The Importance of Lactoferrin
Lactoferrin. What is it and why is it important?
Lacto=milk, ferrin=iron.
Lactoferrin is found naturally in breast milk, tears, and other body fluids. It is really important in building the immune system in infants.
Once an infant stops nursing, continuing to have lactoferrin in a child’s diet can prove beneficial.
In some cultures, mothers continue to nurse their children far longer than in Western civilizations giving their children extended immune support.
Lactoferrin is an iron-containing protein which is easily absorbed.
Iron is absolutely necessary for the immune system.
When the immune system is weakened it is one of the first signs of an iron deficiency.
Lactoferrin increases the nutrient-absorbing cells in the intestine enhancing the absorption of other nutrients a child needs for a healthy immune system.
Some studies suggest that lactoferrin acts as a prebiotic. Prebiotics feed the beneficial bifidobacteria, or good bugs, which support a healthy digestive system.
Having a healthy digestive system is one of the body’s first defenses against invaders.
Lactoferrin may also activate immune cells whose job it is to gobble up foreign materials such as killed bacteria and viruses, and digesting them so they are no longer harmful.
Lactoferrin is extremely important in helping infants develop a healthy immune system. Once developed it would be great if it continued to operate at peak performance, but we know our foods are loaded with ingredients not conducive to keeping a child healthy.
In addition there is an overuse of antibiotics that kill the good bacteria which keep the immune system healthy.
Shaklee’s new CHILDREN’S MULTIVITAMIN is the first in the U.S. with lactoferrin, to help keep the immune system supercharged long past the time the child stops nursing.
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