Home / Ingredient Directory / Lactoferrin

Reviewed by Yannis Lopez · Nutrition Industry Veteran

Last updated: October 30, 2026

Immune Support Milk-Derived Protein

Lactoferrin

A milk protein marketed for immunity and iron, with promising but limited human data

Naturally found in milk, saliva, and tears

Evidence is stronger in infants than adults

Important: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your physician before starting any supplement.

Overview

Lactoferrin is an iron-binding glycoprotein found in human and cow's milk and in body fluids such as saliva and tears. It has antimicrobial and immune-modulating properties in lab research, which is why it shows up in immune support products, infant formulas, and iron supplements. The supplement form is typically bovine lactoferrin made from cow's milk.

The honest picture is mixed. Meta-analyses report fewer respiratory infections in some analyses, but when the data are split by age, the reduction shows up in infants and children and not in adults. In adults, the clearest findings are a lower inflammatory marker (IL-6) and better iron markers than ferrous sulfate in small trials. Clinical studies in adults are limited, and the strongest results are in preterm infants under medical care, which is not a do-it-yourself use.

What the Research Shows

Respiratory Infections (Mixed)

A 2021 meta-analysis of six trials (1,194 participants) found lower odds of respiratory infection with lactoferrin (OR 0.57). A 2022 review that separated age groups found a reduction in infants and children (OR 0.78) but not in adults (OR 1.00).

Inflammation Marker (IL-6)

In adults, lactoferrin lowered interleukin-6 but not C-reactive protein or natural killer cell activity in the same 2022 review. That is a lab marker, not a proven health outcome.

Iron Status

A 2022 meta-analysis found lactoferrin improved serum iron, ferritin, and hemoglobin more than ferrous sulfate in iron-deficiency anemia trials, with weaker iron absorption, so the mechanism is not settled.

Preterm Infants (Medical Setting Only)

In a 2023 network meta-analysis, lactoferrin combined with a single-strain probiotic was the most effective option for reducing sepsis in preterm infants. This is hospital care, not supplement advice.

Doses Studied

Adults (Inflammation)

200mg

Daily. The dose the 2022 review cited for lowering systemic inflammation (IL-6) in adults.

Infants & Children

35–833mg

Daily from formulas in studies where respiratory infections were reduced. Not an adult supplement dose: talk to a pediatrician.

Pro Tips

Do not self-treat suspected iron deficiency: get ferritin and hemoglobin tested first, and ask your clinician before swapping iron for lactoferrin
It is a milk protein. If you have a cow's milk allergy, check with your allergist before trying it
Evidence for preventing colds in adults is not established. For cold-season basics see our colds evidence review
Long-term adult safety data is limited. Check with your clinician if you are pregnant, nursing, or managing iron levels

Research Snapshot

A 2022 systematic review and meta-analysis of 25 studies (20 in adults) found that lactoferrin supplementation reduced the inflammatory marker IL-6 in adults but not C-reactive protein or NK cell cytotoxicity. Respiratory tract infection incidence was reduced in infants and children (OR 0.78) but not in adults (OR 1.00). The authors noted that clinical studies are limited and that optimal strategies and populations still need to be determined.

Source: Berthon et al., Advances in Nutrition (2022)

How Lactoferrin Compares

Ingredient	Best For	Key Difference
Lactoferrin	Immune & Iron Support	Milk protein; limited adult data, with stronger signals in infants and for iron markers
Bovine Colostrum	Gut & Immune Support	A whole milk product that contains lactoferrin along with other components
Zinc	Cold Duration	More direct data on shortening colds, with low-certainty evidence and more side effects
Iron	Iron Deficiency	The standard supplement for confirmed deficiency; ferrous sulfate was the comparator in lactoferrin trials

Popular Pairings with Lactoferrin

Cold-Season Basics

Vitamin D3 (if low) + Vitamin C

See our colds evidence review for what actually has data

If Iron Is Low

Lactoferrin or Iron, with testing

Get levels checked and decide with your clinician

A Note on Combining

Ask your clinician before combining lactoferrin with iron or other immune products

Overlapping products add up and make it hard to tell what is working

Frequently Asked Questions

Does lactoferrin prevent colds?

Results are mixed. One 2021 meta-analysis found lower odds of respiratory infection overall, but a 2022 review that split results by age found a reduction in infants and children and no difference in adults. It is not established as a cold preventer for adults.

Is lactoferrin better than iron supplements?

A 2022 meta-analysis found lactoferrin improved serum iron, ferritin, and hemoglobin more than ferrous sulfate in iron-deficiency anemia trials, and it is described as better tolerated. The trials were limited and the mechanism is unclear, so confirm deficiency with a blood test and decide with your clinician.

How much lactoferrin should I take?

In adults, the 2022 review cited 200mg per day as the dose that lowered systemic inflammation. Formulas with 35 to 833mg per day were used in infants and children. There is no established daily dose for adults, so follow the label and your clinician's advice.

Is lactoferrin safe, and who should avoid it?

Lactoferrin is a normal component of milk, but long-term safety data for adult supplements is limited. Because most products are made from cow's milk, people with a milk allergy should check first, and anyone pregnant, nursing, or managing iron levels should talk to a clinician.

Is lactoferrin the same as colostrum?

No. Colostrum is the first milk and contains lactoferrin among many other components. Lactoferrin supplements are isolated protein, so evidence for one does not automatically apply to the other.

Sources & References

1. Berthon BS et al. (2022). Effect of lactoferrin supplementation on inflammation, immune function, and prevention of respiratory tract infections in humans: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Advances in Nutrition, 13(5), 1799–1819.

2. Ali AS et al. (2021). Lactoferrin reduces the risk of respiratory tract infections: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Clinical Nutrition ESPEN, 45, 26–32.

3. Zhao X et al. (2022). Comparative effects between oral lactoferrin and ferrous sulfate supplementation on iron-deficiency anemia: a comprehensive review and meta-analysis of clinical trials. Nutrients, 14(3), 543.

4. Wang Y et al. (2023). Probiotics, prebiotics, lactoferrin, and combination products for prevention of mortality and morbidity in preterm infants: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. JAMA Pediatrics, 177(11), 1158–1167.

All references are peer-reviewed studies indexed in PubMed.