Lactoferrin is a major iron-binding and multifunctional protein found in exocrine fluids such as breast milk and mucosal secretions. Lactoferrin, along with Secretory IgA can have a bacteriostatic effect in the intestinal tract of a breast fed newborn. Lactoferrin may also function as a promoter of iron absorption due to the high bioavailability of iron from digested Lactoferrin.