These are times of unprecedented politicization and financialization of medicine. It seems that, in the general panic, we are forgetting that the starting point of our health is our own body. immune system. Governments, accustomed to applying unilateral solutions, are trying to replace doctors who are seen as outdated, unable to cope and find solutions.
But fortunately, every day, scientists around the world are proving us wrong. Such is the case, for example, of Dr. Hamid Merchant of the University of Huddersfield in the UK and his team, in their promising study dedicated to benefits of lactoferrin in the fight against respiratory diseasesand in particular COVID-19. Here's an overview of what researchers have discovered.
Lactoferrin, a molecule well known to our body
The name may not ring a bell, but there's nothing foreign about lactoferrin. to the human body. This protein is present in both human and cow's milk, as well as in body fluids from the eyes, nose, esophagus and intestine. It plays a key role in regulating immune system activityby preventing pathogenic cells and other bacteria from gaining access to iron, an essential element for their survival, lactoferrin blocks the cell multiplication process.
With regard to its action on viruses lactoferrin partially blocks the pathways by which viruses enter cell membrane, making it more difficult for viruses to penetrate.
Dr. Merchant's team's initial hypothesis was therefore that lactoferrin, when used as a dietary supplement, could reduce the risk of developing respiratory diseasesand that Covid-19 might also be susceptible. Indeed, although the benefits of this protein are well documented, until now it was not known whether taking this molecule as a supplement also had any beneficial value.
Lactoferrin's promising results
The study carried out by the researchers, available heremakes Professor Merchant and his team optimistic about the potential of this protein as a dietary supplement. The results show that significant differences between the test groups who took lactoferrin as a dietary supplement and those who did not.
"Given the hospital-based importance of respiratory tract infections during the COVID-19 pandemic, we sought to systematically review interventional randomized clinical trials on the efficacy of bovine lactoferrin in preventing the onset of respiratory infections.", said Dr Syed Hasan, another university researcher involved in the study.
"Lactoferrin administration has shown promising efficacy in reducing the risk of respiratory disease and may also have a beneficial role in symptom management and patient recovery."he added.
These are his antiviral and antibacterial properties that make lactoferrin an excellent dietary supplement. for use against COVID-19 and other respiratory infections. Although these results are still preliminary and need to be confirmed by a larger randomized controlled trial, it seems that the way is clear for lactoferrin to become a major adjunct to vitamin D and zinc in the fight against respiratory infections.
But that's not all: "Current data are also favorable to the fortification of lactoferrin in infant formula - it won't be long before parents can find lactoferrin-enriched infant formula on the shelves."added Dr. Merchant.
It therefore seems that the absorption of lactoferrin in larger quantities, particularly during the winter periods is a simple, inexpensive and effective way of boosting our immune defences.
Lactoferrin, a simple way to boost immunity
As we all know, our first line of defense (and not just against COVID) is our immune system. Strengthening it and taking care of it is the best way to to avoid the need for medication and illnesses, but also, should the need arise, to ensure rapid recovery, through production of effective antibodies. In the 21st century, in particular air pollutionrespiratory tract infections are on the increase. Taking lactoferrin as part of a healthy diet is a simple way of ensuring maximum efficiency of the immune system at all times, avoiding most complications and the chemical "solutions" that follow.
