Have you ever found a hidden Gem?
Well, we did and here we are sharing about its magic with you. Lactoferrin! A lesser known multifunctional protein. If you do not have an idea about Lactoferrin, chances are that; you might get starstruck when you get to know about this endogenous protein with heroic properties.
Lactoferrin, the most dominant whey protein in human milk, can be considered an important nutrient to support host immunity, including an antibacterial and antiviral agent. No wonder lactoferrin is called Pink-gold! Didn’t know that, did you?
Nature’s precious ‘Pink Gold’
Lactoferrin is hailed as ‘Pink Gold’ due to its light pink colour and due to its ability to stop germs in its tracks. It takes 2000 liters of bovine milk to produce just 1 gram of Lactoferrin. Human body receives Lactoferrin, originally from mother’s milk. It helps infants to absorb iron from breast milk.
The first milk after the baby’s birth (colostrum), contains 7 times higher levels of Lactoferrin than the milk produced later. Colostrum helps to create the immune system of a baby. The other primary source of Lactoferrin is bovine milk. One of the primary contributors to immunity, Lactoferrin depletes from the body due to ageing and diseases.
Lactoferrin Function in adults
In our life past infancy too; lactoferrin is required for adults to maintain a healthy immune system. Not just that, it helps to regulate the absorption of iron into the cells. It prevents the growth of bad bacteria by depriving the bacteria of essential nutrients and killing them.
Saliva’s Soulmate
Salivary Lactoferrin plays a crucial role in protecting the oral cavity against several oral pathogens including Aggregatibacter, actinomycetemcomitans and Streptococcus mutans.
It has a very pivotal role in maintenance of oral homeostasis and health and hygiene.
However, human Saliva has just 0.008 mg/ml of Lactoferrin. Then too it acts as a defender against oral microbes, fighting hard not only to stop the growth of bacteria but also in killing them. But at times, this is not enough.
Hence, with the support of Lactoferrin based Dente91, the saliva’s defensive power is multiplied that helps fight various bacteria responsible for grave oral and other diseases.
KEY BENEFITS OF LACTOFERRINN
- A natural Immunity Booster
- Promotes Bone Health
- Enhances Oral Health
A natural Immunity Booster
Furthermore, lactoferrin promotes the growth of good bacteria. It has a protective role against gastrointestinal infections and supports immune function systems. Lactoferrin plays an important role in preventing viral and microbial attacks in the mucosal wall. This powerful protein boosts the first line of defenses of the immune system through the stimulation of white blood cells and its action of the mucous membranes of the digestive tract.
Promotes bone health
Interestingly, lactoferrin is also used for promoting bone health. It aids in bone growth by stimulating the activity of osteoblasts which are typically cells that create and strengthen bones.
Enhances oral health
We are not done praising this super protein. This ingredient is effective against the formation of biofilms. One common example of biofilm is the formation of dental plaque, a thin film buildup of bacteria on the surface of the teeth. And that is how, Lactoferrin is also useful in treating oral and respiratory infections.
And that’s not all. Lactoferrin’s antibacterial and antioxidant properties come from its ability to bind iron. Free iron is a harmful oxidant which can promote bacterial growth. Lactoferrin has the ability to bind free iron, making it unavailable to the bacteria.
Lactoferrin in oral care offers Antibacterial, Antifungal and Antiviral protection. It is one of our most powerful ingredients. We, at DENTE91; developed a formula harnessing the power of Lactoferrin and knew at once that it was going to make a difference in oral hygiene. Our unique formulations based on Lactoferrin are a perfect solution to maintain a healthy balance in oral care.
Shop for Lactoferrin powered Dente91 oral care range here.
References:
- Bushra Niaz, Farhan Saeed, Awais Ahmed, Muhammad Imran, Abid Aslam Maan, Muhammad Kashif Iqbal Khan, Tabussam Tufail, Faqir Muhammad Anjum, Shahzad Hussain & Hafiz Ansar Rasul Suleria(2019) Lactoferrin (LF): a natural antimicrobial protein, International Journal of Food Properties, 22:1, 1626-1641, DOI: 1080/10942912.2019.1666137
- Zimecki,; Artym, J., “Therapeutic Properties of Proteins and Peptides from Colostrum and Milk”. Postepy Hig. Med. Dosw. (online) 2005, 59, 309–323.
FAQs:
What is Lactoferrin?
Lactoferrin is a multifunctional protein with antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties. It is a natural immunity booster.
Where is Lactoferrin found?
Lactoferrin is found naturally in mother’s milk. The other primary source of Lactoferrin is bovine milk. It is also found in several other fluids in the body such as saliva, tears, mucus, and bile. Lactoferrin is found in highest amounts in colostrum, the first type of breast milk produced after a baby is born.
How does Lactoferrin help babies?
It helps infants to absorb iron from breast milk. The first milk after the baby’s birth (colostrum), contains 7 times higher levels of Lactoferrin than the milk produced later. Colostrum helps to create the immune system of a baby.
How does lactoferrin in saliva help in oral care?
Lactoferrin in the saliva protects the oral cavity against several oral pathogens. It acts as a defender against oral microbes, fighting hard not only to stop the growth of bacteria but also in killing them.
What is Lactoferrin’s role in oral care?
Lactoferrin has a strong affinity for iron, helping it to act as a bacteriostatic agent. It actually reduces the quantity of freely available ferric ions, inhibiting the development of certain bacteria and related problems such as bad breath, dental caries and tartar.
How safe is Lactoferrin?
Lactoferrin has been approved by US FDA, European Food Safety Authority and FSSAI as a dietary supplement in food products.