Lactoferrin, an iron-binding protein, is plentiful in breast milk and highly concentrated in colostrum. According to Dr. Paolo Manzoni, from the Neonatology - Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at S. Anna Hospital in Torino, Italy, this nutrient acts as the body's first line of defense, playing a comprehensive role in both anti-infection functions and immune mechanisms. Dr. Manzoni emphasizes that lactoferrin can inhibit the growth and destroy harmful bacteria, while also balancing the microbiome and regulating immunity.
Supporting these findings, a 2022 NCBI report, "Clinical Study Overview: The Role of Bovine Lactoferrin in Children's Health," by Momoko Miyakawa, Hirotsugu Oda, and Miyuki Tanaka, notes that lactoferrin is also abundant in cow's milk and various biological secretions. This component not only transports iron but also plays a role in the innate immune system.
The report highlights lactoferrin's mechanism of action: it sequesters iron from the surrounding environment, depriving harmful bacteria of the nutrients they need to grow. Additionally, lactoferrin directly attacks the cell membranes of bacteria and viruses, thereby destroying them.
Specifically for young children, lactoferrin offers several benefits:
It strengthens the immune system: This active compound regulates the activity of immune cells such as macrophages and lymphocytes, helping children enhance their ability to recognize and respond to pathogens.
It provides antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties: According to NCBI, studies demonstrate that lactoferrin has a broad spectrum of activity, inhibiting gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and preventing viruses from attaching to host cells. This role is crucial for its antibacterial action and limits microbial invasion.
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It is important to focus on child nutrition from the early years. Photo: Pexels |
It protects the digestive system and balances the microbiome: Lactoferrin promotes the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, inhibits harmful bacteria, and regulates inflammatory responses in the intestinal lining. NCBI records indicate that lactoferrin supplementation can reduce diarrhea and necrotizing enterocolitis in premature infants.
It supports iron absorption and prevents anemia: Lactoferrin helps regulate and transport iron in the body, preventing iron deficiency anemia—a common issue in children. Babies born via C-section often experience iron deficiency due to early umbilical cord clamping.
Experts advise that lactoferrin supplementation should be considered within the child's overall nutritional plan and specific health status, rather than focusing on a single component. Breast milk remains the most natural and abundant source of lactoferrin, especially during the colostrum phase, when its concentration is highest, contributing to immune support during the first months of life.
If exclusive breastfeeding is not possible, formula milk supplemented with lactoferrin can be an alternative. Some products are developed to combine lactoferrin with other immune-supporting ingredients like colostrum rich in ColosIgG 24h antibodies, IgHM, and synbiotics, which collectively boost resistance and support gut microbiome balance.
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Only with adequate nutrition can children have enough health to comfortably participate in games and outdoor activities. Photo: Pexels |
Given these advantages, nutritional supplements containing lactoferrin are often considered for C-section babies, children at risk of compromised immunity such as premature or low birth weight infants, or those prone to infections. However, parents should consult a healthcare professional to choose the most suitable solution for each stage of their child's development.
Hieu Chau
ColosBaby Lactoferrin 3+, a nutritional supplement, contains immune-boosting ingredients such as lactoferrin, ColosIgG 24h colostrum, IgHM, and Synbiotics. ColosBaby Lactoferrin 3+ is a product of VitaDairy Vietnam Joint Stock Company.
