Lactoferrin

One of the more abundant whey proteins found in human breast milk. Lactoferrin is also found in the milk of many other mammalian species and in other exocrine fluids like saliva and tears. Research has shown lactoferrin to have a range of biological functions including antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects.

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One of lactoferrins key pathogen-fighting properties is its ability to sequester iron. Many pathogenic bacteria thrive on iron, and lactoferrin stops the bacteria's progress by making iron unavailable to them. It also functions as a natural antioxidant by binding to free ferric ions and inhibiting the formation of free radicals.

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Lactoferrin also has a demonstrated inhibitory effect on a number of viruses and is thought to bind directly to viral particles and inhibit their replication. It has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects.