Lactoferrin
Also known as: Lf, Bovine lactoferrin, Human lactoferrin
Meta‑analysis and systematic reviews of human trials report that oral lactoferrin supplementation can reduce some systemic inflammatory markers (notably IL‑6 at ~200 mg/day) and may reduce respiratory tract infection outcomes in infants and children when included in formulas (reported dose ranges 35–833 mg/day). In preterm infants, network meta‑analysis found combinations of probiotics plus lactoferrin associated with reduced sepsis versus placebo, while lactoferrin alone shows less consistent benefit across outcomes. Evidence quality and optimal dosing strategies remain uncertain.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-14 · 3 indexed studies
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Overview
Lactoferrin is an iron‑binding glycoprotein found in human and bovine milk that has antimicrobial and immune‑modulating properties. Human trials and systematic reviews have examined oral lactoferrin for effects on inflammation, respiratory infections in infants and children, prevention of neonatal morbidity when combined with probiotics, and as part of treatment for iron deficiency anaemia in some paediatric contexts.
Mechanism & Function
Mechanism of Action
Lactoferrin binds iron and has direct antimicrobial activity, and modulates immune responses; these actions are proposed to reduce pathogen growth and attenuate inflammatory signalling, which could lower infection incidence and systemic inflammation.
Physiological Role
Iron sequestration and transport, innate immune defence in mucosal secretions (e.g. milk, saliva), modulation of inflammatory cytokines.
Primary Pathways
Performance / Health Relevance
Not primarily an ergogenic agent. Relevance is to general health through immune support, reduction of inflammatory markers, and neonatal morbidity when used with probiotics; may aid correction of iron deficiency when used alongside iron formulations in paediatric care as reported in clinical trials.
Evidence Review
Practical Use & Dosage
- Minimum Effective Dose
- 200 mg/day (adult studies showing reductions in IL‑6)
- Optimal Range
- Not established; trials used a wide range (reported 35–833 mg/day in infant formulas; 200 mg/day reported in adult inflammation studies).
- Upper / Caution Level
- Not established
- Timing
- Not established
- Best Format
- Oral powder/capsule or inclusion in infant formula as used in trials
- Bioavailability
- Not established in the provided abstracts
- Absorption Considerations
- Not established in the provided abstracts
Safety & Interactions
Side Effects
- •Adverse effects not consistently reported in the provided abstracts
Who Should Avoid
- •Not established from provided abstracts
Monitoring
Clinical trials and reviews in the provided abstracts do not report consistent monitoring requirements; standard clinical monitoring appropriate for the population (for example infants or those with iron disorders) was implied.
Frequently Asked Questions
Auto-generated from indexed evidence — dosage, safety, interactions, and more.
When is Lactoferrin typically used or indicated?
Lactoferrin is most commonly used for: Support immune function, Reduce risk or duration of respiratory tract infections (especially in infants/children), Adjunct in prevention of neonatal morbidity (with probiotics) in preterm infants, Support iron status (used with iron supplements in some paediatric settings). Iron sequestration and transport, innate immune defence in mucosal secretions (e.g. milk, saliva), modulation of inflammatory cytokines.
How does Lactoferrin work?
Lactoferrin binds iron and has direct antimicrobial activity, and modulates immune responses; these actions are proposed to reduce pathogen growth and attenuate inflammatory signalling, which could lower infection incidence and systemic inflammation.
What is the recommended dose of Lactoferrin?
The optimal range is Not established; trials used a wide range (reported 35–833 mg/day in infant formulas; 200 mg/day reported in adult inflammation studies).. with a minimum effective dose of 200 mg/day (adult studies showing reductions in IL‑6). Best taken: Not established. Upper / caution level: Not established.
What are the side effects of Lactoferrin?
Reported side effects include: Adverse effects not consistently reported in the provided abstracts. Monitoring: Clinical trials and reviews in the provided abstracts do not report consistent monitoring requirements; standard clinical monitoring appropriate for the population (for example infants or those with iron disorders) was implied.
Who should avoid Lactoferrin?
Lactoferrin is generally not recommended for: Not established from provided abstracts.
How strong is the evidence for Lactoferrin?
Evidence level: Moderate (overall score 60/100), based on 3 indexed studies on SuppIndex.
Research & References (3)
Effect of Lactoferrin Supplementation on Inflammation, Immune Function, and Prevention of Respiratory Tract Infections in Humans: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
Systematic review and meta‑analysis of 25 trials examining lactoferrin supplementation effects on inflammation, immune function and respiratory tract infections in humans. Included adults and children; analysed inflammatory biomarkers and RTI outcomes.
Probiotics, Prebiotics, Lactoferrin, and Combination Products for Prevention of Mortality and Morbidity in Preterm Infants: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis.
Systematic review and network meta‑analysis of 106 trials in 25,840 preterm infants assessing probiotics, prebiotics, lactoferrin and combinations for prevention of morbidity and mortality.
Dietary and nutritional interventions in children with cerebral palsy: A systematic literature review.
Systematic review of randomized trials of dietary and nutritional interventions in children with cerebral palsy; one included trial reported use of lactoferrin with iron hydroxide polymaltose for iron deficiency anaemia.
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Research Overview
Moderate EvidenceCite this ingredient
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Stable URL
https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/lactoferrin
SuppIndex. (2026). Lactoferrin: Evidence summary, dosage and clinical studies. Retrieved October 16, 2026, from https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/lactoferrin
Based on 3 indexed studies · Evidence level: Moderate.
Goal Ratings
Stack Compatibility
Studied in combination with probiotics in preterm infants and with iron preparations in paediatric anemia trials; benefits in those combinations were reported in systematic reviews/meta‑analyses.