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Lactoferrin in Breast Milk

By Melissa Kotlen Nagin, About.com

Updated: February 14, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by Meredith Shur, MD

Definition:

This is an iron-binding protein with intense antibacterial action against an array of microorganisms that need iron in order to grow. It is primarily used to help the baby absorb his own iron stores. Lactoferrin is an essential growth factor for B-cell lymphocytes and T-cell lymphocytes. The highest concentration of lactoferrin occurs in the first few days of life, then it decreases after about 10 days and finally levels off.

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