Lactoferrin-BT, 60 capsules

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

FrieslandCampina is a renowned dairy cooperative that brings together Dutch, Belgian and German dairy farmers . What is less well known, however, is that the FrieslandCampina Ingredients division produces specialised milk ingredients for baby food, sports nutrition and health-related products for adults, and that FrieslandCampina is a global leader and expert in the field of lactoferrin. Lactoferrin, which is found, amongst other things, in breast milk, is regarded as one of the most valuable milk proteins. The challenge lies in gently extracting this delicate substance from cow’s milk that is as fresh as possible. Only in this way does it retain the optimal properties for which it is known. Lactoferrin-BT from Vitals contains 200 mg of the highest-quality lactoferrin, which is encapsulated in a special, gastro-resistant capsule. This ensures that it reaches its destination in the body undamaged.

What exactly is lactoferrin?

Lactoferrin, a protein derived from the whey proteins in milk, is composed of a long chain of up to 700 amino acids . Breast milk is the richest natural source of lactoferrin. It is also found in smaller quantities 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 a raw material for the production of lactoferrin in dietary supplements and as an additive in infant formula. The name of this protein is derived from the Latin terms ‘lac’ (for milk) and ‘ferrum’ (for iron). The latter refers to lactoferrin’s pronounced ability to bind iron. Naturally, two variants exist: hololactoferrin and apolactoferrin. Hololactoferrin is the form that is more than 80 per cent saturated with iron, whilst apolactoferrin contains a very small amount of iron (less than 5 per cent). As it is technically impossible to produce a pure form of apolactoferrin, a mixed form is usually used in dietary supplements. However, it is advisable to choose an iron saturation percentage that is as low as possible. This allows the iron-binding capacity of lactoferrin to be utilised to the full. Vitals’ Lactoferrin-BT is a high-quality lactoferrin supplement with a low iron saturation level (around 10 %).

High quality

The quality of lactoferrin is determined by various factors . The most important aspect, however, is the preservation of the spatial structure of the molecule, as this is crucial for the properties and activity of proteins in general. Apart from the low iron saturation. Under specific conditions (e.g. high temperature or low pH), a process known as ‘denaturation’ may occur. This damages the three-dimensional structure of the protein molecule, causing it to lose its properties. Protein denaturation is an irreversible process; therefore, it is of the utmost importance in the lactoferrin manufacturing process to treat this precious substance with the greatest possible care. Laboratory analyses can confirm the preservation of the three-dimensional structure. Comparative studies have shown that not all lactoferrin available on the market performs equally well in this respect. This may sometimes be due to the fact that the lactoferrin is derived from whey that has already undergone several processing stages during which denaturation may occur, rather than from fresh milk. The production of Biotis® Lactoferrin in Lactoferrin-BT by Vitals is carried out using fresh cow’s milk via a highly refined and gentle process. This ensures that this precious protein retains its natural properties. Furthermore, lactoferrin is sensitive to low pH levels. Vitals therefore uses a special capsule for this product, which does not dissolve in the acidic environment of the stomach, but only opens in the small intestine.

The purity of the lactoferrin is also a key consideration.

The purity should be at least 95 per cent. 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 forms the outer membrane of certain bacterial species. Contrary to popular belief, the possible presence of LPS is not specific to products containing lactoferrin. It is found in numerous foods. Even some harmless bacterial species commonly found in our gut 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 is, which serves as the source of lactoferrin. The less fresh the milk is, the more bacteria grow or the more dead bacteria are present in it. 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 involves several quality controls. In summary, it can be said that Vitals’ Lactoferrin-BT is characterised by high purity and quality, as well as a very low level of impurities such as LPS. In addition, Lactoferrin-BT has a lactose content of no more than 0.01% (0.02 mg per capsule).

More about FrieslandCampina Ingredients

FrieslandCampina was formed through the merger of Friesland Foods and Campina. A distinctive feature of FrieslandCampina is that it is a so-called co-operative. This means that the dairy farmers manage the business themselves. A key advantage is that the farms are run with a genuine passion for the dairy industry and the revenue from the products benefits the farmers. FrieslandCampina (operating under the company name FrieslandCampina Ingredients) offers, in addition to various types of dairy products, high-quality individual ingredients derived from milk. Cow’s milk provides a wide range 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 research of high-quality milk components . This includes, amongst other things, working closely with renowned researchers at Wageningen University. Around 25 years ago, FrieslandCampina began extracting lactoferrin from cow’s milk and has been a pioneer in this field ever since. Initially, it was used as an additive in baby food (as lactoferrin is also an important component of breast milk), but later also for other applications such as food supplements. At that time, Biotis® Lactoferrin became 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 been resting on its laurels. The construction of a new, state-of-the-art production facility in Veghel (Netherlands), dedicated exclusively to the manufacture of lactoferrin, represents the latest milestone. Vitals is delighted to be working with this first-class manufacturer and can therefore offer you the highest-quality lactoferrin on the market !

Key ingredients

* No reference amount specified under the Food Information Regulation (LMIV)
Biotis® is a registered trademark of FrieslandCampina Ingredients.

Ingredients

Lactoferrin (from freshcow’s milk), vegetable capsule (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, pectin), bulking agent (microcrystalline cellulose [cellulose gel]).

Recommended intake

Take 1–2 capsules per day with water as part of a meal. In a special enteric-coated capsule to protect the lactoferrin so that it can take effect in the body at the right time. Storage instructions

Storage instructions

Store in a cool, dry place away from light (not in the fridge).

Legal information

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