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Protein

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.

Immune SupportGut HealthLongevityBone & Joint

Does it prevent respiratory infections?

A 2022 meta-analysis found fewer respiratory infections in infants and children, but no reduction in adults. The same review found lower IL-6, an inflammatory signal, without a clear reduction in C-reactive protein. Marker changes and protection from illness are different outcomes. 1

Immune SupportMixed

The pooled infection signal favored younger participants, not adults. 1

What did the large premature-infant trial find?

ELFIN enrolled 2,203 infants born before 32 weeks in UK hospitals. Bovine lactoferrin did not significantly reduce late-onset infection: about 29% developed infection versus 31% with placebo. This finding does not support routine use for that purpose in very preterm infants. 2

Can it replace iron for anemia?

Earlier pooled trials, mostly involving pregnant women, favored lactoferrin over ferrous sulfate for hemoglobin and iron markers, but results varied markedly between studies. The authors proposed reduced inflammation as a possible explanation rather than simply greater iron absorption. 3

Why does newer evidence change the picture?

A 2026 trial randomized 555 nonpregnant women with iron-deficiency anemia in Bangladesh to 200 mg or 400 mg lactoferrin, or 60 mg elemental iron as ferrous sulfate, daily for 12 weeks. Both lactoferrin doses were inferior for improving hemoglobin. All groups also received folic acid. These findings argue against replacing iron with lactoferrin in similar settings. 4

Is there a useful gut-health hypothesis?

A crossover pilot in 12 healthy men compared standard and microencapsulated lactoferrin at 200 or 600 mg/day in four-week periods. It detected changes in gut microbes and immune markers. That is preliminary human evidence for further study, not evidence that digestive symptoms improve. 5

Microbiome healthToo little evidence

A small pilot measured microbial changes rather than clinical digestive benefit. 5

Effects by health goal

Open an effect to see the studies behind its rating. Bars show the size of the effect; the letter grades the evidence.

Longevity1 effect

Oxidative stressLongevityModerateBNo linked study

No study is linked to this rating.

Rated by SuppCo · medium confidenceEvidence record

Bone & Joint1 effect

Bone densityBone & JointModerateBNo linked study

No study is linked to this rating.

Rated by SuppCo · medium confidenceEvidence record

Other effects1 effect

InflammationModerateA3 studies
Effect of Lactoferrin Supplementation on Inflammation, Immune Function, and Prevention of Respiratory Tract Infections in Humans: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis2022Lactoferrin: an overview of its main functions, immunomodulatory and antimicrobial role, and clinical significance2021Lactoferrin: Balancing Ups and Downs of Inflammation Due to Microbial Infections2017

Rated by SuppCo · high confidenceEvidence record

All studies

9 publications are linked to Lactoferrin, newest first.

Lactoferrin: A glycoprotein that plays an active role in human health2023Prebiotic and modulatory evidence of lactoferrin on gut health and function2023The Role of Lactoferrin in Intestinal Health2023Effect of Lactoferrin Supplementation on Inflammation, Immune Function, and Prevention of Respiratory Tract Infections in Humans: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis2022Lactoferrin: an overview of its main functions, immunomodulatory and antimicrobial role, and clinical significance2021Lactoferrin: A Critical Player in Neonatal Host Defense2018Bioavailability of a Novel Form of Microencapsulated Bovine Lactoferrin and Its Effect on Inflammatory Markers and the Gut Microbiome: A Pilot Study2018Lactoferrin: Balancing Ups and Downs of Inflammation Due to Microbial Infections2017Bovine lactoferrin supplementation supports immune and antioxidant status in healthy human males.2008

Sources