Expert: Dr. Kristina Conner - 8/6/2009

Question
can I take lactoferrin to help my immunity and what about if I already have a virus will it help prevent sickness?

please give  me some information on it.

Answer
Hello Jessyca,
Thanks for your question.  I don't have much experience with lactoferrin on its own but I have used colostrum before( which has high amounts of lactoferrin).  I have seen that work best in children with chronically low immune function, often they were not breast fed so they never received colostrum.  I haven't suggested it much in others, mostly because there are other ways to boost the immune system that work better, also because I figure we are replacing the colostrum in some kids but for adults low immune system is often for different reasons.  It makes more sense to correct a deficency than to supplement short term for an existing infection.  In that case, you might try vitamin A, vitamin C, zinc, or any number of herbs like elderberry, andrographis, or larch which work predictably well for short term immune stimulation.  For longer term immune boosting, addressing food allergies, ensuring adequate sleep, stress management, & exercise, and correcting nutritional deficiencies are the best way to prevent.
In health,
Dr Conner