LACTOFERRIN IN HUMAN MILK: STRUCTURE, BIOLOGICAL FUNCTIONS AND IMPLICATIONS IN THE MICROBIOTA-GUT-BRAIN AXIS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56238/arev7n10-086Keywords:
Lactoferrin, Human Milk, Microbiota, Gut-Brain Axis, NeonateAbstract
Breast milk (HM) is recognized as the primary nutritional source for newborns, as it is essential for the development of the intestinal microbiota, the immune system, and physiological maturation. Among its bioactive components, lactoferrin (LF) stands out as a multifunctional glycoprotein from the transferrin family, characterized by a high iron-binding affinity and diverse biological functions. This article reviews its molecular structure, isoforms, post-translational modifications, structural stability, and comparison with LF from other species. The variability of its concentration in HM across different lactation stages, maternal factors that influence it, its resistance to infant gastrointestinal digestion, and the release of bioactive peptides are also discussed. These aspects reinforce the importance of LF as an immunological and antimicrobial agent and as a modulator of the communication between the intestinal microbiota and the central nervous system, with implications for infant health and neurological development. Understanding the solubility, bioavailability, and bioactivity of LF is crucial for guiding nutritional strategies and therapeutic interventions, especially in the formulation of supplements and infant formulas that mimic the functional profile of breast milk.
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