Lactoferrin capsules for the iron level balance and the immune system

Lactoferrin is a protein that is mainly found in milk of mammals, but also in other parts of the body, serving essential functions. It is present in breast milk in high concentrations and is one of its main components.  

The concentration of lactoferrin is highest in so-called colostrum, the breast milk consumed by the child in the first 72 hours after birth. Lactoferrin helps to develop the immune system in infants and to protect them from infections. It can help prevent iron deficiency in infants as it promotes the absorption of iron in the intestine. For this purpose, lactoferrin has been used in baby food for many years.  

Adults can also benefit from lactoferrin, but even with a balanced diet they usually only consume it in small doses via cow's milk. In case of lactose intolerance, however, even this is only possible to a limited extent. Lactoferrin food supplements are therefore increasingly gaining in popularity. 

Dietary supplementation with lactoferrin

Lactoferrin food supplements are available in different formulations. Many are designed primarily to optimize iron supply and therefore in addition to lactoferrin also contain iron and/or vitamin C, which increases iron absorption.  

However, a dietary supplement that only contains lactoferrin is often the better choice. On one hand, this can be the case due to the individual causes of an unbalanced iron supply: not every body can use iron equally well. Despite a sufficient intake of iron, e.g. through the diet, the desired effect may not be achieved. In such cases, as well as if iron supplements are poorly tolerated, additional supplementation with iron would not be reasonable. Lactoferrin can support the use of the available iron and thus the iron level balance. 

On the other hand, a supplement only containing lactoferrin makes it possible to benefit from the positive properties of this protein with regard to the immune system and intestinal health without affecting the general iron supply in the body. This means that dietary supplementation can be individually and flexibly tailored to your needs. 

Vitality Nutritionals Lactoferrin 200 mg capsules

One capsule of Vitality Nutritionals Lactoferrin 200 mg provides you with 200 mg of pure lactoferrin of the highest quality. If required, the daily dosage can be up to 3 capsules. If combined with an iron supplement, one capsule of Lactoferrin should be taken daily with a glass of water on an empty stomach, followed by the iron supplement after approx. 2 hours – if possible, in between meals. 

To produce Lactoferrin 200 mg capsules, only the lactoferrin of the highest quality, 100% of which is produced in Switzerland, is used. The Swiss company has a fully integrated supply chain and sources its raw material – fresh milk – from local dairy farms that meet high animal welfare standards. As a producer with the Suisse Garantie designation, the manufacturer meets the requirements of the organic performance certificate (ÖLN) and is subject to strict regulations.   

Lactoferrin is manufactured in a brand new, state-of-the-art production facility. The process engineering encompasses:   

• ultrafiltration to concentrate the solution to achieve maximum purity, 
• at the end, gentle bioload reduction with minimal protein denaturation, 
• state-of-the-art spray drying technology for ideal particle size distribution. 

This guarantees the highest quality and purity. 

Vitality Nutritionals Lactoferrin 200 mg capsules contain a maximum of 0.1% lactose. This means that they are also suitable for many of those with lactose intolerance. Nevertheless, in case of lactose intolerance, medical advice should be sought before taking Lactoferrin 200 mg capsules. 

For lactoferrin to develop its full effect, it is crucial that the protein is only released in the intestine and does not break down in the gastric juices. This is why for high-quality lactoferrin products such as Vitality Nutritionals Lactoferrin 200 mg, enteric-coated capsules are of key importance. 

Wide range of benefits of lactoferrin

Lactoferrin is a protein with iron-binding properties. "Lacto" refers to milk as the origin, and "ferrin" to the ability to bind free iron. Lactoferrin belongs to the family of transferrins, a group of transport proteins that transport iron in the blood. 

Lactoferrin and iron level balance

Lactoferrin is considered a safe and effective substance for supporting iron level balance and preventing iron accumulation (iron overload). Lactoferrin has an iron binding site that enables it to bind two free iron ions (Fe3+) simultaneously with high affinity, even at a low pH value of 3.0. Lactoferrin therefore helps to maintain the balance of iron levels in the body (homeostasis). 

According to a meta-analysis, lactoferrin provides good support for iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy, for example. The results confirmed the positive effects of taking 200 mg of lactoferrin daily for four weeks in the course of treatment of pregnancy anemia. [1] 

Lactoferrin and the immune system

Lactoferrin in breast milk helps to develop the immune system in infants and protect them from infections. Since lactoferrin has iron-binding properties, it can deprive microbial pathogens that depend on iron for survival of their basis. [1] 

By sequestering and binding free iron ions in the intestine and directly interacting with the bacterial surface, lactoferrin exhibits bactericidal and bacteriostatic properties across a wide range of organisms. The lactoferrin protein also has antioxidant properties due to iron binding. 

Functioning as a transferrin, lactoferrin additionally contributes to maintaining sufficient iron levels in the adult body. Iron, in turn, bolsters the body's defenses by performing various vital functions within the body: It plays a role in the regular formation of red blood cells and hemoglobin, facilitates normal oxygen transport throughout the body, and supports the proper functioning of the immune system.  

Lactoferrin and the intestine

The intestinal microbiome, i.e. the entirety of the intestinal bacteria, reacts to fluctuations in the iron supply. Lactoferrin can promote a balanced intestinal microbiome by depriving harmful intestinal bacteria of the essential iron they require. Beneficial microbiome bacteria like Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum seem to be less affected by iron deficiency in their surroundings and can thrive, while harmful bacteria are suppressed. 

Lactoferrin also promotes the growth and differentiation of intestinal epithelial cells. Together with the microbiome, the epithelial layer reinforces the intestinal barrier function. [1] 

The advantages of Vitality Nutritionals Lactoferrin 200 mg capsules at a glance

• high dosage with 200 mg of lactoferrin per capsule 
• pure lactoferrin without additional iron 
• made from 100% Swiss Alpine milk with Suisse Garantie 
• gentle production preserves the positive physiological effects 
• enteric-coated capsules protect the ingredients 
• production in accordance with strict animal welfare and sustainability standards 
• ultrafiltration for the highest possible purity 
• contains a maximum of 0.1% lactose – often also suitable in case of lactose intolerance 
• free from GMOs, antibiotics and pesticides 

For whom are Lactoferrin 200 mg capsules ideal?

Vitality Nutritionals Lactoferrin 200 mg capsules are ideal for providing overall support for maintaining the iron level balance, the immune system and the intestinal microbiome and are especially beneficial for those with an increased need for iron:  

• individuals under constant stress 
• ⁠the elderly 
• ⁠women during periods 
• ⁠pregnant women and nursing mothers 
• ⁠individuals who donate blood frequently 

Do Lactoferrin 200 mg capsules from Vitality Nutritionals have side effects?

Those with lactose intolerance should consult their physician before taking the product. Lactoferrin is obtained from fresh cow's milk. However, the maximum lactose content amounts to only 0.1%. 

Can I take Lactoferrin 200 mg capsules if I am lactose intolerant?

Individuals with lactose intolerance should always seek medical advice before taking the product, as lactoferrin is obtained from fresh cow's milk. However, the maximum lactose content amounts to only 0.1%, meaning that Vitality Nutritionals Lactoferrin 200 mg may also be suitable for those with lactose intolerance. 

Why not just drink milk?

Since lactoferrin is found in cow's or goat's milk, for example, the question arises as to why it is not enough to simply consume milk as food. Today's ultra-high temperature processing of milk, for instance, to increase the milk’s shelf life, results in the degradation of lactoferrin, which is present in only minimal amounts per liter. "Sufficient" in the sense of our dosage would mean that in order to absorb around 200 mg of lactoferrin, you would have to drink two liters of milk per day per day, which is not recommended for the majority of adults from a nutritional point of view.