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Lactoferrin in Breast Milk

From , former About.com Guide

Updated April 21, 2009

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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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