Laktoferrin contains lactoferrin, a peptide glycoprotein that belongs to the transferrin family, which is responsible for binding and transporting iron in the body. Small amounts are found in bovine colostrum (“mothers’ first milk”). Additionally, lactoferrin occurs in mammalian exocrine secretions, and is released from neutrophil granules during inflammation.
Lactoferrin is crucial for the uptake of iron in the intestinal mucosa of breast-fed infants, through its iron-binding activity.* Lactoferrin also has other important iron-binding activities, as well as immunomodulatory and antioxidant activities.*