KEY TAKEAWAYS:
  • Lactoferrin is an important protein found in breast milk and cow’s milk
  • It has many benefits, which include fighting infection, boosting the immune system, and reducing inflammation
  • Lactoferrin supplements are available in powder or pill form and can be added to food or drinks

Our health is essential, and it is important to ensure that we get the nutrients we need to be in the best shape possible. Lactoferrin is one of these vital nutrients.

Lactoferrin supplements are derived from milk, and they can be found in most sources of dairy as well as eggs. They are incredibly beneficial, helping to improve the immune system and fight infection and showing promising results for preventing osteoporosis.

The supplements are easy to take if you need them, although they can also be found naturally in food, and you should be able to get enough as part of a healthy and balanced diet.

Health Benefits of Supplementing with Lactoferrin

Lactoferrin, or bovine lactoferrin, is a protein found in human and mammalian milk as well as other bodily fluids.

It has a variety of benefits for human health, including fighting infection, boosting the immune system, aiding in weight loss and reducing inflammation.

Expert Tip: It is often assumed that supplements would be human lactoferrin, but the truth is that you are usually taking orally administered bovine lactoferrin.

Lactoferrin supplements are available in powder or pill form and can be added to food or drinks. They are a great way to boost your health and well-being, and there are several benefits.

It Can Help Treat Infections

Lactoferrin has the potential to protect the body from harmful infections and human immunodeficiency virus, which strengthens the immune system as a result.

Bacterial

Bacterial infections are one of the most common infections lactoferrin can help prevent.

A 2013 study showed that lactoferrin was effective in reducing the symptoms of a bacterial skin infection [1].

The study found that lactoferrin was more effective than a placebo in reducing the itching, redness and swelling associated with the infection.

Another study looked at the effect of lactoferrin on people with sinus infections. The study found that lactoferrin effectively reduced sinus infection symptoms, including nasal congestion, runny nose and sneezing [2].

Lactoferrin has also been shown to be effective in treating other types of infections, including ear infections, urinary tract infections and stomach ulcers.

Viral

Lactoferrin also has the ability to fight viral infections.

A 2008 study found that lactoferrin was effective in treating the common cold [3]. The study found that lactoferrin was able to reduce the symptoms of the cold, including congestion, runny nose and sneezing.

It can keep your key metabolic organ protected using human recombinant lactoferrin and bovine lactoferrin saturated with lactoferricin.

Expert Tip: Recombinant human lactoferrin treatment has also been shown to be effective in treating other viral infections, including influenza, HIV and Epstein-Barr virus.

Fungal

Lactoferrin has also been shown to be effective in treating fungal infections.

A 2009 study found that lactoferrin was effective in treating Candida albicans, a type of yeast that can cause infections in the mouth, throat and gastrointestinal tract [4].

The study found that lactoferrin was able to kill the yeast cells and prevent them from multiplying.

It Can Help Treat Acne

Acne is a common skin condition that affects millions of people around the world. There are many different treatments for acne, but recombinant human lactoferrin ingestion has been shown to be an effective treatment.

A 2016 study looked at the effect of lactoferrin on people with acne [5]. The study found that lactoferrin was effective in reducing the number of pimples and other acne lesions.

The study also found that lactoferrin was able to reduce the inflammation associated with acne.

It Could Help Prevent Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition that affects millions of people around the world. It is a condition that causes the bones to become weak and brittle.

Expert Tip: Lactoferrin has been shown to be an effective treatment for osteoporosis.

A 2012 study looked at the effect of lactoferrin on postmenopausal women with osteoporosis [6]. The study found that lactoferrin was able to increase bone density and reduce the risk of fractures.

Another study looked at the effect of lactoferrin on rats with osteoporosis [7]. The study found that lactoferrin was able to increase bone density and reduce the risk of fractures.

These studies show that lactoferrin has the potential to be an effective treatment for osteoporosis.

What are the Other Benefits of Lactoferrin Supplements?

A great deal more research needs to be done for each of the potential benefits listed here. However, the preliminary research suggests a promising future for them:

  • Treatment of sepsis in infants
  • Offering support during vaginal birth
  • Treatment of urinary tract infections
  • Protection against STIs such as chlamydia
  • Treatment for changes in taste and smell resulting from chemotherapy

What are the Side Effects of Lactoferrin?

The quantities of lactoferrin found in food and approved lactoferrin supplements are completely safe, and there is no need to worry about any adverse effects.

However, it is possible to have an intolerance or an allergy to lactoferrin. Not everyone will react well to it, and the mild side effects to look out for include:

  • Stomach pain
  • Constipation
  • Vomiting
  • Nausea
  • Reduced appetite

While nothing more severe than this has been recorded in humans, it is important to speak to a doctor before making any changes to your diet so that you can ensure you are making the correct choices and taking the right amount.

What Happens if You Take Too Much Lactoferrin?

There is no need to worry about taking too much lactoferrin as it is found naturally in food, and the body already has mechanisms to regulate lactoferrin levels.

Expert Tip: It does not have the capability to reach toxic levels in the body and so cannot cause poisoning of any kind.

However, if you consume large quantities, you are more likely to experience at least some of the mild side effects previously noted.

What is the Recommended Dosage of Lactoferrin?

There is no official recommended dosage for lactoferrin as it is found naturally in food. However, the average lactoferrin intake from food is between 1 and 2 mg per day.

If you are considering taking lactoferrin supplements, it is important to speak to a medical professional to ensure you are taking the correct dosage.

What are the Common Sources of Lactoferrin?

Lactoferrin is found naturally in food and is also available in supplement form. Food sources of lactoferrin include:

  • Milk
  • Cheese
  • Eggs

It is true that lactoferrin can be found in human milk, and it is possible to obtain orally ingested human lactoferrin if bovine lactoferrin is not preferred.

Lactoferrin supplements are available in powder or pill form and can be added to food or drinks as well as taken regularly with a sip of water.

You can also take human lactoferrin-derived peptide in addition to any other dietary supplements you might be taking.

Expert Tip: Generally speaking, capsules are the most common form available, but the coating is not always vegan or vegetarian-friendly, so you should check the label first if this applies to you.

Lactoferrin Supplementation May Be Beneficial for Some Populations

Lactoferrin is a protein found in milk with various potential health benefits. These include fighting infection, boosting the immune system, aiding in weight loss and reducing inflammation.

Lactoferrin supplements are available in powder or pill form and can be added to your food or drinks. They are a great way to boost your health and well-being.

However, it is important to speak to a medical professional before taking lactoferrin supplements to ensure you are taking the correct dosage.