title: Lactoferrin and necrotizing enterocolitis.
abstract: Lactoferrin (LF) is a multifunctional protein and a member of the transferrin family. LF and lysozyme in breast milk kill bacteria. In the stomach, pepsin digests and releases a potent peptide antibiotic called lactoferricin from native LF. The antimicrobial characteristics of LF may facilitate a healthy intestinal microbiome. LF is the major whey in human milk; its highest concentration is in colostrum. This fact highlights early feeding of colostrum and also fresh mature milk as a way to prevent necrotizing enterocolitis.
authors: Division of Neonatology, Women's and Children's Hospital, University of Missouri Health System, University of Missouri, Suite 206, 404 Keene Street, Columbia, MO 65201, USA. ShermanMP@health.missouri.edu
authors: Michael P
authors: MP
authors: Sherman
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003126:Colostrum / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D020345:Enterocolitis, Necrotizing / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007421:Intestine, Small / Q000276:immunology* / Q000382:microbiology; D007781:Lactoferrin / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D054892:Metagenome / Q000276:immunology; D008892:Milk / Q000378:metabolism; D008895:Milk, Human / Q000737:chemistry / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D009113:Muramidase / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D009113:Muramidase; D007781:Lactoferrin