Lactoferrin: Mother’s Milk against a Virus

by Hilary Jacobson | Dec 4, 2022 | COVID-19, lactation

Lactoferrin: Mother’s Milk against a Virus

I have been asked to write about complimentary treatments for Covid-19 that are compatible with breastfeeding. Today I start with information about lactoferrin. It is available online and in local health food markets.

Intro

Several studies show the effectiveness of lactoferrin as regards Covid-19.

Lactoferrin is an immune defense cell that is mainly found in colostrum and the milk that is produced in the early postpartum. It has wide-ranging mechanisms of action against diseases.

Lactoferrin that we buy over-the-counter is mostly derived from bovine milk. It is marketed for its immune-boosting properties and as a source of iron.

In the video below, Dr. Mobeen Syed describes studies that investigate lactoferrin’s use, first against Covid-19 and then more generally against viruses. He speaks with emotion, expressing his appreciation for the beauty of the immune system and for the remarkable gift of mother’s milk.

How Lactoferrin Works

Lactoferrin attaches to the virus itself, changing the shape of the virus and preventing it from entering our cells;

Lactoferrin blocks the receptors on the surface of our cells, the same receptors that the virus uses to enter our cells;

Lactoferrin reduces levels of interleukin-6, thus reducing the availability of iron to the virus, starving the virus of its energy.

Lactoferrin also acts directly at the gut lining: it improves the intestinal flora and the integrity of the gut lining. This is important because gut health, or lack of gut health, has been linked to the severity of the disease; also, the virus can hide in the weakened gut after the infection resolves, which some experts believe is an ongoing source of immune fatigue and long-covid.