Inflammatory responses improve with milk ribonuclease-enriched lactoferrin supplementation in postmenopausal women

A 6-month, randomized clinical study was conducted to evaluate the effect of a ribonuclease-enriched lactoferrin (R-ELF) supplement on the circulating cytokine levels and bone health of postmenopausal women. Thirty-eight healthy postmenopausal women, aged 45-60 years, were randomized into placebo and R-ELF groups. The R-ELF group was supplemented with R-ELF (2 x 125 mg/day) and calcium (100% RDA), while the placebo group received only the calcium supplement. Serum levels of receptor activator for NF-kappa B ligand (RANKL), C-reactive protein (CRP) and various pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines were determined by ELISA. Pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-alpha decreased significantly (-44 and -10%, respectively) while anti-inflammatory IL-10 increased (140%) due to R-ELF supplementation at the end of study. RANKL and CRP were modestly reduced (-50%) relative to their placebo levels, although RANKL elevated initially. R-ELF supplementation showed beneficial effects towards improvement of inflammatory status in postmenopausal women.