Lactoferrin Benefits Health Prosperities
Whey is one of two major proteins found in milk, the other being casein. When we talk about whey we are actually referring to a complex protein made up of many smaller protein subfractions (peptides), including beta-lactoglobulin, alpha-lactalbumin, immunoglobulins, glycomacropeptides, bovine serum albumin (BSA), and minor peptides such as lactoperoxidases, lysozyme,
Glutathione, and lactoferrin. Each of the subfractions found in whey has its own unique biological properties.
Lactoferrin appears to be the subfraction of whey with documented anti-viral, anti-microbial, anti-cancer and immune modulating/enhancing effects. There is little doubt that lactoferrin could become the natural compound of choice in the treatment and prevention of a host of human ailments. Lactoferrin found in human and bovine milk may have a place in Osteopenia or Osteoporosis remedies because it has been found to be effective in promoting bone growth. It stimulates osteoblasts, the bone building cells, and inhibits osteoclasts, the bone removing cells.
Lactoferrin has been proven to play a role in iron uptake by the intestinal mucosa and acts as a bacteriostatic agent by withholding iron from iron-requiring bacteria. Lactoferrin’s presence in neutrophils and its release during inflammation suggest that the protein is involved in phagocytic killing and the immune system responses. One of the many benefits of lactoferrin it that it has been demonstrated to play a role in human nutrition, specifically for infants.
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