"Lactoferrin fortifies the body’s innate and adaptive immune system"
Independently published and peer-reviewed lactoferrin research:
There are over 10,000 published studies documenting the benefits of lactoferrin and its potential to optimise health at all stages of life. Here’s our curation of a few that stand out:
IMMUNE HEALTH
Lactoferrin for prevention of common viral infections (2013)
- Study type: Review
- Participants: -
- Dose: -
- Duration: -
- Results: Beneficial effects of oral bovine lactoferrin found in common viral infections including the common cold, influenza, viral gastroenteritis, summer cold and herpes
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Lactoferrin for reduction of common cold like symptoms (2012)
- Study type: Questionnaire
- Participants: 398
- Dose: 600mg daily
- Duration: 3 months
- Results: Significant decreases were found in the onset of cold-like symptoms and gastroenteritis symptoms in the bovine lactoferrin-consumption group compared with non-consumption group
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The clinical efficacy of bovine lactoferrin and IgF for the Common Cold (2013)
- Study type: Double blind, randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial
- Participants: 126
- Dose: 600mg daily
- Duration: 3 months
- Results: Significant decrease in the number of colds and cold-related symptoms in the general population when bovine lactoferrin is administered as a preventative supplement
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The biology of lactoferrin, an iron-binding protein that can help defend against viruses and bacteria (2020)
- Study type: Literature Review
- Participants: -
- Dose: -
- Duration: -
- Results: Lactoferrin has immunological benefits, as well as having an important antibacterial and antiviral role. Because it is known to interfere with some of the receptors used by coronaviruses, it may contribute usefully to the prevention and treatment of coronavirus infections. Bovine lactoferrin may therefore be an excellent supplement to take, not only as a contribution to prevention but perhaps as a therapy in the event COVID-19 is diagnosed.
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Effects of lactoferrin on infectious diseases in Japanese summer (2020)
- Study type: Randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled parallel-group comparative trial
- Participants: 290
- Dose: 200-600mg
- Duration: 12 weeks
- Results: The intake of bovine lactoferrin ameliorated infectious diseases, including summer colds, in a dose-responsive manner, showing suppressive effect of bovine lactoferrin on respiratory illnesses in adults.
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GUT HEALTH
Bovine lactoferrin for Helicobacter pylori eradication (2006)
- Study type: Randomised controlled trial
- Participants: 402 (210 men, 192 women)
- Dose: 200mg
- Duration: 7 days
- Results: The addition of bovine lactoferrin to the standard 1-week triple therapy for H. pylori infection significantly increased its eradication rate.
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Lactoferrin attenuates lipopolysaccharide-stimulated inflammatory responses and barrier impairment through the modulation of NF-κB/MAPK/Nrf2 pathways in IPEC-J2 cells
- Study type: Cellular study
- Participants: -
- Dose: -
- Duration: -
- Results: LF treatment showed a remarkable reduction of cell permeability. Results suggested that lactoferrin alleviated LPS-induced cellular inflammation, maintaining cellular barrier integrity and mitigating oxidative stress.
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Study on the Therapeutic Benefit on Lactoferrin in Patients with Colorectal Cancer Receiving Chemotherapy
- Study type: Double-blinded parallel randomised control clinical trial
- Participants: 15 patients
- Dose: 250mg
- Duration: 3 months
- Results: Daily administration of bovine lactoferrin showed a clinically beneficial effect to colorectal cancer patients with better disease prognosis
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The Impact of Lactoferrin on the Growth of Intestinal Inhabitant Bacteria (2019)
- Study type: Review
- Participants: -
- Dose: -
- Duration: -
- Results: The iron-binding capacity of lactoferrin confers the property of limiting the growth of gut pathogens, which requires iron to proliferate. Simultaneously, lactoferrin can also enhance the growth of gut-beneficial microorganisms such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus. The immunomodulation of the intestinal immune system by lactoferrin on probiotics may provide natural and sustainable approaches to control infectious diseases by strengthening intestinal homeostasis.
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ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE & COGNITIVE FUNCTION
A study on the effect of lactoferrin on Alzheimer's disease (2019)
- Study type: Open-label, randomised, controlled pilot study
- Participants: 50 (28 men and 22 women)
- Dose: 250mg daily
- Duration: 3 months
- Results: Significantly improved cognitive function and possible protective mechanism of lactoferrin in Alzheimer's Disease through its ability to alleviate the AD pathological cascade and cognitive decline
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IRON DEFICIENCY & ANAEMIA
The effectiveness of oral bovine lactoferrin compared to iron supplementation in patients with a low haemoglobin profile (2024)
- Study type: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials
- Participants: -
- Dose: 100–250 mg/day
- Duration: -
- Results: A safer option and with high compliance evidence, lactoferrin can serve as an iron replacement treatment for patients who may be experiencing adverse side effects due to iron intake.
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Comparative Effects between Oral Lactoferrin and Ferrous Sulfate Supplementation on Iron-Deficiency Anemia (2022)
Study type: A Comprehensive Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials
- Participants: -
- Dose: -
- Duration: -
- Results: The major advantages of lactoferrin compared with traditional iron supplement ferrous sulfate are gastrointestinal tolerance and fewer side effects caused by the intake of high-dose iron. The anti-inflammatory effect of lactoferrin can partially explain why it had a better iron-improving effect.
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BONE HEALTH & OSTEOPOROSIS
The role of lactoferrin in bone remodeling: evaluation of its potential in targeted delivery and treatment of metabolic bone diseases and orthopedic conditions
- Study type: Review
- Participants: -
- Dose: -
- Duration: -
- Results: By improving bone mineral density and reducing the risk of bone loss, Lf may help prevent fractures and other osteoporosis-related complications.
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