Lactoferrin (LF) is the most abundant glycoprotein in breast milk with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.1,2 Secretory IgA (SIgA) has also been identified as the most abundant and relevant breast milk antibody that can neutralize (bind and eliminate) bacterial and viral pathogens in the neonatal gastrointestinal tract.3,4 Ingestion of breast milk LF and SIgA help to protect the infants against microbial infections until their immature immune systems are completely developed at 2 years of postnatal age.5,6
The aim of this study was to determine the range of lactoferrin and SIgA concentrations between breast milk samples from a large population of mothers.
Giansanti, F., Panella, G., Leboffe, L. and Antonini, G. Lactoferrin from Milk: Nutraceutical and Pharmacological Properties. Pharmaceuticals 2016, 9, 61.
Telang, S. Lactoferrin: A Critical Player in Neonatal Host Defense. Nutrients 2018, 10.
Mantis, N.J.; Rol, N.; Corthésy, B. Secretory IgA's complex roles in immunity and mucosal homeostasis in the gut. Mucosal immunology 2011, 4, 603.
Macpherson, A.J.; Hunziker, L.; McCoy, K.; Lamarre, A. IgA responses in the intestinal mucosa against pathogenic and non-pathogenic microorganisms. Microbes Infect. 2001, 3, 1021-1035.
Duijts, L.; Jaddoe, V.W.; Hofman, A.; Moll, H.A. Prolonged and exclusive breastfeeding reduces the risk of infectious diseases in infancy. Pediatrics 2010, peds. 2008-3256.
Goldman, A.S.; Garza, C.; Nichols, B.L.; Goldblum, R.M. Immunologic factors in human milk during the first year of lactation. J. Pediatr. 1982, 100, 563-567.
100% human milk-based infant nutrition.
The Benefit Nutrition portfolio is the only human milk-based nutrition line designed to meet recommendations for commercially-sterile replacement feeding in the neonatal intensive care unit.