Lactoferrin
Research reviewed: 2001–2019
Lactoferrin (Bovine lactoferrin) is a dietary supplement with 8 published peer-reviewed studies involving 924 participants, researched for Iron Absorption, Immune Function, Antimicrobial Effects and 1 more areas.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Iron Absorption
ModerateImmune Function
ModerateAntimicrobial Effects
ModerateGut Health
StrongResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Iron Absorption
Evaluate bovine lactoferrin on iron absorption in iron-deficient adults
Study Type
Randomised Controlled Trial
Purpose
Evaluate bovine lactoferrin on iron absorption in iron-deficient adults
Dose
100 mg/day lactoferrin
Participants
80
Duration
4 weeks
Results
Significantly improved serum ferritin and haemoglobin vs iron supplement alone; superior bioavailability
How They Measured It
Serum ferritin, haemoglobin, haematocrit
Assess lactoferrin for iron deficiency anaemia in pregnancy
Study Type
Randomised Controlled Trial
Purpose
Assess lactoferrin for iron deficiency anaemia in pregnancy
Dose
100 mg twice daily
Participants
300
Duration
12 weeks
Results
Lactoferrin group achieved faster haemoglobin normalisation; fewer GI side effects than ferrous sulphate; equivalent efficacy
How They Measured It
Haemoglobin, serum ferritin, TSAT
Immune Function
Assess bovine lactoferrin on immune function and infection rate
Study Type
Randomised Controlled Trial
Purpose
Assess bovine lactoferrin on immune function and infection rate
Dose
200 mg/day
Participants
120
Duration
12 weeks
Results
Significantly reduced incidence of upper respiratory infections; NK cell activity increased; sIgA elevated
How They Measured It
NK cell activity, IgA, IgG, infection frequency
Evaluate lactoferrin across clinical immune and infection outcomes
Study Type
Systematic Review
Purpose
Evaluate lactoferrin across clinical immune and infection outcomes
Dose
Various
Participants
260
Duration
Various
Results
Consistent evidence for reduced infection frequency; anti-inflammatory effects well-documented; mechanisms include cytokine modulation
How They Measured It
Pooled infection rates, immune markers, hospitalisation
Antimicrobial Effects
Evaluate lactoferrin against H. pylori as adjunct therapy
Study Type
Randomised Controlled Trial
Purpose
Evaluate lactoferrin against H. pylori as adjunct therapy
Dose
200 mg/day + standard triple therapy
Participants
80
Duration
2 weeks eradication + 4 weeks follow-up
Results
Lactoferrin adjunct improved H. pylori eradication rate by 15%; reduced GI side effects of antibiotics
How They Measured It
H. pylori eradication rate, gastric symptom scores
Gut Health
Assess lactoferrin on gut health and microbiome composition
Study Type
Randomised Controlled Trial
Purpose
Assess lactoferrin on gut health and microbiome composition
Dose
200 mg/day
Participants
60
Duration
8 weeks
Results
Significant increase in beneficial bacteria (Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium); reduced gut permeability; CRP reduced
How They Measured It
16S rRNA sequencing, gut permeability, inflammatory markers
Evaluate lactoferrin on gut inflammation in IBS patients
Study Type
Randomised Controlled Trial
Purpose
Evaluate lactoferrin on gut inflammation in IBS patients
Dose
300 mg/day
Participants
80
Duration
8 weeks
Results
Significant reduction in faecal calprotectin; IBS symptom severity improved; stool consistency normalised
How They Measured It
Faecal calprotectin, IBS-SSS, stool consistency
Test lactoferrin for reducing inflammation in active adults
Study Type
Randomised Controlled Trial
Purpose
Test lactoferrin for reducing inflammation in active adults
Dose
200 mg/day
Participants
44
Duration
12 weeks
Results
CRP reduced by 20%; IL-6 reduced by 15%; antioxidant capacity improved; well-tolerated long-term
How They Measured It
CRP, IL-6, TNF-alpha, antioxidant markers
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Lactoferrin research
There are currently 8 peer-reviewed studies on Lactoferrin (Bovine lactoferrin), involving 924 total participants. Research covers Immune Function, Antimicrobial, Iron Absorption and 1 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Very Strong.
The evidence is currently rated as "Very Strong Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (8 human studies), and reported outcomes.
Lactoferrin has been researched for: Immune Function, Antimicrobial, Iron Absorption, Gut Health. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 8 out of 8 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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