Lactoferrin and women's health: the latest developments

A growing number of products and dietary supplements are now positioned in the women's health segment. In 2022, the market for dietary supplements addressing these concerns was worth $2.5 billion.[1] Lactoferrin is one of the ingredients that has become a must-have in the sector. Over the past 60 years, numerous publications have examined the properties and modes of action of bioactive protein, and this trend shows no signs of slowing down. New studies linking lactoferrin and women's health have recently been published.

What is lactoferrin?

Lactoferrin is a glycoprotein whose protein portion contains all the amino acids, including 34% essential amino acids[2]. It is also found in certain human biological fluids, including breast milk, saliva, seminal fluid, in varying concentrations, or in cow's milk. As an expert in milk fractionation, Armor Protéines, a French specialist in dairy ingredients, is one of the few manufacturers in the world who knows how to extract this bioactive protein.

Since 2012, bovine lactoferrin has been authorized as a novel food ingredient in Europe. It now has a place in a wide range of markets: food supplements and sports nutrition, infants, seniors, and animal nutrition.[3] Lactoferrin's anti-oxidant, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties, largely linked to its ability to regulate iron absorption, are the main reasons why it has found its way into so many products.[4]

Lactoferrin and women's health: the key points

Today's highly dynamic women's health market addresses the diverse issues faced by women throughout their lives, thanks to an ever-growing portfolio of innovative ingredients. Lactoferrin, in particular, is multifunctional, thanks to its ability to regulate iron. Lactoferrin is the ally of women's health to address the following issues^4,[5],[6],[7],[8] :

• Anemia: the protein's structure improves the regulation of iron absorption
• PMS and menstrual cycle discomfort, through its anti-inflammatory action
• Development and support of maternal immunization

Lactoferrin and women's health: some studies published over the last 3 years

Lactoferrin and microbiota

A first study focuses on the relationship between lactoferrin and the microbiome. More specifically, the influence of lactoferrin on the female genital microbiota was analyzed in a review of studies. This is made up of several species of symbiotic bacteria that inhibit the growth of pathogenic micro-organisms and inflammatory processes. Studies then focused on the potential character of lactoferrin, confirming that this glycoprotein has a beneficial effect on the genital microbiota. This is thanks to its inhibiting properties on bacterial and fungal infections and the uncomfortable or painful symptoms that can result: pelvic inflammation, urinary tract infections, or premature labor and birth, for example.[9]

Lactoferrin and iron-deficiency anemia

During pregnancy, many dietary deficiencies can occur. Iron deficiency is one of the most common and can lead to the development of anemia. Iron supplementation is often used to treat adverse consequences for mother and child, such as fatigue or migraines. In this context, the role of lactoferrin in iron absorption can be used to optimize supplementation. The glycoprotein also inhibits the inflammatory processes responsible for anemia. The protein can therefore play multiple roles to help combat iron deficiency.[10]

Further study of lactoferrin goes hand in hand with improved knowledge and management of women's health. At Armor Protéines, we are putting our expertise toward these two parallel goals by offering a range of lactoferrin-based bioactive complexes dedicated to women's health.

[1] Euromonitor International, Transforming Women’s Health: Empowering women through the Life Cycle, May 2023
[2] Afssa, Avis de l'Agence Française de sécurité sanitaire des aliments relatifs à l'évaluation du rapport d'évaluation initial établi par les autorités belges concernant la mise sur le marché d'un nouvel ingrédient alimentaire : la lactoferrine bovine dans le cadre du règlement 258/97 CE, 2008
[3] Official Journal of the European Union, Commission implementing decision authorizing the placing on the market of bovine lactoferrin as a novel food ingredient, 22/11/2012
[4] Presti, S.; Manti, S.; Parisi, G.F.; Papale, M.; Barbagallo, I.A.; Li Volti, G.; Leonardi, S. Lactoferrin: Cytokine Modulation and Application in Clinical Practice. J.Clin. Med. 2021, 10, 5482
[5] Li, Y.-Q.; Guo, C. A Review on Lactoferrin and Central Nervous System Diseases. Cells 2021, 10, 1810
[6] Karav S, German JB, Rouquié C, Le Parc A, Barile D. Studying Lactoferrin N-Glycosylation. Int J Mol Sci. 2017 Apr 20;18(4):870
[7] Artym, J.; Zimecki, M.; Kruzel, M.L. Lactoferrin for Prevention and Treatment of Anemia and Inflammation in Pregnant Women: A Comprehensive Review. Biomedicines 2021, 9, 898
[8] Superti F. Lactoferrin from Bovine Milk: A Protective Companion for Life. Nutrients. 2020 Aug 24;12(9):2562
[9] Artym J, Zimecki M. Antimicrobial and Prebiotic Activity of Lactoferrin in the Female Reproductive Tract: A Comprehensive Review. Biomedicines. 2021 Dec 17;9(12):1940. doi: 10.3390/biomedicines9121940. PMID: 34944756; PMCID: PMC8699013.
^[10] Artym J, Zimecki M, Kruzel ML. Lactoferrin for Prevention and Treatment of Anemia and Inflammation in Pregnant Women: A Comprehensive Review. Biomedicines. 2021