Lactoferrin and bifidobacteria.

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Nutrition Science
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Lactoferrin (LF) is known to promote the growth of bifidobacteria, a beneficial gut bacteria.
• The exact mechanisms, including the roles of iron, sugar chains, and peptides, are under investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize the effects of lactoferrin (LF) on bifidobacteria growth.
• To investigate the potential of LF peptides as the active bifidogenic principle.
• To compare the efficacy of human and bovine LF and their hydrolysates on specific bifidobacterial species.

Main Methods:

• In vitro studies assessing the bifidogenic effects of LF and its hydrolysates on various bifidobacteria species.
• Analysis of potential recognition mechanisms involving LF-binding proteins, cationic nature, and disulfide bonds.
• Review of in vivo animal and human studies on LF administration.

Main Results:

• LF peptides, especially from bovine LF pepsin hydrolysate (bLFH), exhibit stronger bifidogenic activity than intact LF.
• Human LF and its peptides are more effective for Bifidobacterium bifidum, while bovine LF and bLFH are more effective for Bifidobacterium breve and Bifidobacterium infantis.
• Animal and human studies confirm increased bifidobacteria levels upon LF administration, though human milk shows superior results.

Conclusions:

• LF peptides are likely the primary active components responsible for the bifidogenic effects of LF.
• Bovine LF hydrolysates (bLFH) show promise as a beneficial ingredient in infant formulas due to their specific activity against infant-associated bifidobacteria.
• Synergistic effects of LF with other milk components, like human milk oligosaccharides, may enhance its bifidogenic activity in breastfed infants.