LACTOFERRIN
L
Description
Lactoferrin test measures the level of lactoferrin, a protein released by white blood cells, in a stool sample to detect inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. Often referred to as the Lactoferrin Quantitative Test, it’s commonly used to diagnose or monitor inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. High lactoferrin levels point to active inflammation, while low levels are usually linked to non-inflammatory conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This test is especially useful for people experiencing symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, or rectal bleeding. The results help healthcare providers determine the cause of symptoms and create a care plan tailored to the patient, which may include medications or dietary changes. Regular testing of lactoferrin levels helps manage gastrointestinal and inflammatory conditions more effectively.
Procedure
Non-Invasive
Sample Type
Fluid | Stool
Test Category
Proteins
Procedure Category
Measure
Units
Micrograms Per Milliliter
Test Groups
Chronic Illness Group: This group encompasses a range of tests specifically tailored to assess markers associated with chronic health conditions, providing comprehensive insights into the management and monitoring of chronic illnesses.
Optimal Range
For All Individuals:
Conventional Unit: Not Available
SI Unit: Not Available
Normal Range
For All Individuals:
Conventional Unit: <7.25 µg/mL
SI Unit: <7.25 µg/mL
Results That Differ From The Norm (Direct and Indirect Causes)
Increased levels may indicate:
Abscesses (Localized collection of pus)
Bacterial overgrowth (Excessive growth of bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract)
Colorectal cancer
Crohn's disease (Chronic inflammatory bowel disease)
Gastrointestinal infections (Infections affecting the digestive tract)
Inflammatory bowel disease...
Key Reasons For Testing
Detection of Intestinal Inflammation: Identifies intestinal inflammation in conditions like Crohn’s disease.
Differentiation of Gastrointestinal Conditions: Distinguishes between inflammatory and non-inflammatory gastrointestinal disorders.
Monitoring Disease Activity: Tracks progression and treatment response in inflammatory bowel diseases.
Evaluation of Gastrointestinal Infections: Detects inflammation caused by infections through stool sample analysis.
Health Status Conditions It May Be Used To Assess
Currently, this test is not directly associated with any conditions listed on the Health Status page. However, it may be included as part of a broader set of tests linked to specific health conditions.
Some Prominent Medical Labs That May Offer This Test
Please note that this particular test has not been associated with any of the listed prominent medical labs. We recommend enquiring with your private physician or nearest hospital to determine where this specific test can be performed.
References
Important Note
Any medical procedure yielding results outside the norm may be directly or indirectly linked to the conditions outlined on this page. Various factors, including genetics, medication and supplement usage, recent illnesses, pregnancy, pre-test eating, smoking, and stress, can impact the test's outcome. Additionally, factors like false positives, false negatives, inaccurate analyses, and others can influence results.
Reference ranges, which help healthcare professionals interpret medical tests, may vary depending on age, gender, and other factors. They may also differ between laboratories due to variations in instruments and methods used. Optimal ranges are designed for preventive purposes, aiming to identify trends and potential risks early, while normal ranges reflect conventional laboratory values indicating no current disease or pathology. Your healthcare practitioner may have specific reasons for testing that deviate from the usual or may interpret results differently based on individual circumstances. Proper interpretation typically involves considering clinical findings and other diagnostic tests. Hence, it is crucial to provide your healthcare professionals with a comprehensive medical history, consult with them for result interpretation, and follow their guidance for potential re-testing or additional diagnostics.
Disclaimer
This content is provided solely for informative and educational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. Regarding the interpretation of their medical test results and/or specific health questions, it is recommended that all readers and viewers consult their physicians or other qualified health professionals. The publisher is not responsible for any adverse health effects that may result from reading or following the information in this educational content. Before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program, all viewers, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physician or health care practitioner.
Please note that while prominent lab names are included in this content, we cannot guarantee that these labs offer all the tests mentioned. For confirmation, individuals should contact the labs directly or consult their medical practitioners. The information provided reflects general knowledge at the time of publication and may not include recent updates or emerging research. Readers should verify details with qualified professionals to ensure the most up-to-date and accurate guidance.
[1] Legrand D. Lactoferrin, a key molecule in immune and inflammatory processes. Biochem Cell Biol. 2012;90(3):252-268.
[2] Berlutti F, Pantanella F, Natalizi T, et al. Antiviral properties of lactoferrin—a natural immunity molecule. Molecules. 2011;16(8):6992-7018.
[3] Baveye S, Elass E, Mazurier J, Legrand D. Lactoferrin: a multifunctional glycoprotein involved in the modulation of the inflammatory process. Clin Chem Lab Med. 1999;37(3):281-286.
[4] González-Chávez SA, Arévalo-Gallegos S, Rascón-Cruz Q. Lactoferrin: structure, function, and applications. Int J Antimicrob Agents. 2009;33(4):301.e1-301.e8.
[5] Yen CC, Shen CJ, Hsu WH, et al. Lactoferrin: an iron-binding antimicrobial protein against clinical Staphylococcus aureus isolates. Biometals. 2011;24(4):585-594.
[6] Brock JH. Lactoferrin: a multifunctional immunoregulatory protein? Immunol Today. 1995;16(9):417-419.
[7] Cornish J, Naot D. Lactoferrin as an effector molecule in the skeleton. Biometals. 2010;23(3):425-430.
[8] Penco S, Scarfi S, Giovine M, et al. Identification of a lactoferrin-derived peptide involved in the modulation of bone cell activity. Biochem Cell Biol. 2001;79(1):79-84.
[9] Actor JK, Hwang SA, Kruzel ML. Lactoferrin as a natural immune modulator. Curr Pharm Des. 2009;15(17):1956-1973.
[10] Ishii K, Takamura N, Shinohara M, et al. Protection of mice against oral candidiasis by oral administration of bovine lactoferrin. J Med Microbiol. 1998;47(9):829-839.
[11] Ward PP, Paz E, Conneely OM. Multifunctional roles of lactoferrin: a critical overview. Cell Mol Life Sci. 2005;62(22):2540-2548.
[12] Valenti P, Antonini G. Lactoferrin: an important host defence against microbial and viral attack. Cell Mol Life Sci. 2005;62(22):2576-2587.
[13] Shimazaki K. Lactoferrin: a marvelous multifunctional protein in milk. Anim Sci J. 2000;71(4):329-347.
[14] Lönnerdal B, Iyer S. Lactoferrin: molecular structure and biological function. Annu Rev Nutr. 1995;15:93-110.
[15] Conneely OM. Antiviral activities of lactoferrin. J Am Coll Nutr. 2001;20(Suppl 5):389S-395S.