The main difference between lactoferrin and colostrum is that lactoferrin is a multifunctional protein with a high affinity to iron ions derived from milk. But colostrum is the nutrient-rich first milk produced by the breast during pregnancy.
Lactoferrin and colostrum are two parts of milk produced by the breast of humans. They protect against bacterial infections in infants.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Lactoferrin
– Definition, Facts, Features
2. What is Colostrum
– Definition, Facts, Features
3. Similarities Between Lactoferrin and Colostrum
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Lactoferrin and Colostrum
– Comparison of Key Differences
5. FAQ – Lactoferrin and Colostrum
– Answers to frequently asked questions
Key Terms
Colostrum, Lactoferrin
What is Lactoferrin
Lactoferrin (lf) is a protein derived from milk. It has beneficial properties such as being a potent compound against oxidative stress damage, anti-pathogenic, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, DNA-regulatory, and immunomodulatory. Further, it has therapeutic properties for treating stress-related emotional disorders and neurodegenerative diseases associated with aging. Lactoferrin is a component of the whey protein in the milk of most mammals. Its concentration in milk depends on the lactation phase. It means colostrum contains seven times more lactoferrin compared to mature milk. Also, human body cells produce lactoferrin. Kidneys, lungs, intestine, gallbladder, pancreas, liver, prostate, saliva, tears, cerebrospinal fluid, urine, bronchial secretions, sperm, vaginal discharge, synovial fluid, umbilical cord blood, blood plasma, and cells of the immune system contain lactoferrin.
Figure 1: Lactoferrin
Furthermore, the simple polypeptide chain of lactoferrin contains two globular lobes connected by α helix. Each lobe contains two domains. The major isoform of lactoferrin consists of 689 amino acids. Its molecular weight is about 80 kDa. It is soluble in water and denatures above 80–90 °C. Also, it is a glycoprotein with a homology to serum transferrin. Additionally, it is a multipotent protein that can bind to iron ions. Its name implies that it is an iron-binding milk protein. It helps to balance the iron levels of the body. It also binds to copper, zinc, and manganese ions.
What is Colostrum
Colostrum is a thick, yellowish-white fluid expressed in the breast by the third trimester of pregnancy. Alveolar cells of the breast secrete colostrum. This process is called lactogenesis I. Estrogen and progesterone suppress milk secretion during pregnancy. In composition, colostrum contains more proteins and fewer carbohydrates and fat than mature milk. It is rich in secretory immunoglobulin A, protecting infants from infection. Also, it establishes a normal gut microbiome in infants. Further, it contains leukocytes, antioxidants, hormones, and enzymes.
Figure 2: Colostrum and Milk
Moreover, the importance of colostrum is to provide low-volume milk to infants while providing immunity and establishing a healthy gut.
Similarities Between Lactoferrin and Colostrum
- Lactoferrin and colostrum are two components of milk.
- They are essential to infants.
- Both improve digestion and protect against bacterial infections.
Difference Between Lactoferrin and Colostrum
Definition
Lactoferrin is a protein present in milk and other secretions with bactericidal and iron-binding properties, while colostrum is the first milk the body produces during pregnancy.
Significance
Lactoferrin is a glycoprotein, while colostrum is a thick, yellowish-white fluid expressed in the breast by the third trimester of pregnancy.
Function in Digestion in Infants
Lactoferrin modulates lipid metabolism, while colostrum establishes a healthy gut.
Protection
Lactoferrin is a potent compound against oxidative stress damage, anti-pathogenic, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, DNA-regulatory, and immunomodulatory activities, while colostrum contains secretory immunoglobulin A, protecting infants from infection.
FAQ: Lactoferrin and Colostrum
How much lactoferrin in colostrum?
Colostrum contains 2 mg/ml lactoferrin. In beef bread, it has 5 mg/ml.
What are the two types of lactoferrin?
Apo-lactoferrin (iron-free), a mono-ferric form (one Fe3+), and holo-lactoferrin (two Fe3+ bound) are the three forms of lactoferrin according to its iron saturation level. Iron-bound lactoferrin has a pink color.
Does all colostrum have lactoferrin?
Lactoferrin, an iron-binding multifunctional glycoprotein belonging to the transferrin family, occurs in most biological secretions, including colostrum and breast milk.
Conclusion
In brief, lactoferrin and colostrum are two components of breast milk. They have significant properties to help the digestion in infants. Lactoferrin is an iron-binding glycoprotein that occurs in milk in mammals. It modulates lipid metabolism and is potent against oxidative stress. In comparison, colostrum is the first milk produced in the third trimester of pregnancy. It contains secretory immunoglobulin A, leukocytes, antioxidants, hormones, and enzymes. Also, it establishes a healthy gut and protects against bacterial infections. Therefore, the main difference between lactoferrin and colostrum is their function.
References:
- Kowalczyk P, Kaczyńska K, Kleczkowska P, Bukowska-Ośko I, Kramkowski K, Sulejczak D.The Lactoferrin Phenomenon-A Miracle Molecule. Molecules. 2022 May 4;27(9):2941. doi: 10.3390/molecules27092941. PMID: 35566292; PMCID: PMC9104648.
- Jozsa F, Thistle J. Anatomy, Colostrum. [Updated 2023 Feb 5]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-.
Image Courtesy:
- “Lactoferrin” By Lijealso – Own Work (Public Domain) via Anatomy tool
- “Colostrum vs breastmilk” By Tonicthebrown – Own Work (CC-BY 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
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