Relation between Lactoferrin Level and Number of Bifidobacterium or Candida in Feces

Lactoferrin in feces of healthy individuals was measured by means of latex agglutination method. Lactoferrin titers in 16 out of 31 fecal samples were under 1: 10, and that in 15 were 1: 10 or 1: 20. In the feces with high lactoferrin titer, large numbers of Bifidobacterium were present (more than 1010/g feces) ; conversely, in the feces with low lactoferrin titer, the numbers of Bifidobacterium were significantly lower (108-109/g feces) (p<0.05). In the feces with high lactoferrin titer, small numbers of Candida were present, but among the samples with low lactoferrin titer, some had large numbers and some had small numbers of Candida. It was demonstrated in vitro that lactoferrin accelerated the growth of Bifidobacterium and slightly suppressed the growth of Candida.