Lactoferrin -- Jan Hodges says she "would use lactoferrin with any cancer." Made from whey, lactoferrin boosts the immune system and may act as an angiogenic, which means it may deprive tumors of their blood supply. It also may help relieve side effects of radiation. If it does nothing, at least it will not hurt people or pets. Most health food stores and iherb.com carry lactoferrin. Jan gets Jarrow 250 mg lactoferrin and if one of her Danes had cancer she would give 1500 mg a day. Large dogs over 100 lb. take "human doses" so that could be the recommended daily dose for a human.

Reishe Mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) is the next thing Jan Hodges would use (people or pets). Reishi is a tree fungus and there are many formulations that include a lot of other ingredients, so be sure to get plain Reishi Extract. Historically used in Asia as a semi-magical healing herb to prevent and treat cancer and strengthen immunity, contemporary herbalists regard reishi as an adaptogen, helping body to resist stress of all kinds. Reishi comes in capsules of standardized extract.

Milk Thistle Extract (Silymarin) supports healthy liver function by displacing toxins trying to bind to the liver as well as by causing the liver to regenerate more quickly. Good for older pets and people (especially people of any age who drink too much alcohol -- happily, pets do not have that problem). Jan says, "I would give milk thistle with essiac right away, as it buffers liver function." Human dose for standardized extract is 1-2 (350mg) capsules 3 times daily (1050mg/day). For pets, regard a "human dose" as 100 lbs to calculate your pet dose (10 lb pet = 105mg/day = 35mg 3 times daily). 350mg capsule can be opened and appropriate amount or fraction of contents added to pet's food.

Caution: According to Jan, one person said their dog could not tolerate milk thistle and was made very ill by it (also see the CMIR information about it below). As with all these supplements, it is prudent to add one thing at a time -- if there is a bad reaction, it is easier to determine the cause and stop taking that one!

Turmeric in large enough doses is supposed to prevent benign fatty tumors or even get rid of them. Tumeric is the principal ingredient in curry powder. Vets who discussed turmeric on an internet group said to give it to them until they refused to eat the food and then back off. However, Jan gives her big dogs only 1/2 teaspoon each twice a day mixed with food and they have no fatty lumps yet. Regular turmeric should be organic and the dose is to keep increasing what you put in their food until they won't eat it, and then back off. Jan has said, "I have a story about a person who took 3 tablespoons of turmeric a day, which is an example of large enough doses I am talking about." Several companies make capsules of standardized extract of turmeric, which is a lot easier to take.

This extract dose used specifically to treat mast cell cancer in a dog (it is not a preventive dose) came from a post that Jan received through a Great Dane email list. The dose is 80-120 mg per weight kg (1 kg = 2.2lbs) per day, divided in two doses. For example, 400-600 mg twice a day for a 25 lb dog, administered orally. 120 mg per kg/per day is considered the upper limit for this extract.

Flaxseed oil with cottage cheese is a good simple remedy. Human or 100 pound dog would take 1 tablespoon flax seed oil blended into 1/4 cup cottage cheese three times a day. Adjust dose by weight of human or pet, and make the small quantities fresh each day (cottage cheese or yogurt acts as necessary co-activator). Often, people and most pets (cats in particular) do not get enough Omega 3 fats, flax seed oil is an excellent source. Health food stores carry flax seed oil, Jan also recommends barleans.com. It should be cold pressed flax seed oil, must not be heated and must be refrigerated as it spoils easily (use of ground flax seed means you have to use three times as much). The flax seed oil + cottage cheese remedy was invented by Dr. Budwig, see home.online.no/~dusan/diseases/cancer/cancer_dr_budwig.html

Grape Seed Extract and Pycnogenol® are excellent anti-oxidants for dogs, Jan Hodges is not sure how cats react to them. Pycnogenol® is expensive, you can use grape seed extract instead. Bob Karjala recommended 1 grape seed extract capsule (100mg / MSM 400mg) per day (humans). Asked benefits of grape seeds extract, Bob said, "Grape seed extract contains proanthocyanidins which are very strong antioxidants and may act similarly to the CoQ-10. I have read that they may have anti-tumor effects. The brand that I took also contained 400mg per capsule of MSM (methyl sulfonyl methane) which is purported to enhance transport of substances into the cells. I would add MSM to any complementary program in case it is effective." On chemo day or the evening before, Bob advised not taking vitamins, grape seed extract or CoQ-10 (for more information, see this letter in the BoBK directory).

Pau d'Arco, also known as Lapacho (Tabebuia Impestiginosa) is made from inner bark of South American lapacho tree, indigenous peoples use it to treat cancer and variety of infectious diseases. According to Your Complete Guide to Herbs, one of lapacho's ingredients, lapachol, has antitumor properties, but when given in high enough doses to kill cancer cells, lapachol can cause serious side effects. Because lapacho may interfere with prescription anticancer drugs, consult your physician or vet before adding it to chemotherapy regime. Using capsules, human dose is 300mg 3 times daily.

Red Clover/Blue Violet Leaf herbs steeped as tea (equal parts both). Jan Hodges says these two herbs should be steeped but not boiled, and could be added to essiac tea after the 10 minute boil. Red Clover/Blue Violet Leaf may also be available as capsules. The 8 herb essiac products already have red clover in them, but not blue violet leaf. When she was treating Sven, Jan thought essiac, Pau d'arco and Red clover/blue violet were "the main tumor-killers, and CoQ-10 would be good if given in a large enough dose."

Coenzyme Q-10 is good (but expensive, says Jan Hodges) and needs to be given with fat (like olive oil or peanut butter). Since flax seed oil is Jan's preferred fat for CoQ-10, it would work added to the flax seed oil + cottage cheese remedy. Give giant dog 600mg CoQ-10 per day (divide into 6 doses). Average 40 lb dog could be given 300mg daily (divide into 3 doses), small dog or average cat 150mg daily (divide into 3 doses). Powdered CoQ-10 capsules (should contain bright yellow powder) can be opened, mixed with fat. According to Jan, CoQ-10 mixed with oil in gel capsules are not as good.

For human use, Bob Karjala recommended 400 mg of CoQ-10 per day. CoQ-10 is a vitamin-like substance related to the B vitamins, it is found in all cells of the body and is especially important to the heart. It is also called ubiquinone, and is a naturally occurring substance made by every cell in the body. It can be depleted with age or disease and is a potent antioxidant which helps to eliminate free radicals. CoQ-10 is found in vitamin stores and supermarkets, compare prices with iherb.com. CoQ-10 200mg Wafers are convenient to use, Bob Karjala got his from the drwhitaker.com Dr. Whitaker website. For more information about Coenzyme Q-10, see www.csi.unian.it/coenzymeQ.

Greentwo salve is made of Grapeseed oil, Beeswax, Pau d'Arco bark, Black Walnut hull & bark, Myrrh gum, Echinacca root, Calendula flowers, Goldenseal. Made by Jan Hodges!  Because theherbs.info does not sell essiac or anything else, and Jan Hodges is owner of site now, she does not mention it on Pet pages or this site (but as former owner, I can). Greentwo is great for people and pets, helping to relieve and heal infections, burns, bites, abrasions, cuts, itches, rashes and more...

Red Raspberry Seed Powder article on Barron Report site has best non-commercial information about cancer-fighting ellagitannins (or ellagic acid) found in Meeker variety of red raspberries, and see Pet Forum posts of 3/26/05 (Red Raspberry seed powder) and 5/15/05 (ellagitannin dosage). Although a reasonably-priced bulk source of the seed powder hasn't been located, eating one cup per day of Meeker red raspberries would provide same benefit for a human or a 100 lb dog (grin). Because it is not certain we will find a source for red raspberry seed powder to recommend, Jan is checking out a source for raspberry juice concentrate -- which might be as good.

Cat's Claw Bark (Una De Gato) is from South America. Robert Karjala added 1000mg Cat's Claw bark to his regime after reading anecdotal stories about people using it to reverse cancer.

Food made from "human grade ingredients" is what your pet should be eating. Jan Hodges gave Sven about 1/2 cup raw beef in each meal, chuck roast or roundsteak (NOT hamburger), whatever cheapest that looked good. She says, "I no longer feed my dogs anything made with ingredients I would not eat myself." http://www.mordanna.com/dogfood  (Dog Food Project) is recommended by Jan. "Many people are beginning to question the role of commercially prepared dog food in all sorts of health problems in their pets, including cancers. According to valuable this site, any commercial sources are best avoided if you want hard facts -- not biased infomercial style sales pitches trying to sell you one product or another."

The Satin Ball recipe is for dogs who won't eat, who desperately need calories and need to put on weight but who have no appetite. In Jan's experience, this is a "last resort and hope" food that many sick dogs will eat. The are several recipe versions adaptable to a dog's size. Jan also says that it is critical that sick dogs and cats drink enough water. She got one of her Danes to drink water by putting homemade chicken broth (not loaded with salt) in it and giving it to her every few hours.

Vitamins -- When her Great Dane Sven was so sick, Jan Hodges gave him vitamins too, Vitamin E, Ester C and Beta Carotene (which are all antioxidants). Later she gave him juiced carrots, which is better than Beta Carotene, but you have to use carrot juice immediately because it does not keep.

Although it is unfortunate that animals must be used in laboratory testing before tests on humans can be conducted, sometimes it benefits Pet Owners. Case in point is carrots being included in the People Diet mdanderson.org "Highest anti-cancer activity" list below, supported by animal studies (but not yet by studies on humans).

Carrot juice was important in the cancer diet of Dr. Lorraine Day, noted San Francisco orthopedic trauma surgeon who claims she cured herself of breast cancer. Norman Walker, (inventor of the Norwalk Juicer), promoted spinach and carrot juice as what he used to become healthy again. Norman Walker eventually passed away peacefully at age 114.

In the following mdanderson.org information, carrots are included in the "Highest anti-cancer activity" list, apparently supported by animal studies (but not yet by clinical studies on humans).

http://www.mdanderson.org/departments/nutrition, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, recommends that people follow dietary guidelines set by the American Cancer Society and American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR). These guidelines are consistent with dietary recommendations for warding off other diseases, including heart disease and diabetes. The recommendations include the following general suggestions:

• Eat a plant-based diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes
  
• Eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables every day
  
• Limit your intake of red meat
  
• Limit your intake of fat, especially saturated (animal-based) fats
  
• Limit your consumption of alcohol, if you drink at all
  
• Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables and starchy plant foods (such as rice and pasta)
  

Plant foods are packed with disease-fighting power  Why are plant foods so good for us? Because they contain numerous nutrients, the chemicals we need to stay healthy and ward off disease. Vitamin C is an example of a nutrient. Plants also contain fiber, which promotes health. Other plant chemicals -- called phytochemicals -- are not essential for good health (as nutrients are), but they do have disease-fighting properties. Phytochemicals give plants color and flavor. They also protect plants from insects, disease and harsh environmental conditions.

Research is growing on the number of phytochemicals that defend against cancer. Studies suggest these protective molecules work at all stages of the cancer process. Most of the research on phytochemicals has been done on animals and in laboratory studies. The next challenge is to perform clinical trials to determine whether similar health effects occur in humans.

Highest anti-cancer activity:

• garlic
• soybeans
• cabbage
• ginger
• licorice
• unbelliferous vegetables (carrots, celery, cilantro, parsley and parsnips)

Modest level of protection:

• onions, flax, citrus, turmeric
• cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower)
• solanaceous vegetables (tomatoes and peppers)
• brown rice and whole wheat

A lesser but still measurable amount of protection:

• oats and barley
• mints, rosemary, thyme, oregano, sage, basil
• cucumber, cantaloupe and berries

Navy Protocol - a cancer treatment ? The article Dog's tale of survival opens door in cancer research by Erin Kirk, appeared in USA TODAY July 25, 2002. Named the "Navy Protocol" in honor of dog named Navy, the treatment was being tested elsewhere in veterinary medicine. 2002 article said, "And researchers are excited enough by Navy's success that they will begin testing the treatment in human cancer patients later this year." The treatment is a cocktail of so-called anti-angiogenic drugs, which have been widely researched for more than a decade and work by starving tumors of their blood supply. Researchers said the three-drug combination, which was mixed into Navy's regular dog food, targets the cancer from many angles.

http://www.iherb.com/health.html
iHerb.com has licensed full contents and databases of The Natural Pharmacy (TNP), HerbalGram Magazine, German Commission E Monographs (approved and unapproved herbs) and HerbClip. You can now search these databases for information about dietary supplements (for free).

CODEX -- Could it take away our right to buy vitamins and supplements?
Popular all-night radio show "Coast to Coast AM" on July 14, 2005 featured 3 panelists (Dr. Robin Falkov, Dr. Terry Grossman and Jon Rappoport), who discussd health freedom rights and the encroachment of Codex, which seeks to regulate dosages of vitamins and supplements. The sale of vitamins and supplements is currently under fire in Europe, where health food manufacturers and retailers recently lost a challenge at the EU Court of Justice.

Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (http://www.mskcc.org) has a very large section named About Herbs, Botanicals & Other Products: Search About Herbs. These are some relevant excerpts.

Information from Sloan-Kettering:
REISHI MUSHROOM (Ganoderma lucidum) Derived from the cap and stem of the mushroom. The active constituents are thought to include both beta-glucan polysaccharides and triterpenes (1). It is used primarily as an immune stimulant by patients with HIV or cancer. In animal studies, reishi has demonstrated immunomodulatory, antitumor, antihypertensive, antihistamine and antineoplastic activity. However, no human studies have been conducted.

Information from Sloan-Kettering:
GRAPE SEED (vitis vinifera, vitis coignetiae; Family: Vitaceae) Also known as Grape Seed Oil, Grape Seed Extract, muskat. Purported uses: atherosclerosis, burns, cancer prevention, constipation, GI disorders, high cholesterol, wound healing. Obtained as a by-product of wine production, grape seeds are ground to produce grape seed oil. Anecdotally, grape seed oil and grape seed extract (GSE) have been used as a laxative, antacid, cholagogic agent, in treating burns, ulcers, and as a hand cleanser. Studies of grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) in mice have shown effectiveness in minimizing doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity as well as other drug- induced nephrotoxicity, pulmonary toxicity. In vitro studies have shown GSPE to have synergistic anti-cancer effects with doxorubicin. GSPE also inhibites atherosclerosis. Small human trials have shown possible efficacy in decreasing LDL and increasing total serum antioxidant activity. Additionally, topical application of GSPE has been shown to accelerate wound contraction and closure. Few side effects have been reported for GSPE consumption, however, because of its interference with cytochrome P450, it may affect the metabolism of certain drugs.

Information from Sloan-Kettering:
PAU D'ARCO (Tabebuia impetiginosa, Tabebuia avellanedae, Tabebuia heptaphylla), Also known as Ipe, lapacho, purple lapacho, trumpet bush and taheebo. Purported uses: cancer treatment, candida yeast infection, parasitic infections, respiratory infections. Derived from the bark of the tree. This herb has been used traditionally to treat cancer and infections. No clinical studies support its use for these claims. The quinone compounds are known to possess toxic effects and therefore this product should not be recommended. Reported adverse events include nausea, vomiting, dizziness and anemia. Use of this product may increase the activity of anticoagulants.

University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center CIMER (mdanderson.org/departments/CIMER/). CIMER stands for "Complementary/Integrative Medicine Education Resources". Many supplements are listed under Reviews of Therapies and below are listed some relevant excerpts.

Information from CMIR:
BURDOCK has historically been used to treat a wide variety of ailments, including arthritis, diabetes, and hair loss. It is a principal herbal ingredient in the popular cancer remedy Essiac. Burdock fruit has been found to cause hypoglycemia in animals, and preliminary human studies have examined the efficacy of burdock root in diabetes. In vitro and animal studies have explored the use of burdock for bacterial infections, cancer, HIV and nephrolithiasis. However, there is currently insufficient human evidence regarding the efficacy of burdock for any indication.

Information from CMIR:
CAT'S CLAW (uńa de gato, uncaria tomentosa, uncaria guianensis, saventaro) Cat's claw (Uńa de gato) refers to a number of plants with curved thorns that resemble the claws of a cat. This plant type (genus Uncaria) grows in southeast Asia and the rain forests of South America, especially Peru. The two Latin American species, guianensis and tomentosa, are often confused with each other, but have different uses. One species, Uncaria guianensis, has traditionally been used for wound healing. The other species, Uncaria tomentosa, has been used for a wide variety of traditional and non-traditional medicinal effects. (Traditional uses by native priests have been to treat anxiety.) Research Laboratory investigations of Uncaria tomentosa have focused upon immune and cancer related effects such as repair of DNA and recovery from the effects of cancer treatment by cells of the blood and lymph system. One chemical subtype of Uncaria tomentosa had supportive effects upon lymphocytes, but the other chemical sub-type had opposite effects.

Information from CMIR:
COENZYME Q10 (CoQ10) is produced by the human body and is necessary for the basic functioning of cells. CoQ10 levels are reported to decrease with age and to be low in patients with some chronic diseases such as heart conditions, muscular dystrophies, Parkinson’s disease, cancer, diabetes and HIV/AIDS. Some prescription drugs may also lower CoQ10 levels. Levels of CoQ10 in the body can be increased by taking CoQ10 supplements, although it is not clear that replacing "low CoQ10" is beneficial. CoQ10 has been used, recommended, or studied for numerous conditions, and remains controversial as a treatment in many areas.

Information from CMIR:
ESSIAC is not one, but several herbs combined and steeped in water to form a tea. Some essiac teas include four herbs: burdock root, the inner bark of slippery elm, leaves of sheep sorrel, and the root of Turkish rhubarb. Other essiac teas also include blessed thistle, red clover, kelp, and watercress. Essiac teas are promoted for general health benefits, strengthening of the immune system, improving appetite, relieving pain, and improving overall quality of life although anti-cancer affects have also been proposed.

Information from CMIR:
MAITAKE MUSHROOM (Grifola frondosa) & Beta-glucan: Maitake is the Japanese name for the edible fungus Grifola frondosa, which is characterized by a large fruiting body and overlapping caps. Maitake has been used traditionally both as a food and for medicinal purposes. Polysaccharide constituents of maitake have been associated in animal studies with multiple bioactive properties. Extracts of maitake mushroom, and particularly the beta-glucan polysaccharide constituent, have been associated with immune modulation in pre-clinical studies, and are hypothesized to exert anti-tumor effects as a result of these immune properties. Human data are limited, and at this time there is insufficient evidence to recommend for or against the use of oral maitake for any indication. Animal studies in the laboratory as well as in humans suggest that beta-glucan extracts from maitake may increase the body’s ability to fight cancer. However, these studies have not been well designed, and better research is needed before the use of maitake for cancer can be recommended.

Information from CMIR:
MILK THISTLE There are early reports from laboratory experiments that the chemicals silymarin and silibinin in milk thistle reduce the growth of human breast, cervical and prostate cancer cells. There is also one report of a patient with liver cancer who improved following treatment with milk thistle. However, this research is too early to draw firm conclusions, and effects have not been shown in high-quality human trials.

People with allergies to plants in the aster family (Compositea, Asteraceae) or to daisies, artichokes, common thistle, kiwi or to any of milk thistle’s constituents (silibinin, silychistin, silydianin, silymonin, siliandrin) may have allergic reactions to milk thistle. Anaphylactic shock (severe allergic reaction) from milk thistle tea or tablets has been reported in several patients.

Milk thistle appears to be well tolerated in recommended doses for up to six years. Some patients in studies have experienced stomach upset, headache and itching. There are rare reports of appetite loss, gas, heartburn, diarrhea, joint pain and impotence with milk thistle use. One person experienced sweating, nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, vomiting, weakness and collapse after taking milk thistle. This reaction may have been due to an allergic reaction, and improved after 24 hours. High liver enzyme levels in one person taking milk thistle returned to normal after the person stopped taking the herb.

Animal studies suggest that milk thistle may interfere with the way the body processes certain herbs or supplements using the liver’s "cytochrome P450" enzyme system. As a result, it can cause the levels of other herbs or supplements to be too high in the blood. It may also alter the effects that other herbs or supplements have on the P450 system, such as bloodroot, cat’s claw, chamomile, chaparral, chasteberry, damiana, Echinacea angustifolia, goldenseal, grapefruit, licorice, oregano, red clover, St. John’s wort, wild cherry and yucca.

Information from CMIR:
PYCNOGENOL® is the patented trade name for a water extract of the bark of the French maritime pine (Pinus pinaster ssp. atlantica), which is grown in coastal south-west France. Pycnogenol® contains oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs) as well as several other bioflavonoids: catechin, epicatechin, phenolic fruit acids (such as ferulic acid and caffeic acid), and taxifolin. Procyanidins are oligometric catechins found at high concentrations in red wine, grapes, cocoa, cranberries, apples and some supplements such as Pycnogenol®.

There has been some confusion in the U. S. market regarding OPC products containing Pycnogenol® or Grape Seed Extract (GSE), because one of the generic terms for chemical constituents ("pycnogenols") is the same as the patented trade name (Pycnogenol®). Some GSE products were formerly erroneously labeled and marketed in the U.S. as containing "pycnogenols." Although GSE and Pycnogenol® do contain similar chemical constituents (primarily in the OPC fraction), the chemical, pharmacological and clinical literature on the two products is distinct. The term Pycnogenol® should therefore only be used to refer to this specific proprietary pine bark extract. Scientific literature regarding this product should not be referenced as a basis for the safety or effectiveness of GSE.

Information from CMIR:
TUMERIC (Curcuma longa Linn.) and CIRCUMIN: The rhizome (root) of turmeric (Curcuma longa Linn.) has long been used in traditional Asian medicine to treat gastrointestinal upset, arthritic pain and "low energy." Laboratory and animal research has demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-cancer properties of turmeric and its constituent curcumin. However, due to methodological weaknesses in the available studies, an evidence-based recommendation cannot be made regarding the use of turmeric or curcumin for any specific indication. Several early animal and laboratory studies report anti-cancer (colon, skin, breast) properties of curcumin. Many mechanisms have been considered, including antioxidant activity, anti-angiogenesis (prevention of new blood vessel growth) and direct effects on cancer cells. Reliable human studies are lacking in this area. It remains unclear if turmeric or curcumin has a role in preventing or treating human cancers.

Information from CMIR:
GREEN TEA   Several large studies have been undertaken to examine the possible association between green tea consumption and reduced cancer incidence. Although much of this research suggests cancer-protective properties of habitual green tea consumption, some studies have not observed significant benefits. In studies that have shown benefits, it is not clear if other lifestyle choices of people who drink tea may actually be the beneficial factors. If there is benefit, it may be small and require large amounts of daily consumption (several cups per day).

http://www.iherb.com/health.html licensed databases of The Natural Pharmacy (TNP), HerbalGram Magazine, German Commission E Monographs, HerbClip and several "Alternative Doctor" sites. Search of these databases produced information not found on the Sloan-Kettering or CMIR sites.

From HerbalGram - The Journal of the American Botanical Council http://www.herbalgram.org LACTOFERRIN
Colostrum-derived supplements, high in protein and antibodies, may offer protection for the mucosal barrier against pathogenic organisms. Research has shown that lactoferrin, a protein found in tears, saliva, mucus, and human milk, exerts immunoregulatory activity by reducing iron levels in the mucosal, thereby depriving bacteria of an essential proliferative nutrient.

From http://www.pdrhealth.com/drug_info/nmdrugprofiles/nutsupdrugs/lac_0314.shtml
LACTOFERRIN
There is some preliminary evidence from in vitro and animal research that supplemental lactoferrin may have some immune-enhancing effects. There is no evidence that it is effective as a treatment or preventive in any form of cancer. Neither is there any credible evidence to support claims that it helps those with fatigue or allergy.
A number of in vitro and animal studies have shown that lactoferrin has various bactericidal and fungicidal effects. It has exhibited significant activity against Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Staphyloccocus aureus, Candida albicans and other pathogens in these studies. In vitro, lactoferrin has similarly shown some significant activity against HIV, herpes simplex virus type 1, hepatitis C virus, cytomegalovirus and some other viruses.
Human studies, however, are almost entirely lacking. One small, recent study showed that oral lactoferrin reduced the duration and severity of bacterial infection in five neutropenic patients receiving chemotherapy for acute myelogenous leukemia, compared with nine matched controls. More research is needed.
Bovine lactoferrin, derived from whey proteins, is marketed as a nutritional supplement. Supplemental lactoferrin typically contains low amounts of iron. Supplemental lactoferrin is contraindicated in those with hypersensitivity to any component of a lactoferrin-containing product. Pregnant and nursing mothers (people or pets) should avoid using lactoferrin supplements.

From Dr. Murray newsletters (an "Alternative Doctor" site at http://www.doctormurray.com)
LACTOFERRIN
The name lactoferrin signifies that this compound is from milk (lacto) and is able to bind iron (ferrin). Initially because of its close resemblance to transferrin, research focused on lactoferrin’s iron-binding properties and how that relates to its impact on iron absorption, antimicrobial activity, and iron metabolism during inflammation. For example, one of the ways in which lactoferrin inhibits the growth of so many organisms is by making iron unavailable to these organisms. However, recent research has shown lactoferrin to exert biological activity via other means as well, such as:
        * Enhancement of immune function
        * Antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties
        * Promotion of a healthy gut flora
        * Regulation of iron metabolism
        * Antioxidant effects
Does lactoferrin exert immune enhancing effects? Yes, lactoferrin seems to exert a wide range of effects on the immune system. Researches using various animals models (i.e., rats, sheep, pigs and cats) as well as two human clinical trials on healthy subjects have found bovine lactoferrin has direct effects on the regulation and modulation of the immune system. While some of these effects may involve its iron binding action, it has also shown effects unrelated to this mechanism.
In particular, lactoferrin has shown an ability to impact of number of anticancer mechanism including regulating natural killer cell activity; the expression of mediators of white blood cell function; inhibit the formation of blood vessels to feed tumors; enhancement of cellular suicide of cancer cells.

From FDA News (http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2003/NEW00935.html):
"LACTOFERRIN Considered Safe to Fight E. Coli"