The application of lactoferrin in infant formula: The past, present and future

Immunoregulation of bovine lactoferrin together with osteopontin promotes immune system development and maturation

“…Thus, there is a growing trend in the innovation of infant formula, which contains various bioactive compounds that are abundant in breast milk, such as LF, OPN, phospholipids and human milk oligosaccharides. [43][44][45] It was reported that LF or OPN in infant formula provided better immunity, 20,[46][47][48] but was not determined if LF and OPN should be added together to increase the reported effect on early immune system development. The design of infant formula can be taken in the lactation period and also when infants are weaned, to strengthen the immunity and protect against pathogenic conditions.…”

Infant formula ingredients: Updates for clinicians

“…Lactoferrin can also bind to the charged particles of bacteria. 6 Lactoferrin supplementation may improve bone health and iron deficiency anemia. In both in vitro and in vivo studies, lactoferrin promotes osteoblast proliferation and differentiation while inhibiting osteoblast apoptosis and osteoclast development.…”

“…In both in vitro and in vivo studies, lactoferrin promotes osteoblast proliferation and differentiation while inhibiting osteoblast apoptosis and osteoclast development. 6 Lactoferrin is involved in iron homeostasis, and oral lactoferrin may enhance iron absorption. 5 However, randomized controlled trials of lactoferrin supplemented formulas and impact on iron deficiency anemia are mixed regarding their effectiveness.…”

“…5 Lactoferrin supplementation in infant formula has thus far has been shown to be safe and well tolerated. 6 Despite rising interest in the addition of lactoferrin in…”

Changes in the structure and functional properties of lactoferrin with different iron saturations before and after simulated high‐temperature short‐time heat treatments

“…Structurally, LF consists of a polypeptide chain with 689 amino acid residues, which contains five glycosylation sites, mainly positioned at Asn233, 281, 368, 476, and 545 (Li et al . 2022). The polypeptide chain folds into two essentially symmetric and highly homologous lobes, the N‐ and the C‐lobe, including two domains, are called N1 (sequences 1–90 and 231–233), N2 (sequences 91–230), C1 (sequences 343–431 and 393–676) and C2 (sequence 432–392) to form fissures in which iron ions (Fe 3+ ) are tightly bound in concert with carbonate anions.…”