human lactoferrin

**Human lactoferrin** is a multifunctional **globular glycoprotein** of the transferrin family found in human secretory fluids (milk, saliva, tears, nasal secretions, seminal and vaginal fluids) and secondary granules of neutrophils. It plays a vital role in host defense mechanisms, including **antibacterial**, **antiviral**, **antifungal**, **antiparasitic**, **anti-inflammatory**, **immunomodulatory**, and **antioxidant** functions. Human lactoferrin regulates iron absorption in the intestine, can directly bind and chelate iron ions, depriving pathogens of an essential growth factor, and can disrupt microbial cell walls. It also interacts with various host cell receptors and modulates immune cell function. It is used as a **dietary supplement, nutraceutical, and adjunct in pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations**. Oral and topical preparations are available, and recombinant forms are produced in various systems such as rice or fungi for clinical or industrial use. Human lactoferrin has been investigated for, or is marketed in, areas including immune modulation, iron deficiency, gastrointestinal health, viral and bacterial infection, cancer adjunct therapy, and as a functional food ingredient[1][2][3][4][5].

Brand names

None identified as exclusive brand names for human lactoferrin. Some supplements and topical products may use "Lactoferrin" as the product name, but these usually refer to bovine or recombinant human lactoferrin.

Other names

lactotransferrinLTFhLFhuman lactoferrinrecombinant human lactoferrinlactoferrine humainelactoferrine humaine recombinante