Lactoferrin - Blog Ineke Eebes
“When diet is wrong, medicine is of no use. When diet is correct, medicine is of no need." Ayurvedisches Sprichwort
Last time I wrote about a versatile and powerful supplement called NAC. Recently, someone I recommended it to said it should be called JAC because of its pungent smell. I've never had any problems with it. That must be the sulfur, which affects some people quite badly. At least this way you know your sense of smell is still working, which says something positive about your zinc levels. Today I want to highlight another interesting substance: an equally versatile and powerful one called lactoferrin.
What is lactoferrin?
Lactoferrin is a naturally occurring substance found in high concentrations in colostrum and breast milk. It plays a role in the development and support of a baby's immune system. It is an iron-binding glycoprotein. Iron is a nutrient for microorganisms. Because lactoferrin binds to iron, it helps strengthen barriers. Lactoferrin strengthens skin and mucous membranes, thus keeping harmful organisms out.
Lactoferrin is also found in sweat, tears, saliva, bile, urine, semen, vaginal mucus, and mucus in the nasal cavity, respiratory tract, and gastrointestinal tract. It therefore acts wherever something (undesirable) can enter the body. Furthermore, it is produced by white blood cells and thus transported to where it is needed, for example, an infection or a wound.
Lactoferrin thus strengthens the immune system and reduces the body's inflammatory response and could therefore be successfully used to prevent infections and inflammation of the respiratory tract (1).
LactoferrinIt has even more properties, including an anti-allergic effect, antioxidant activity, promotion of a healthy gut flora, and tissue regeneration. With all these properties combined, you can use it effectively for prevention, but also during illness and in the recovery phase (2).
Lactoferrin has the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. This is beneficial in this case. It would protect against neurodegeneration (brain damage) and safeguard the mitochondria (our powerhouses). Lactoferrin also prevents neuronal death, primarily affecting dopaminergic neurons. Dopamine plays a crucial role in the body's energy metabolism. Therefore, it is highly recommended for COVID-19 and long-term COVID-19, as this virus can, in some cases, damage mitochondria, leading to chronic fatigue. Many studies on this topic are underway, and you might be able to participate in them.3).
Make your own lactoferrin
Babies receive lactoferrin through breast milk, but begin producing it themselves once they start walking. This is true for all mammals. Because a calf starts walking earlier than a human baby, cow's milk contains less lactoferrin than breast milk. For comparison, colostrum contains 7 grams per liter, while cow's milk contains 0.2 grams per liter. This is a good example of how perfectly tailored breast milk is to a baby's needs.
You produce lactoferrin yourself through exercise. This doesn't have to be at a top athletic level. It's about acute, intense movement. The trick is to use your "big muscles" with equal vigor. It doesn't necessarily have to be the gym. Grabbing a chair every morning and lifting it over your head ten times, followed by ten sets (and repeating this three times), is already a good start. Vacuuming the stairs works too.
Addition
These days, you can buy everything that's naturally in short supply in our region in glass jars. If you want to supplement with lactoferrin, make sure it's of good quality. This also means it shouldn't contain LPS (lipopolysaccharides). These can lead to an undesirable (inflammatory) immune reaction. For optimal effectiveness, it's also better to take enteric-coated capsules. This allows it to be absorbed directly in the intestines, ensuring maximum efficacy.
Prevention of respiratory infections: 600 mg lactoferrin per day. For therapeutic doses, it is best to consult a professional or read the instructions carefully.
Stress and Lactoferrin
Finally, a word about stress and mental health issues, my favorite topic, in relation to lactoferrin. In 2018, following a mouse study, a human study was conducted investigating the effects of lactoferrin on mental stress. The research shows that lactoferrin supplementation influences the autonomic nervous system. Lactoferrin appears to have a stress-reducing effect. This study still needs to be confirmed by other similar studies, but it is certainly interesting.4).
Ineke Eebes
Orthomolecular therapist for depression and burnout
Disclaimer: Everything is connected. A dietary supplement never does all the work alone; it's a combination of all possible factors. All supplements can interact with other medications. Check this. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have other specific medical conditions, check for contraindications first. If in doubt, please consult a healthcare professional first.
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