Lactoferrin is a globular protein found in milk and many mucosal secretions such as tears. Its molecular atomic mass is 80,000 u (80 kDa). This protein belongs to the transferrin family proteins (transferrin, melanotransferrin, ovotransferin, etc.) showing a high affinity by iron (ferric state). Lactoferrin is a multifunctional protein with antimicrobial activity (bacteriocide, fungicide) and is part of the innate defense proteins mainly at mucoses. This protein is present in secondary granules of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) and also is secreted by some acinar cells. It has been reported lactoferrin-derived peptides (e.g. lactoferricin, kaliocin-1) with antimicrobial activity. Lactoferrin can be purified from milk or produced recombinantly. Human colostrum has the highest concentration, followed by human milk, then cow milk. A globular protein is a protein that is globe-like, or rounded in shape, often soluble in aqueous solution. ... A glass of cows milk Milk most often means the nutrient fluid produced by the mammary glands of female mammals. ... Tears trickling down the cheeks Lacrimation is the bodys process of producing tears, which are a liquid to clean and lubricate the eyes. ... The unified atomic mass unit (u), or dalton (Da), is a small unit of mass used to express atomic masses and molecular masses. ... See Dalton for other senses of the word. ... Transferrin is a protein for iron ion delivery. ... A bacteriocide or bactericide is a substance that kills bacteria and, preferably, nothing else. ... Neutrophil granulocytes (commonly referred to as neutrophils) are a class of white blood cells and are part of the immune system. ...

Because of its highly effective immune enhancing properties, lactoferrin is sometimes taken as a dietary supplement.

External Links

• Expasy Database, chemical structure
• Lactoferrin as a Dietary Supplement