Multifunctional Protein: Lactoferrin

An iron-binding multifunctional protein, lactoferrin is present at high levels in human milk and in the milk of other mammals. It is also present in other bodily fluids such as tears, saliva, bile, pancreatic juice, genital and nasal secretions and in circulating neutrophils.

The multifunctional protein lactoferrin has many physiological possible roles. It is often referred to as an innate defense protein and frequently serves as the first line of defense in protection against pathogens. It has been shown to have the ability to bind iron, it is a natural anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral, it is an antioxidant and it also has immunomodulatory properties. It has many beneficial properties, which make it a good candidate for a number of product applications. Considerable research is currently going on to explain the various suggested biological functions of lactoferrin.