Lactoferrin
Lactoferrin is an iron-binding protein found in human and cow's milk, saliva and tears. It is studied for its roles in microbial defense and inflammation.
What it is studied for
The strongest rated effects first. Bars show the size of the effect, the letter grades the evidence, and each rating lists the studies behind it.
What is lactoferrin?
Lactoferrin is an iron-binding protein found in human and cow’s milk, saliva and tears. Researchers study its roles in microbial defense and inflammation. 1
Why does iron binding interest researchers?
Laboratory research explores how lactoferrin binds iron and interferes with interactions between microbes and host cells. These mechanisms offer plausible reasons to study infection outcomes; they do not establish the effectiveness of an oral supplement. 1
Key studies
The most recent publications linked to Lactoferrin's ratings.
Why people take it
SuppCo community snapshot, 2026-09-28. Reasons for use are not evidence that it works.
Questions people ask
Does lactoferrin reliably prevent colds in adults?
The reviewed pooled adult trials did not show a lower respiratory-infection incidence. 2
Can a change in inflammation markers still be interesting?
Yes. The IL-6 finding is worth further study, although other measured markers did not clearly improve. 2
Is lactoferrin the same as an iron supplement?
No. It is an iron-binding protein, and the 2026 anemia trial found it inferior to ferrous sulfate. 1 3
Is a milk-derived supplement automatically suitable for milk allergy?
No. The food-safety assessment could not rule out allergenicity and noted other milk proteins in the ingredient. 4
Has a best dose for everyone been established?
The studies reviewed used different preparations and populations; the immune review called for better evidence on optimal supplementation. 2