Lactoferrin in Infant Formulas:  Effect on Oxidation

Lactoferrin is an iron transport protein present in human milk at an average concentration of 1.4 mg/mL. Commercially modified infant formulas based on cow's milk contain much lower amounts of lactoferrin (0.1 mg/mL lactoferrin) and soy based formulas have none. In addition to its role in iron...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of agricultural and food chemistry 2000-10, Vol.48 (10), p.4984-4990
Main Authors: Satué-Gracia, M. Teresa, Frankel, Edwin N, Rangavajhyala, Nagendra, German, J. Bruce
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biological and medical sciences
Food additives
Food industries
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
General aspects
Humans
Infant
Infant Food - analysis
Lactoferrin - analysis
Lactoferrin - chemistry
Metals - analysis
Milk and cheese industries. Ice creams
Oxidation-Reduction
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Summary:Lactoferrin is an iron transport protein present in human milk at an average concentration of 1.4 mg/mL. Commercially modified infant formulas based on cow's milk contain much lower amounts of lactoferrin (0.1 mg/mL lactoferrin) and soy based formulas have none. In addition to its role in iron transport, lactoferrin has bacteriostatic and bactericidal activities. Infant formulas are supplemented with relatively large amounts of iron (up to 12 mg/L). The effect of various concentrations of added lactoferrin and supplemental iron on lipid oxidation was tested in two different infant formulas. The extent of oxidation in the formulas as a function of time was determined by formation of hydroperoxides, production of hexanal, and fluorescence. On the basis of all three of these determinations, lactoferrin acted as an antioxidant in the absence and presence of different concentrations of supplemented iron. Lactoferrin inhibited oxidation in a concentration-dependent manner even at concentrations beyond its capacity to bind iron at its two high affinity binding sites. Lactoferrin can be used, therefore, as a dual purpose additive in infant formulas and similar food products for its antioxidant and its antimicrobial properties. Keywords: Lactoferrin; oxidation; infant formula; iron supplementation; antioxidant activity; iron-binding activity
ISSN:0021-8561
1520-5118
DOI:10.1021/jf0002490