Infants
Why is lactoferrin important for infants?
In early life nutrition, extensive research supports the important role lactoferrin plays as a key dietary protein. From birth, an infant’s natural source of lactoferrin is breast milk, providing a baby optimal nutrition and immune protection to keep them healthy during the first 1000 days and beyond. Lactoferrin is found in abundance in both colostrum and mature milk, the milk from approximately four weeks of age. Beyond early childhood, the major dietary source of lactoferrin is cow’s milk. As a baby’s nutrition extends beyond breast milk, maintaining a healthy intake of lactoferrin protein helps support a child’s gut-immune function Paediatric research shows dietary lactoferrin plays a vital role in the gut-immune system by supporting the gut lining, the physical barrier between a baby’s body and the outside world. Specifically, dietary lactoferrin is shown to assist the function of the immune cells that make up this lining to keep it working smoothly. Lactoferrin protein is essential for key functions performed by the Immune System Lactoferrin is also found naturally in the protective fluids of the mouth, eyes, nose, respiratory tract and the lining of the gastrointestinal tract that help make up the immune system, the body’s natural defence mechanism. Research shows maintaining healthy lactoferrin levels help supports the immune system to function and defend the body from infection.
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Improved Neurodevelopmental Outcomes Associated with Bovine Milk Fat Globule Membrane and Lactoferrin in Infant Formula
Results from a clinical trial published in the Journal of Pediatrics show infants who consume formula containing milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) and bovine lactoferrin had an accelerated neurodevelopmental profile scoring higher in tests of cognitive, language and motor development by their first birthdays. The formula was associated with age-appropriate growth and significantly fewer diarrhea and respiratory-associated adverse events through to 18months of age.
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