• Antiviral and antibacterial effect
• High effectiveness towards Helicobacter pylori
• Maintains proper intestinal microflora
• Proven bifidogenic effect
• Antifungal properties
• Supports immune system
• Improves iron assimilation
• Natural immunomodulator
• Inhibits inflammations
• Fights parasites

Jarrow Formulas Lactoferrin is a dietary supplement containing lactoferrin – endogenous protein, which due to many activities and functions played in the organism is often called multipotential. Until now, immunomodulating, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and bacteriostatic properties of lactoferrin have been proven. It is also attributed bone-forming and bifidogenic effects.

The preparation is recommended especially in immunity deficits and frequent viral, bacterial and mycotic infections. It brings many benefits to people dealing with the bacteria Helicobacter pylori and parasites of the digestive tract. Scientifically proven effectiveness and safety allow to administer the product even to children.

Lactoferrin is a natural substance present in large amounts in milk and colostrum and other body fluids and secretions of mammals. When it comes to biochemistry, lactoferrin belongs to the group of glycoproteins from the group of transferrins. Its most important property is the ability to chelate iron ions, which not only influences the absorption of this element, but also is related to the main antimicrobial mechanism of lactoferrin effect.

Immune system support
The most important function that lactoferrin plays in the organism is immunostimulation, i.e. regulating cellular and hormonal immune response.

Lactoferrin stimulates immunological cells, both non-specific (NK cells – natural killers and macrophages) as well as specific (lymphocytes B and T). These are the elements of first-line defense against pathogens.

Moreover, lactoferrin intensifies the process of phagocytosis, during which, disease-causing microorganisms are picked up and absorbed by specialized cells of the immune system.

Improvement of iron absorption
Lactoferrin is an iron donor. It binds ions of this metal and transports them to the cell insides, where in the environment of lower pH they are freed. Free iron is used by cells in various biochemical reactions.

Taking into consideration large difficulties in assimilating iron from food and the number of physiological processes that it is engaged in, such saturation of cells with iron ions is incredibly beneficial for the organism.

Antibacterial effect
Lactoferrin effectively secures the organism from the harmful influence of bacteria. This substance works bacteriostatically, which means that it limits the development and spreading of bacteria and it also has a bactericidal effect, which means that is effectively eliminates them from the organism. There are a few mechanisms of lactoferrin’s antibacterial effect.

Lactoferrin takes part in iron homeostasis – binds its ions, making them unavailable for pathogens. Iron is a metal essential for the development and growth of bacteria – when they are devoid of iron they are able to replicate and proliferate.

Lactoferrin destroys cell membranes of pathogens. Positive charge of its N-final fragment attracts distinctly charged compounds present in cell membranes of Gram-negative bacteria, leading at the same time to ripping cell membranes and cell death.

Many bacteria types (e.g. E. coli, Streptococus mutant) produces specific biofilm with a structure which is very difficult to remove. It secures bacteria from degradation and makes them resilient to the activity of bactericidal agents, including antibiotics. Lactoferrin not only makes it impossible for bacteria to create such biofilm, but also degrades already existing biofilm. Thanks to this, in certain cases, it is more effective than standard antibiotics.

Antiviral effect
Lactoferrin demonstrates the activity towards a very large group of viruses, both enveloped viruses (e.g. HIV) and nonenveloped viruses (rotaviruses, polioviruses, adenoviruses).

It affects both DNA and RNA of viruses, causing their breakdown and blocking the possibility of replication. What is more – by binding with viral cells, lactoferrin does not allow the contact of a virus with the organism’s cells, thanks to which the infection is impossible.

Antifungal effect
Lactoferrin prevents spreading fungi in the organism and effectively eliminates the existing ones. It is very effective in fighting with the fungus Candida albicans responsible for candidiasis.

Similarly to the antibacterial effect, a huge role is played here by the ability to chelate iron, which is essential for the proliferation of certain fungi (e.g. Aspergillus fumigatus, causing mycosis of ears, sinuses and respiratory tract).

Lactoferrin also directly influences fungi cells – by changing permeability and distorting the structure of cell walls it leads to the death of fungi.

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties
Hidden and chronic inflammations are the base of many diseases. Because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, lactoferrin constitutes an antidote to this kind of problems.

Lactoferrin regulates the synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-alpha, interleukin 6 and interleukin 1 and simultaneously intensifies the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines.

Lactoferrin plays a major role in the transformations of oxidation and reduction. It conditions the oxidative balance, does not allow to create excessive amounts of reactive oxygen forms (RFT) and protects the organism against oxidative stress.

Benefits for the digestive system
Lactoferrin has a positive influence on the digestive system. It tightens intestinal epithelium and helps to maintain proper bacterial flora.

Despite strong antibacterial effect, lactoferrin does not destroy beneficial probiotic bacteria. What is more – it works similarly to prebiotics and has proven bifidogenic properties. By making available iron ions essential for life to the bacteria from the Bifidobacterium family, it promotes their growth and development.

Lactoferrin stimulates lactase secretion – the main enzyme responsible for lactose breakdown. Thanks to this, it may decrease the symptoms of dairy products intolerance.

Lactoferrin demonstrates very high effectiveness in eliminating bacteria Helicobacter pylori from the organism, responsible for ulcer creation and in extreme cases even stomach cancer. It also works against parasites.

Benefits for bone structure
Lactoferrin regulates the work of osteoblasts (bone-forming cells) and osteoclasts (bone-breaking cells). The lack of balance between the activity of these cells leads to the development of many bone diseases (e.g. osteoporosis). Thanks to regulating the processes conditioned by osteoclasts and osteoblasts, lactoferrin brings many benefits for bone tissue, promotes the growth of bones and prevents dangerous processes of their demineralization.

Summing up, Lactoferrin is a supplement with a very large pro-health potential. It constitutes perfect protection for the organism, especially during the period of flus and colds. The product is recommended especially to people with weak immunity, dealing with frequent infections or devastated by severe diseases.