What Are the Food Sources of Lactoferrin? The Immune-Boosting Benefits of Lactoferrin Milk

Children often experience the spread of infectious diseases after starting school. To defend against viral infections, diet plays a crucial role. What foods should children eat to boost their immunity? Many mothers discuss lactoferrin, but besides dietary supplements, are there natural food sources of lactoferrin?

Table of Contents

Analysis 1⟫ Sources of Lactoferrin: Specially Pasteurized Fresh Milk

Summary 1⟫ Formula Milk with Added Lactoferrin

Summary 2⟫ Pasteurized Fresh Milk

Analysis 2⟫ Benefits of Lactoferrin: Immune System Enhancement

Mechanism 1⟫ Lactoferrin Binds to Iron, Reducing Bacterial Availability

Mechanism 2⟫ Lactoferrin Regulates Immune Cells and Boosts Their Activity

Conclusion⟫

Analysis 1⟫ Sources of Lactoferrin: Specially Pasteurized Fresh Milk

Lactoferrin is a crucial immune-supporting nutrient found in mammalian milk. Therefore, babies can obtain lactoferrin through breastfeeding.

Summary 1⟫ Formula Milk with Added Lactoferrin

Once infants are weaned, they can no longer obtain lactoferrin from breast milk. Many infant formulas and growing-up milk powders contain added lactoferrin to help meet their nutritional needs.

Summary 2⟫ Pasteurized Fresh Milk

Besides formula, fresh cow's milk is also an excellent source of lactoferrin. Every 100 mL of cow's milk contains about 6–15 mg of lactoferrin. However, the pasteurization process used in milk production significantly affects lactoferrin levels due to heat exposure.

Not all fresh milk contains lactoferrin!

Currently, commercially available fresh milk is mainly processed using two pasteurization methods:

• Pasteurization (72°C)
• Ultra-High Temperature (UHT) Treatment (125–135°C)

UHT treatment, which is the most commonly used method, significantly degrades lactoferrin content.

Research on the impact of pasteurization temperature on lactoferrin shows that raw milk contains about 7.8 mg of lactoferrin per 100 mL. However, after UHT treatment, lactoferrin and immunoglobulin levels drop to nearly undetectable levels. In contrast, pasteurized milk retains about 95% of its lactoferrin content, preserving its immune-supporting benefits.

Analysis 2⟫ Benefits of Lactoferrin: Immune System Enhancement

Mechanism 1⟫ Lactoferrin Binds to Iron, Reducing Bacterial Availability

Lactoferrin is a key anti-infection component in milk, offering antibacterial and antiviral properties. It binds to iron ions, making them unavailable to bacteria, thus inhibiting bacterial growth. Additionally, lactoferrin can directly interact with viruses, reducing their ability to bind to human cells and lowering the risk of infection.

Mechanism 2⟫ Lactoferrin Regulates Immune Cells and Boosts Their Activity

Beyond its antibacterial and antiviral effects, lactoferrin also influences immune cell function. Animal studies have shown that lactoferrin increases the number and activity of immune cells in the intestinal mucosa, enhancing gut immunity and reducing microbial invasion.

A study by Kyushu University in Japan found that when mice were given 62.5 mg of lactoferrin daily while being exposed to influenza virus, their lung infections improved significantly.

Human trials have also confirmed that lactoferrin modulates immune function by increasing the number and activity of killer T cells and helper T cells, both of which are vital in fighting off bacteria and viruses.

Conclusion⟫

Milk consumption in Taiwan is insufficient, contributing to calcium deficiency in children. According to the Taiwan Health Promotion Administration, young children should consume 500 mL of dairy products daily.

As a nutritionist, I strongly recommend that children start drinking adequate amounts of fresh milk from an early age. Two cups of milk per day help children meet their calcium needs while providing essential B vitamins.

Some children dislike the strong taste of regular fresh milk, leading to a reduced intake of these essential nutrients. Choosing lactoferrin-rich milk helps retain the fresh taste of raw milk while offering superior nutrition. Drinking it daily strengthens children's immune defenses, helping them develop a strong and resilient body.

Written by Nutritionist Lin Shih-Hang