Lactoferrin bioactivity

It has been suggested that lactoferrin may only confer beneficial immune effects when consumed in the form of breast milk (Lonnerdal, 2003). When added to infant formula, lactoferrin may be affected by its prior bioactivity how it was added (blended or dissolved) and extent of heat treatment of the formula (Lonnerdal, 2003). There is evidence that lactoferrin can be inactivated by invading pathogens or even enhance microbial pathogenicity. For example, the pneumococcal surface protein A of Streptococcus pneumoniae was reported to bind to lactoferrin and protect the bacteria from the killing action of lactoferrin (Ward et ah, 2005). 

Chong DK, Langridge WH. Expression of full-length bioactive antimicrobial human lactoferrin in potato plants. Transgenic Res., 2000 9(1) 71-78. 

Novel foods include those providing protein (soy and dairy), and those that are intended to improve cardiovascular health (stanol esters, P-glucan, bioactive peptides, and n-3 fatty acids), bone and joint health (calcium, glucosamine, and chondroitin), eye health (lutein), the immune system (milkmicronutrients, lactoferrin, lactoperoxidase, and colostrum), gut health (probiotics and prebiotics), body fitness (conjugated linoleic acid, amino acids, and glyco-macropeptide), energy level, and for beauty. 

---