Lactoferrin for Treating and Preventing Covid-19: A Review
Stacey J Bell1 and Lindsey R Ormond2*
1Nutritional Consultant, Boston, MA
2Director of Nutrition & Research, Milk Specialties Global, Eden Prairie, MN
*Corresponding Author: Lindsey R Ormond, Director of Nutrition & Research, Milk Specialties Global, Eden Prairie, MN
Received:
December 13, 2021; Published: January 27, 2022
Abstract
After nearly two years of living with the COVID-19 pandemic, much has been learned. Today we know that the virus that causes COVID-19 is transmitted in the air, treatments have improved, and prevention of contracting it is possible through vaccination. This opens an opportunity for natural ingredients and bovine lactoferrin is considered to be one of the best options for treating and preventing COVID-19. Lactoferrin has been studied extensively before the identification of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), which causes COVID-19. It was found to be an anti-viral agent against other viruses, and now new research has shown it to be equally effective against the virus that causes COVID-19. In addition, lactoferrin has the potential to boost the body’s natural immune function without over-reacting. Clinical studies in COVID-19 patients, who took oral bovine lactoferrin, improved faster and tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 virus sooner compared to those who were not supplemented. Besides helping treat COVID-19 patients, lactoferrin holds promise for prevention against getting it. In one clinical trial, healthy subjects, who received supplemental lactoferrin, did not develop COVID-19 despite living with family members who had it. From the current body of evidence, it is possible to determine the right amount of lactoferrin to use if you contract COVID-19 and what you need to prevent it. For treatment, use of 500 mg to 1,000 mg daily of lactoferrin is recommended until symptoms associated with COVID-19 have improved or have gone away completely. For prevention, taking 250 mg to 500 mg daily is recommended. Lactoferrin is a well-tested, safe, and natural compound with the potential to help many during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Keywords: Lactoferrin; Dietary Supplements; Novel Coronavirus; Covid-19; Sars-Cov-2; Prevent COVID-19; Treat COVID-19
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