In our current climate, immunity is definitely on the top of everyone’s mind. And as mothers, we strive to do what we can to protect our precious little ones from falling sick.
For most, this means making sure they practise good hygiene both at home and at school, ensuring they get enough sleep, and sourcing for the most nutritious foods to fortify their health.
When thinking about nutrition, you may also be exploring natural ways to strengthen junior’s immunity and may have come across the ingredient lactoferrin in your research.
As a naturally-occurring protein found in milk and bodily fluids, lactoferrin offers numerous health benefits and is a key component of the body’s immune system.
What Exactly Is Lactoferrin?
Lactoferrin is a multifunctional milk protein. It can be commonly found in human breast milk[i] and other mucosal secretions such as tears, bile and saliva[ii][iii]. High levels of the protein are also found in colostrum − early breast milk that provides immune support for infants during their first weeks of life.
What Is The Use of Lactoferrin?
Lactoferrin is mainly responsible for binding with and transporting iron in the body. But it plays a crucial role in immune defence too – by inhibiting pathogens and protecting the body against bacterial and viral infections.
More specifically, dietary lactoferrin acts in the gut to reduce the incidence of bacterial infection. This is done by depriving the bacteria of iron, an essential nutrient for their growth.
Clinical studies have also proven how lactoferrin supplementation benefits infants and young children.
For term and near-term infants, lactoferrin supplementation was associated with significantly fewer lower respiratory tract illnesses, primarily wheezing, in the first year[iv].
Lactoferrin supplementation has also been effective in reducing the frequency of vomiting and diarrhoea in children.
In an Acta Paediatrica study[v], children under five were given a lactoferrin supplement daily for 12 weeks. Those who consumed the supplement saw a reduced frequency and duration in vomiting and diarrhoea, as compared to children who did not.
Why Haven’t I Heard Of Lactoferrin In Milk Formula?
With its many benefits, you may be wondering why lactoferrin isn’t commonly-found in many milk formulas.
That’s because it's relatively new in the market. Though lactoferrin can be extracted from cow’s milk and added to formula, the process of doing so is costly. This is seen as the protein is much less concentrated in cow’s milk than in human milk[vi].
Thankfully, advancements in global research & development have now allowed lactoferrin to become incorporated in milk formula.
Enfinitas Stage 3 and Stage 4 is the first toddler & children’s formula on the international market to contain this ingredient. The formulas also include other key ingredients such as MFGM, DHA and a prebiotic blend (PDX + GOS), which support brain development and gut health.
Stage 3 is formulated for toddlers aged 1 to 3, and Stage 4 for growing up children aged 3 to 6.
These premium formulas are widely available in the USA, Netherlands, China and Hong Kong, and via cross border shipping via the Enfa Global store.
What Other Mums Have Been Saying About Enfinitas Stage 3 And 4
Besides being the first of its kind on the market, Enfinitas is also praised by fellow mums who love how their little ones have taken to the formula.
Mum Carmen Lai, in particular, was searching for a formula that could meet her 19 month-old daughter Scarlett’s nutritional needs.
“Thanks to its unique ingredients, Enfinitas was very suitable for Scarlett,” says Lai. “After drinking it, her digestion improved and she is gaining weight. As such, I keep feeding her with Enfinitas and recommending it to my friends!”
For mum Mandy Chan, watching her son grow healthily is really important, and she’s impressed by how the formula has boosted his gut health.
“My baby has had milk powder from different brands since he was born and Enfinitas is his favourite one,” observes Chan. “He does not suffer from constipation or sensitivity when consuming it.”
Enfinitas Stage 3 and 4 may be ordered directly at its online Enfa Global store.
[i] de Wit JN. J Dairy Sci. 1998;81:597-608
[ii] Reitamo S, et al. Histochemistry. 1980;66:285-291.
[iii] McClellan KA. Surv Ophthalmol. 1997;42:233-246.
[iv] King JC Jr, et al. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2007;44:245-251.
[v] Egashira M, et al. Acta Paediatr. 2007;96:1242-1244.
[vi] Neville, Margaret. (2000). Lactoferrin Secretion into Milk: Comparison between bovine, murine and human milk.. Journal of Animal Science. 78. 26-35.. 10.2527/2000.78suppl_326x