What the name Lactoferrin reveals

From origin to function

Lactoferrin is a protein from the transferrin family. It was originally called lactotransferrin. The name, with its components – lacteus (Latin) “milky” and ferrum (Latin) “iron” or transferre “to transfer” – already provides an indication of important properties.

Lactoferrin is important for iron metabolism and has a transport function. The densest concentration of lactoferrin is found in the milk of mammals.

What Lactoferrin is made of and where to find it

Structure and occurrence

The protein consists of approximately 700 amino acids arranged in a polypeptide chain. It is produced by the body, for example, in the mammary or salivary glands, the immune cells and in the mucous membranes. Lactoferrin is not only found in the body fluids of mammals, but also in colostrum.

junge Frau mit Rucksack in den Bergen
auf Matte sitzende Frau mit armacura Ampulle in der Hand

What Lactoferrin does in the body

Features and Benefits

Lactoferrin performs a wide variety of functions of enzymes and nucleases in the body. Even in small amounts it is highly bioactive – with many health benefits. The most important areas of application are the immune system, digestion and general regenerative capacity.

For more information about the positive properties of lactoferrin, see: Lactoferrin Effect.

How is lactoferrin obtained?

Lactoferrin is produced by the epithelial cells of various organs, including leukocytes – the white blood cells.

Since lactoferrin is present in particularly high concentrations in milk, it is often isolated from cow’s milk or whey. For example, one liter of human colostrum contains about 8 g of lactoferrin, whereas one liter of normal milk contains only about 1-2 g.

Produktionsort von Colostrum
Produktion der Colostrum Fläschchen am Fließband

How is lactoferrin processed?

Highly purified extraction from pure colostrum

With our brand armacura® we have specialized in the processing of cow colostrum. Lactoferrin is present in particularly high concentrations in this versatile natural substance because it plays an important role in the immune system of calves. One liter of bovine colostrum therefore contains an average of between 2 and 5 grams of lactoferrin.

Thanks to our many years of experience in the production of liquid colostrum products, we have succeeded in offering the world’s first liquid lactoferrin preparation under the armacura® brand.