In this week’s blog, we are continuing our exploration of the different peptides in colostrum. Two weeks ago, we discussed Bio-Active Peptides and last week we addressed proline-rich polypeptide (PRP’s), the first peptide on our list of bioactive peptides in colostrum. This week, we are diving into Lactoferrin: an iron-binding protein that may be beneficial in today’s environment.
What is Lactoferrin?
Lactoferrin is an important protein found in breast milk that helps support digestive health. In fact, high levels of Lactoferrin are found in colostrum, the very early breast milk that provides important immune support for newborns during the first weeks of life. It is also found in mature breast milk.
Immune Health
While dietary lactoferrin is digested and available to act throughout the body, some dietary lactoferrin can act in the gut to help reduce the incidence of bacterial infection, possibly by stopping the growth of bacteria by depriving them of iron which is an essential nutrient for their growth. Clinical studies have shown this protein’s ability to support immune health for infants and toddlers.
Lactoferrin belongs to the innate immune system. Apart from its main biological function, namely binding and transport of iron ions, lactoferrin also has antibacterial, antiviral, antiparasitic, catalytic, anti-cancer, and anti-allergic functions and properties.
Bone Activity
Ribonuclease-enriched lactoferrin has been used to examine how lactoferrin affects bone. Lactoferrin has shown to have positive effects on bone turnover. It has aided in decreasing bone resorption and increasing bone formation. This was indicated by a decrease in the levels of two bone resorption markers (deoxypyridinoline and N-telopeptide) and an increase in the levels two bone formation markers (osteocalcin and alkaline phosphatase). It has reduced osteoclast formation, which signifies a decrease in pro-inflammatory responses and an increase in anti-inflammatory responses, which indicates a reduction in bone resorption as well.
Benefits Against COVID-19
Lactoferrin (LF) or lactotransferrin has recently come under the spotlight, particularly with regards to the new coronavirus pandemic that started in 2019 (COVID-19).
LF uses Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycans (HSPGs) on cell surfaces to facilitate entry. This is of particular importance to coronaviruses, as these viruses are considered to bind to the host cell by attaching first to HSPGs using them as preliminary docking sites on the host cell surface. LF is known to interfere with some of the receptors used by coronaviruses, it may thus contribute usefully to the prevention and treatment of SARS CoV-2 infections. In COVID-19 infection, LF may therefore have a role to play, not only sequestering iron and inflammatory molecules that are severely increased during the cytokine burst, but also possibly in assisting by occupying receptors and HSPGs. LF might also prevent virus accumulation by the host cell, as well as rolling activity and entering of the virus via the host receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2).
We would like to encourage readers to purchase TBR Labs’ colostrum and begin to experience the healing, strengthening, and life-enriching benefits that colostrum has to offer.
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