Lactoferrin-BT by Vitals contains Biotis® Lactoferrin from FrieslandCampina Ingredients. FrieslandCampina is a well-known Dutch dairy cooperative, but fewer people know that the FrieslandCampina Ingredients division produces specific milk-derived ingredients for infant nutrition, sports nutrition, and health products for adults, and is a global pioneer and expert in lactoferrin. It's impressive what a small country can achieve! Lactoferrin is naturally present in breast milk and is considered one of the most valuable proteins in milk. The challenge is to extract this delicate substance from the freshest possible cow's milk in the gentlest way. Only then does it retain the optimal properties it is known for.

What is Lactoferrin?
Lactoferrin is a protein that is part of the whey proteins in milk and consists of a long chain of up to 700 amino acids. The richest natural source of lactoferrin is breast milk. It is also present in smaller amounts in other bodily fluids such as saliva and tears. The second richest source is cow's milk, which is why it is commonly used as a raw material for producing lactoferrin for use in dietary supplements and for addition to infant formula. The name of this protein is derived from the words 'lac' (Latin for milk) and 'ferrum' (Latin for iron). The latter refers to lactoferrin's strong iron-binding capacity. In nature, there are two forms: hololactoferrin and apolactoferrin. Hololactoferrin refers to the form that is (partially) saturated with iron, while apolactoferrin contains as little iron as possible. This is the form primarily used in supplements.

Quality
Several aspects influence the quality of lactoferrin. By far the most important aspect is the preservation of the molecule's spatial structure, on which the properties and activity of proteins in general depend. Under certain conditions (such as high temperature or low pH), a process called 'denaturation' can occur, where the protein molecule's spatial structure is lost, and it loses its properties. Protein denaturation is an irreversible process; therefore, during the production of lactoferrin, it is of utmost importance to handle this valuable substance as carefully as possible. It is possible to demonstrate the preservation of the spatial structure through laboratory analysis, and comparative research has shown that not all lactoferrin on the market scores equally well in this regard. Sometimes this is because the lactoferrin is not extracted from fresh milk but from whey that has already undergone several processing steps, during which denaturation may have occurred. Biotis® Lactoferrin in Lactoferrin-BT by Vitals is produced from fresh cow's milk using an extremely refined and gentle production process, ensuring that this valuable protein has retained its natural properties. Because lactoferrin is also sensitive to low pH, Vitals uses a special capsule for this product that does not dissolve in the acidic environment of the stomach but only opens in the small intestine.

Another important point is the purity of the lactoferrin. This should be at least 95%. Naturally, lactoferrin should also be as low as possible in contaminants such as heavy metals and dioxins. A specific measure often mentioned in the context of lactoferrin product quality is the content of lipopolysaccharides (LPS). LPS are components of the outer membrane of certain bacterial species. Contrary to common belief, the possible presence of LPS is not specific to lactoferrin products but occurs in many foods. Several normally present and harmless bacterial species in our gut also produce these substances. The LPS content in a lactoferrin supplement should therefore primarily be seen as a measure of the presence of (dead) bacteria. It is an indicator of the freshness of the cow's milk used as the lactoferrin source. The less fresh the milk, the more bacterial growth or dead bacteria are found in it. The cow's milk used for Lactoferrin-BT by Vitals is processed within 24 hours of arriving at the production site. The production process itself is carried out under strict hygienic conditions and includes multiple quality controls. In short, Lactoferrin-BT by Vitals is very pure and of exceptionally high quality, with a very low presence of contaminants such as LPS. Lactoferrin-BT also contains no more than 0.01% lactose (0.02 mg per capsule).

Other information

EAN: (60 capsules) 8716717004331

Ingredients
Lactoferrin (from fresh cow's MILK), vegetable capsule (hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, pectin), bulking agent (microcrystalline cellulose [cellulose gel]).

Take 1-2 capsules per day with a meal and water. Encapsulated in a special acid-resistant capsule to protect the lactoferrin and release it at the right moment in the body.

Suitable for vegetarians (not for vegans).

This product is a food supplement.

Do not exceed the recommended dosage.

A varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle are important. A food supplement is not a substitute for a varied diet.

Keep out of reach of young children.

Store in a dry, sealed place at room temperature, unless otherwise advised on the label.

Consult an expert before using supplements in case of pregnancy, lactation, medication use, and illness.