Lactoferrin-BT, 60 capsules

Lactoferrin-BT from Vitals contains Biotis® Lactoferrin from FrieslandCampina Ingredients

FrieslandCampina is a respected dairy cooperative that unites Dutch, Belgian and German dairy farmers. What is less well known, however, is that the FrieslandCampina Ingredients business unit produces specialised milk ingredients for infant formula, sports nutrition and health-related products for adults, and that FrieslandCampina is a world leader and authority on lactoferrin. Lactoferrin, which occurs, among other places, in breast milk, is regarded as one of the most valuable milk proteins. The challenge is to extract this fragile substance gently from the freshest possible cow’s milk. Only in this way does it retain the optimal properties for which it is known. Vitals’ Lactoferrin-BT contains 200 mg of the highest-quality lactoferrin, packaged in a special enteric-coated capsule. This ensures that it reaches its target in the body undamaged.

What exactly is lactoferrin?

Lactoferrin, a protein from the whey proteins of milk, consists of a long chain of up to 700 amino acids. Breast milk is the richest natural source of lactoferrin. It is also present in smaller amounts in other bodily fluids such as saliva and tears. Cow’s milk is the second-richest source of lactoferrin, which is why it is often used as the starting material for producing lactoferrin for dietary supplements and as an ingredient in infant formula. The name of this protein derives from the Latin terms “lac” (for milk) and “ferrum” (for iron). The latter refers to lactoferrin’s pronounced ability to bind iron. Of course, there are two variants: hololactoferrin and apolactoferrin. Hololactoferrin is the form that is more than 80% saturated with iron, whereas apolactoferrin contains a very small amount of iron (below 5%). Since it is technically not possible to produce a pure form of apolactoferrin, a mixed form is generally used in dietary supplements. However, it is advisable to choose an iron-saturation percentage as low as possible. This allows lactoferrin’s iron-binding capacity to be utilised to the fullest. Vitals’ Lactoferrin-BT is a high-quality lactoferrin preparation with a low iron saturation (around 10%).

Quality

The quality of lactoferrin is determined by various factors. However, the most important point is the preservation of the molecule’s spatial structure, as this is crucial for the properties and activity of proteins in general. Apart from the low iron saturation. Under certain conditions (e.g. high temperature or low pH) a process can occur known as “denaturation”. Here the spatial structure of the protein molecule is damaged, causing it to lose its properties. Protein denaturation is an irreversible process; therefore it is of the highest importance in the lactoferrin manufacturing process to handle this precious substance with the greatest care. Laboratory analyses can demonstrate the preservation of the spatial structure. Comparative studies have shown that not every lactoferrin offered performs equally in this respect. This can sometimes be because the lactoferrin is obtained from whey that has already undergone several processing steps in which denaturation can occur, rather than from fresh milk. The production of Biotis® Lactoferrin in Vitals’ Lactoferrin-BT is carried out from fresh cow’s milk using a highly refined and gentle process. This ensures that this precious protein retains its natural properties. Lactoferrin is also sensitive to low pH. Therefore 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.

Lactoferrin purity is also an essential aspect.

The value should be at least 95%. Lactoferrin should of course also have a low content of contaminants such as heavy metals and dioxins. A specific criterion often mentioned in connection with the quality of a lactoferrin product is its lipopolysaccharide (LPS) content. LPS form the outer membrane of certain types of bacteria. Contrary to common belief, the possible presence of LPS is not specific to lactoferrin products. It is present in numerous foods. Some bacterial species that commonly occur in our gut and are harmless also produce these substances. Therefore the LPS content in a lactoferrin dietary supplement should primarily be regarded as an indicator of the presence of (dead) bacteria. It indicates how fresh the cow’s milk used as the source of lactoferrin is. The less fresh the milk is, the more bacteria will grow or the more dead bacteria it will contain. The cow’s milk used for Vitals’ Lactoferrin-BT is processed within 24 hours of its arrival at the production facility. The manufacturing process takes place under very strict hygienic conditions and includes several quality controls. In summary: Vitals’ Lactoferrin-BT is characterised by high purity and quality, as well as a very low level of contaminants such as LPS. In addition, Lactoferrin-BT has a lactose content of at most 0.01% (0.02 mg per capsule).

More about FrieslandCampina Ingredients

FrieslandCampina was formed by the merger of Friesland Foods and Campina. A particular feature of FrieslandCampina is that it is a so-called cooperative. That means the dairy farmers themselves run the business. A major advantage is that the farms are run with genuine passion for dairy farming and the income from the products benefits the farmers. FrieslandCampina (under the business name FrieslandCampina Ingredients) offers, in addition to various types of dairy products, high-quality individual milk ingredients. Cow’s milk provides a variety of important nutrients, including vitamins and minerals as well as proteins such as lactoferrin. FrieslandCampina Ingredients is the business unit that focuses on the development and scientific study of high-quality milk components. Among other things, this includes working closely with respected researchers at Wageningen University. About 25 years ago FrieslandCampina began extracting cow’s milk lactoferrin and has since been a pioneer in this field. At first it was used as an additive for infant formula (since lactoferrin is also an important component of breast milk), but later also for other applications such as dietary supplements. At that time Biotis® Lactoferrin was the first product worldwide to receive a positive quality assessment from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), and this quality became the benchmark for other lactoferrin manufacturers on the market. In the meantime FrieslandCampina has further optimised the production process and has not remained idle. The establishment of a new, state-of-the-art production facility in Veghel (the Netherlands), dedicated exclusively to the production of lactoferrin, represents the latest milestone. Vitals is pleased to collaborate with this first-class manufacturer and can therefore offer you the highest-quality lactoferrin on the market!

Active ingredients

* No reference intake according to EU Food Information Regulation (LMIV) specified
Biotis® is a registered trademark of FrieslandCampina Ingredients.

Ingredients

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

Recommended intake

Take 1–2 capsules per day with water at a meal. Supplied in a special enteric-coated capsule to protect the lactoferrin, so that it can exert its effect in the body at the right time.

Storage instructions

Store in a cool, dry place away from light (do not refrigerate).

Legal notice

Do not exceed the recommended daily dose. Food supplements are not a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Keep out of the reach of small children.