Image 1 of 2
Image 2 of 2
Lactoferrin
Lactoferrin – Immune, Gut & Iron Metabolism Support
Lactoferrin is a naturally occurring protein found in milk, colostrum, saliva, tears, and other protective fluids in the body. It binds iron and plays an important role in immune defence, gut barrier function, microbial balance, and iron handling. Human research has studied lactoferrin for immune and inflammatory markers, respiratory tract infection outcomes, gastrointestinal and mucosal health, and iron status support in specific populations.
Potential Health Benefits of Lactoferrin
Supports immune function and inflammatory balance
Assists gut and mucosal immune wellness
Supports healthy iron metabolism and iron status
Further Information
Traditional & Historical Use
Lactoferrin is not a traditional herbal medicine, but it has long been part of human nutrition through breast milk, colostrum, and dairy-derived foods. It is especially concentrated in colostrum and early milk, where it contributes to immune protection, gut development, and iron handling in early life. Modern supplements commonly use bovine lactoferrin, which has been researched for immune, gastrointestinal, respiratory, and iron-related health applications.
Immune Function & Inflammatory Balance
A systematic review and meta-analysis of human studies found that lactoferrin supplementation has been investigated for immune function, inflammation, and respiratory tract infection outcomes. The review reported effects on selected immune and inflammatory markers, with outcomes varying by dose, study population, and supplementation duration.
Gut & Mucosal Immune Support
Lactoferrin is described in clinical literature as an iron-binding glycoprotein naturally present in human milk and mucosal secretions. Reviews describe roles in gastrointestinal and immune development, mucosal defence, microbial balance, and gut barrier-related function, particularly through iron binding and immune-regulating activity.
Iron Metabolism Research
Lactoferrin has been studied as an alternative or adjunct to conventional iron supplementation in iron deficiency anaemia research. Meta-analyses in pregnancy and broader clinical populations suggest oral bovine lactoferrin may improve haemoglobin and iron status markers, with some studies reporting better gastrointestinal tolerability than ferrous salts. It should not replace prescribed iron treatment unless guided by a healthcare professional.
Respiratory Wellness Research
Human research has investigated lactoferrin for respiratory tract infection outcomes. A systematic review and meta-analysis found lactoferrin supplementation was associated with reduced incidence of respiratory tract infections in some studied populations, although findings varied across study design, age group, and dose.
Safety & Considerations
Lactoferrin is generally considered well tolerated when used appropriately, particularly when derived from bovine milk. Individuals with dairy allergy, milk protein sensitivity, underlying medical conditions, or those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking iron supplements, or using prescription medication should consult a qualified healthcare professional before use. As with all supplements, use only as directed and seek medical advice before consuming if unsure whether this product is suitable for your individual needs.
References
Effect of Lactoferrin Supplementation on Inflammation, Immune Function, and Prevention of Respiratory Tract Infections in Humans: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9526865/The Role of Lactoferrin in Gastrointestinal and Immune Development and Function
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27234407/Lactoferrin or Ferrous Salts for Iron Deficiency Anemia in Pregnancy: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29059584/Comparative Effects between Oral Lactoferrin and Ferrous Sulfate in Iron-Deficiency Anemia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35276902/Lactoferrin as a Natural Immune Modulator
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2915836/Lactoferrin from Bovine Milk: A Protective Companion for Life
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7551115/
Lactoferrin – Immune, Gut & Iron Metabolism Support
Lactoferrin is a naturally occurring protein found in milk, colostrum, saliva, tears, and other protective fluids in the body. It binds iron and plays an important role in immune defence, gut barrier function, microbial balance, and iron handling. Human research has studied lactoferrin for immune and inflammatory markers, respiratory tract infection outcomes, gastrointestinal and mucosal health, and iron status support in specific populations.
Potential Health Benefits of Lactoferrin
Supports immune function and inflammatory balance
Assists gut and mucosal immune wellness
Supports healthy iron metabolism and iron status
Further Information
Traditional & Historical Use
Lactoferrin is not a traditional herbal medicine, but it has long been part of human nutrition through breast milk, colostrum, and dairy-derived foods. It is especially concentrated in colostrum and early milk, where it contributes to immune protection, gut development, and iron handling in early life. Modern supplements commonly use bovine lactoferrin, which has been researched for immune, gastrointestinal, respiratory, and iron-related health applications.
Immune Function & Inflammatory Balance
A systematic review and meta-analysis of human studies found that lactoferrin supplementation has been investigated for immune function, inflammation, and respiratory tract infection outcomes. The review reported effects on selected immune and inflammatory markers, with outcomes varying by dose, study population, and supplementation duration.
Gut & Mucosal Immune Support
Lactoferrin is described in clinical literature as an iron-binding glycoprotein naturally present in human milk and mucosal secretions. Reviews describe roles in gastrointestinal and immune development, mucosal defence, microbial balance, and gut barrier-related function, particularly through iron binding and immune-regulating activity.
Iron Metabolism Research
Lactoferrin has been studied as an alternative or adjunct to conventional iron supplementation in iron deficiency anaemia research. Meta-analyses in pregnancy and broader clinical populations suggest oral bovine lactoferrin may improve haemoglobin and iron status markers, with some studies reporting better gastrointestinal tolerability than ferrous salts. It should not replace prescribed iron treatment unless guided by a healthcare professional.
Respiratory Wellness Research
Human research has investigated lactoferrin for respiratory tract infection outcomes. A systematic review and meta-analysis found lactoferrin supplementation was associated with reduced incidence of respiratory tract infections in some studied populations, although findings varied across study design, age group, and dose.
Safety & Considerations
Lactoferrin is generally considered well tolerated when used appropriately, particularly when derived from bovine milk. Individuals with dairy allergy, milk protein sensitivity, underlying medical conditions, or those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking iron supplements, or using prescription medication should consult a qualified healthcare professional before use. As with all supplements, use only as directed and seek medical advice before consuming if unsure whether this product is suitable for your individual needs.
References
Effect of Lactoferrin Supplementation on Inflammation, Immune Function, and Prevention of Respiratory Tract Infections in Humans: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9526865/The Role of Lactoferrin in Gastrointestinal and Immune Development and Function
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27234407/Lactoferrin or Ferrous Salts for Iron Deficiency Anemia in Pregnancy: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29059584/Comparative Effects between Oral Lactoferrin and Ferrous Sulfate in Iron-Deficiency Anemia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35276902/Lactoferrin as a Natural Immune Modulator
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2915836/Lactoferrin from Bovine Milk: A Protective Companion for Life
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7551115/