Lactoferrin (formerly known as lactotransferrin) is a protein in human milk, animal milk, and other bodily fluids in the body such as saliva, tears, mucus, and bile. Colostrum, the first milk made after a baby is born, is higher in lactoferrin.
Lactoferrin's main functions in the body include binding with and transporting iron. It binds iron and is transferred via a variety of receptors into and between cells, serum, bile, and cerebrospinal fluid.
It also helps to fight infections. Some people take lactoferrin supplements for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Lactoferrin exists as a single peptide chain with a molecular weight of approximately 80,000 Da. It is folded into two globular units with each unit able to bind 1.4 mg of iron per gram of protein.
Lactoferrin in milk
