Abstract |
Lactoferrin (LF) is a multifunctional protein and a member of the transferrin family. LF and lysozyme in breast milk kill bacteria. In the stomach, pepsin digests and releases a potent peptide antibiotic called lactoferricin from native LF. The antimicrobial characteristics of LF may facilitate a healthy intestinal microbiome. LF is the major whey in human milk; its highest concentration is in colostrum. This fact highlights early feeding of colostrum and also fresh mature milk as a way to prevent necrotizing enterocolitis.
|
Authors | Michael P Sherman |
Journal | Clinics in perinatology
(Clin Perinatol)
Vol. 40
Issue 1
Pg. 79-91
(Mar 2013)
ISSN: 1557-9840 [Electronic] United States |
PMID | 23415265
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review)
|
Copyright | Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. |
Chemical References |
|
Topics |
- Animals
- Colostrum
(immunology, metabolism)
- Enterocolitis, Necrotizing
(prevention & control, therapy)
- Humans
- Infant, Newborn
- Intestine, Small
(immunology, microbiology)
- Lactoferrin
(immunology, metabolism, therapeutic use)
- Metagenome
(immunology)
- Milk
(metabolism)
- Milk, Human
(chemistry, immunology, metabolism)
- Muramidase
(immunology)
|