Research has shown Lactoferrin to have the following functions:

• Immune boosting - Lactoferrin helps to mature and regulate a number of immune cells throughout the body. It boosts the immune system by stimulating macrophage activity and increases the proliferation of lymphocytes. Neutrophils release Lactoferrin during infection to bind iron thus preventing growth of pathogens by iron deprivation.

• Natural antibodies - Kills many disease-causing bacteria, while protecting the body's natural flora. Lactoferrin is a natural antibacterial. It works by depriving micro organisms of the iron needed for their growth and by destabilising microbial membranes thus killing micro organisms. It also stimulates macrophages and monocytes and by Phagocytosis, kills the pathogens in the tissues.

• Antiviral - Research has shown that Lactoferrin can prevent viruses from binding to the body's cells and therefore prevents viral infection. It works by the stimulation of natural killer cells.

• Anti-fungal - Lactoferrin kills a range of fungi and yeasts.

• Antioxidant - The strong binding of iron by Lactoferrin prevents "free iron" from forming free radicals. Lactoferrin scavenges free iron to prevent formation of damaging free radicals. Free iron acts as a catalyst for the formation of free radicals (Haber-Weiss reaction). By binding the available iron released by tissue damage, Lactoferrin prevents the Haber-weiss reaction from producing free radicals.

• Iron metabolism - As Lactoferrin binds very tightly to iron, it is thought to allow efficient uptake of iron into the body. This is beneficial for people with anaemia. Lactoferrin can bind and target iron and release it again at specific receptor cells in the intestine. Thus it enhances iron absorption in the gut.