Clinical Studies of Lactoferrin in Neonates and Infants: An Update

Unlocking the power of Lactoferrin: Exploring its role in early life and its preventive potential for adult chronic diseases

Nutrition during the early postnatal period exerts a profound impact on both infant development and later-life health. Breast milk, which contains lactoferrin, a dynamic protein, plays a crucial role in the growth of various biological systems and in preventing numerous chronic diseases. Based on the relationship between early infant development and chronic diseases later in life, this paper presents a review of the effects of lactoferrin in early life on neonates intestinal tract, immune system, nervous system, adipocyte development, and early intestinal microflora establishment, as well as the preventive and potential mechanisms of early postnatal lactoferrin against adult allergy, inflammatory bowel disease, depression, cancer, and obesity. Furthermore, we summarized the application status of lactoferrin in the early postnatal period and suggested directions for future research.

The Lactoferrin Phenomenon-A Miracle Molecule

Numerous harmful factors that affect the human body from birth to old age cause many disturbances, e.g., in the structure of the genome, inducing cell apoptosis and their degeneration, which leads to the development of many diseases, including cancer. Among the factors leading to pathological processes, microbes, viruses, gene dysregulation and immune system disorders have been described. The function of a protective agent may be played by lactoferrin as a “miracle molecule”, an endogenous protein with a number of favorable antimicrobial, antiviral, antioxidant, immunostimulatory and binding DNA properties. The purpose of this article is to present the broad spectrum of properties and the role that lactoferrin plays in protecting human cells at all stages of life.

Is Lactoferrin Supplementation Beneficial for All Preterm Infants?

OBJECTIVE

 Human milk (HM) has antibacterial properties due to the presence of immune-modulators, including lactoferrin (LF). This study will determine effect(s) of HM maturation, fortification, and storage conditions on LF levels and its antibacterial properties.

STUDY DESIGN

 HM samples (n = 30) were obtained from preterm and term mothers. The LF levels were analyzed by ELISA, and the antibacterial activity was measured after inoculation with Escherichia coli.

RESULTS

 The highest level of LF in preterm HM was observed in the first week of lactation. However, storage of preterm HM at 4°C decreased LF levels significantly. Both LF levels and antibacterial activity in preterm HM was lower compared with term HM, but significantly higher than donor HM even after HM-based fortification. LF supplementation of donor HM improved its antibacterial activity.

CONCLUSION

 Preterm infants fed donor HM, formula, or stored HM at 4°C may benefits from LF supplementation to improve HM antibacterial properties.

KEY POINTS

· Milk LF levels vary with storage and maturity.. · Donor milk is deficient in LF even after adding HM-based fortification.. · Donor HM and formula fed infants may benefit from LF..