflammation in chronic diseases. To a point, inflammation is a normal response of the body trying to protect itself from external aggressions. When inflammation becomes chronic, intervention through medical therapy is needed, to which dietary supplementation with lactoferrin can also be added.

Are there any contraindications for consuming lactoferrin?

In vivo studies attest to the fact that lactoferrin is a safe supplement with high tolerability, and it is frequently indicated for newborns to boost immunity. However, as with any substance, there are some situations that require certain precautions, namely allergies to milk proteins, pregnancy, and drug interactions.

How can lactoferrin help you in treating acne?

Acne is a chronic inflammatory skin condition caused by hypersecretion of sebum, obstruction of hair follicles, and the excessive proliferation of a bacterium (Cutibacterium acnes).

Lactoferrin can be an adjuvant in the acne treatment protocol, based on its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. By inhibiting the replication of bacteria that contribute to excessive skin colonization and by decreasing the degree of inflammation, lactoferrin reduces the formation of acne lesions and promotes their faster healing.

Clinical studies have shown that taking a lactoferrin supplement for 12 weeks significantly reduced the number of acne lesions (inflammatory lesions and total lesions) in participants suffering from moderate-to-severe acne vulgaris (Reference: Kim J, Ko Y, Park YK, Kim NI, Ha WK, Cho Y. Dietary effect of lactoferrin-enriched fermented milk on skin surface lipid and clinical improvement of acne vulgaris. Nutrition. 2010).

What should you keep in mind when choosing a lactoferrin supplement?

When choosing a lactoferrin supplement, it is important to consider a few factors to ensure that the product is of high quality, effective, and regulated:

1. Source of lactoferrin – make sure that the lactoferrin molecules in the supplement come from safe and certified sources. A natural source, such as cow's milk from farm-raised animals, is always preferable.
2. Additives – look closely at the ingredient list. As a general rule, purer supplements—those without unnecessary additives—are generally preferable and easier to tolerate. Often, it is the excipients that cause unwanted reactions.
3. Form of administration – lactoferrin can be available in liquid, powder, or capsule form. In this case, the choice of form depends strictly on your personal preferences and how it is easiest for you to take the supplement.
4. Dosage – make sure to follow the directions on the package and avoid overdosing. The recommended doses for lactoferrin supplements typically range between 100 and 400 mg per day. The dosage can always be adjusted based on your needs, and especially on the advice of a doctor.

If you want to include lactoferrin in your skincare routine for acne or blemishes, discover Lactoferrin Ginger Zinc from Ivatherm – a dietary supplement formulated with lactoferrin, ginger, and zinc, recommended for skin with blemishes and acne-prone skin.

Lactoferrin is an increasingly studied substance because it is proving to be extremely valuable, with multiple health benefits. It is used in the form of a dietary supplement, recommended by dermatologists especially for supporting immunity and skin health. When consumed responsibly, lactoferrin can offer additional support in maintaining general well-being. However, it is important to consult a doctor before starting a supplementation regimen with lactoferrin, especially if you suffer from pre-existing health conditions.