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GIVING FORMULA-FED INFANTS THE HEALTH BENEFITS ENJOYED BY BREAST-FED INFANTS
Human lactoferrin provides many biological benefits to breastfed infants, such as antibacterial activities, prevention of diarrhea and related de-hydration, enhancement of the immune system, and increased nutrient absorption. Currently, bovine Lf is added as a supplement to infant formulas. However, bovine lactoferrin does not bind to lactoferrin receptors in the infant small intestine to the same extent as human lactoferrin, therefore some of the biological benefits may be delivered only by human lactoferrin. Babies allergic to cow's-milk proteins, or who are lactose intolerant, commonly use soy-based formula. Soybeans expressing human lactoferrin could be used to produce soy-based infant formula containing high levels of human lactoferrin providing an attractive alternative for formula-fed infants, imparting some of the multiple health benefits enjoyed by breast-fed infants.
A soybean line expressing the human lactoferrin gene in seeds. Soybean seeds can easily be processed to produce a soy milk which contains the active human lactoferrin. This soy milk or soy extract can be used to produce soy-based infant formula, or as an adult health supplement.
Patent:
WO 00/04146 "A synthetic polynucleotide coding for human lactoferrin, vectors, cells and transgenic plants containing it", US patent currently in review.
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P.Iva. 01080070194