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Am J Perinatol 2018; 35(06): 561-565
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1639359
Review Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Role of Lactoferrin in Neonates and Infants: An Update

Paolo Manzoni
1   Neonatology and NICU, S. Anna Hospital, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza, Torino, Italy
,
Alberto Dall'Agnola
2   Department of Neonatology, Ospedale P. Pederzoli, Verona, Italy
,
Daniel Tomé
3   UMR PNCA, AgroParisTech, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Université Paris-Saclay, Paris, France
,
David A. Kaufman
4   Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia School of Medicine and Children's Hospital, Charlottesville, Virginia
,
Elena Tavella
1   Neonatology and NICU, S. Anna Hospital, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza, Torino, Italy
,
Marta Pieretto
1   Neonatology and NICU, S. Anna Hospital, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza, Torino, Italy
,
Alessandro Messina
1   Neonatology and NICU, S. Anna Hospital, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza, Torino, Italy
,
Daniele De Luca
5   Department of Pediatrics and Neonatal Critical Care, “A.Béclère” Medical Centre, South Paris University Hospitals, South Paris-Saclay University, Paris, France
,
Marc Bellaiche
1   Neonatology and NICU, S. Anna Hospital, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza, Torino, Italy
,
Alexis Mosca
1   Neonatology and NICU, S. Anna Hospital, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza, Torino, Italy
,
Hugues Piloquet
1   Neonatology and NICU, S. Anna Hospital, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza, Torino, Italy
,
Umberto Simeoni
1   Neonatology and NICU, S. Anna Hospital, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza, Torino, Italy
,
Jean-Charles Picaud
6   Service de Réanimation Néonatale, Université, Hôpital de la Croix Rousse, Lyon, France
,
Antonio Del Vecchio
7   Department of Women's and Children's Health, ASL Bari, Bari, Italy
› Author Affiliations Funding Sodilac provided financial support for this article.
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Publication History

Publication Date:
25 April 2018 (online)

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Abstract

Lactoferrin is one of the most represented and important bioactive proteins in human and mammal milk. In humans, lactoferrin is responsible for several actions targeting anti-infective, immunological, and gastrointestinal domains in neonates, infants, and young children. Evidence-based data vouch for the ability of supplemented lactoferrin to prevent sepsis and necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm infants and to reduce the burden of morbidity related to gastrointestinal and respiratory pathogens in young children. However, several issues remain pending regarding answers and clarification related to quality control, correct intakes, optimal schedules and schemes of supplementations, interactions with probiotics, and different types of milk and formulas. This review summarizes the current evidence regarding lactoferrin and discusses the areas in need of further guidance prior to the adoption of strategies that include a routine use of lactoferrin in neonates and young children.

Keywords

lactoferrin - neonates - infant - nutrition - infection - sepsis - necrotizing enterocolitis
 

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