The Role of Lactoferrin in Combating Candida spp. Infections Through Regulation of Oxidative Stress, Immune Response, and Nutritional Support in Women and Newborns.

Lactoferrin (LF) is a natural glycoprotein with strong antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, and nutritional potential and is widely present in milk and mucosal secretions. This paper aims to review the current knowledge on the application of lactoferrin and its bioactive peptides in the context of fungal infections caused by Candida spp., focusing on newborns and pregnant women as high-risk groups. The multifaceted mechanisms of LF action are discussed, including iron chelation, destabilization of fungal cell membranes, and modulation of the immune response. Additionally, data demonstrating the effectiveness of LF in the prevention and supportive treatment of Candida spp. infections are presented.