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Sold as a supplement, not an FDA-approved drug. This page is educational information only, not medical advice.
IndexedBuilt automatically from public databases on 2026-09-30. Not yet hand-reviewed by PLOBT.How this works →

Lactoferrin

Supplement

Iron-binding milk glycoprotein

Also known as: lactotransferrin, Lactoferrin (human), Recombinant human lactoferrin, Lactoferrin (recombinant human), Lactoferricin B25

Evidence score
61/ 100
Moderate evidence

A real evidence base, with gaps

  • Regulatory standing. Sold as a supplement, not an approved drug
  • Limited human data. Some human data exists, not conclusive
  • Registered human trials. 169 registered studies on ClinicalTrials.gov, most advanced Phase 4
  • 1 cited source. Includes primary / regulatory sources

Computed with the same four public criteria as every profile. The human-evidence grade on an indexed profile is set automatically and may change when it is hand-reviewed. It is not a safety score, not a purity rating, and not medical advice, and not a claim that this compound treats, cures, or prevents any condition.

What it is

Lactoferrin is a naturally occurring iron-binding protein found in milk, especially colostrum, and in other body secretions such as tears and saliva. It is sold as a dietary supplement, usually derived from cow's milk. It is thought to act by binding iron, which may limit its availability to microbes, and by interacting with immune cells and microbial surfaces.

What the evidence shows

Automatic summaryLimited human data

Lactoferrin is not FDA approved for any indication, though it has been studied in over 160 registered human trials, including research on preventing infections in preterm infants, iron deficiency anemia, and respiratory infections. Results across these trials are mixed, and large studies in preterm infants have not shown a clear benefit, so no health effect is firmly established in humans.

Key facts

Molecular formula
C141H226N46O29S3
Molecular weight
3125.8 g/mol

Registered human trials

Live from ClinicalTrials.gov, refreshed daily.

169registered studies
Phase 4most advanced phase
51completed (sample)
9recruiting (sample)

A Clinical Trial on the Effect of Infant Formula Consumption on Growth, Immune Parameters, and Gut Health in Healthy Term Infants

Phase 3Not Yet RecruitingNCT07867509

Evaluation of Lactoferrin, Procalcitonin and Aution® Urine Dipsticks for the Diagnosis of Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis in Cirrhotic Patients

TerminatedNCT02798939

Lactoferrin Versus Ferrous Sulfate in Management of Iron Deficiency Anemia Among Female Medical Ain Shams Students

Phase 3CompletedNCT03940430

Effect of Enteral Bovine Lactoferrin in Preterm Infants

CompletedNCT06015828

Published literature

Live from Europe PMC. This is how much has been published, not how much is proven in humans.

11,809papers referencing Lactoferrin

Bacterial iron homeostasis.

FEMS Microbiol Rev2003

Human milk composition: nutrients and bioactive factors.

Pediatr Clin North Am2013

Enhanced cellular oxidant stress by the interaction of advanced glycation end products with their receptors/binding proteins.

J Biol Chem1994

Tryptophan- and arginine-rich antimicrobial peptides: structures and mechanisms of action.

Biochim Biophys Acta2006

Sources

Risks, side effects and study doses are only published on hand-reviewed profiles. Want this one reviewed, or spotted something wrong? Tell us.