Lactoferrin

Horse milk is rich in lactoferrin

Lactoferrin is gaining fame because of the many positive studies that have been conducted on this special protein. Our Equilac® horse milk capsules contain lactoferrin in a natural form that is available in high concentration in horse milk, just like in breast milk and colostrum.

Discover more about how lactoferrin works and benefits in the immune system, gut flora, antibacterial protection and more.

What is lactoferrin?

Lactoferrin is an iron-binding human protein found in breast milk and an important nutrient for infant development. Lactoferrin acts as a natural antibiotic that suppresses bacterial growth by binding to iron.

Taking lactoferrin as a dietary supplement is used for the following applications, among others:

  • Strengthen the immune system
  • Autoimmune diseases such as psoriasis, acne and eczema
  • Maintaining and promoting healthy levels of beneficial bacteria in the gut
  • Preventing damage from aging
  • Regulating bacteria, viruses and fungi (antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal)
  • Regulate iron metabolism
  • Transporting iron as needed in the bloodstream and into cells
  • Acting as an antioxidant
  • Transporting vitamin B12 in the body

Research on lactoferrin

Studies have repeatedly confirmed that this anti-inflammatory protein has a whole range of biological effects and significantly strengthens the immune system.

More recent studies indicate that lactoferrin also protects against Rota viruses, shigellosis, salmonella infections and Escherichia coli which can cause gastrointestinal inflammation and diarrhea. In children under 5 years of age, the duration and frequency of vomiting and diarrhea in gastroenteritis caused by Rota virus appear to be decreased by the use of dairy products containing lactoferrin.

Experiences with lactoferrin

Clinical experiences of users show that lactoferrin has a positive influence on skin infections and other inflammatory diseases.

A study has been conducted on the effects of lactoferrin on acne vulgaris. Patients aged 18 to 30 years were randomly selected to drink fermented milk fortified with 200 mg lactoferrin daily in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study for 12 weeks. Researchers evaluated their skin health for hydration, sebum, pH and lipids on the skin’s surface, both at the beginning and at the end of the experiment.

After 12 weeks, a marked improvement was observed in the group administered lactoferrin. The sebum content of the lactoferrin group decreased by 3.1% compared to the placebo group. The total lipid content on the skin surface decreased in both groups. The main lipids, triglycerides and free fatty acids, decreased the most in the lactoferrin group. No changes were observed in skin hydration or pH levels in either group.

Where to buy lactoferrin?

Would you like to follow a course of lactoferrin? You can take lactoferrin as a dietary supplement in capsules or powder with a daily dose of 150 mg to 500 mg, available at pharmacies, drugstores or online stores.

Some lactoferrin supplements contain a synthetic form of lactoferrin (apolactoferrin), in contrast to the natural and more absorbable form present in Equilac® mare’s milk capsules.