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Supplements/Compound

Lactoferrin

Iron-binding protein with antimicrobial and immunomodulating effects.

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Overview

Iron-binding protein with antimicrobial and immunomodulating effects.

Natural sources
  • Whey
  • Colostrum
Common forms
  • Apolactoferrin

Mechanism of action

Sequesters iron from pathogens; modulates immune signaling.

Pathways
  • · Iron sequestration
  • · Immune modulation

Effects on the body

Supports
Antimicrobial activity

Organ system effects

Digestive / Gut

Reduces H. pylori load.

Evidence-based benefits

Reduces H. pylori in triple therapy

Moderate evidence

Reduces sepsis in preterm infants

Moderate evidence

Potential side effects

Common
  • · Lactoferrin is generally well-tolerated at evidence-based doses
  • · Mild GI discomfort (nausea, loose stools, or bloating) possible at higher intakes
  • · Headache or transient fatigue reported by a small fraction of users
Rare
  • · Allergic or hypersensitivity reaction (rash, itching, swelling)
  • · Sleep disturbance if taken late in the day
Serious
  • · Discontinue and seek medical advice if symptoms are severe, persistent, or include difficulty breathing

Drug interactions

Prescription medications (general)
Always disclose Lactoferrin use to your prescriber — additive, antagonistic, or pharmacokinetic interactions are possible.
minor

Safety & non-supplemental interactions

Educational summary — always confirm with your clinician or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or combining with prescription therapy.

Avoid with these conditions
  • ·Autoimmune disease (theoretical immune activation)
Avoid / monitor with these medications
  • ·Immunosuppressants

Supplement interactions

Pairs well with
  • Vitamin D3 + K2
    Foundational immune modulation.
  • Zinc
    Required cofactor for innate and adaptive immune function.
Avoid combining with

No specific avoidances listed.

Dosing & bioavailability

Typical dose
200–600 mg/d
Best form
Most evidence is based on the apolactoferrin form.
Timing
Consistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
With food?
With a meal containing fat for fat-soluble compounds; otherwise either.

Where to buy

Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Amazon code supplementsch-20 is auto-applied at checkout. We don't endorse specific brands; verify third-party testing (USP, NSF, Informed Sport) before purchase.

Scientific evidence9Show studies
RCTBiochem Cell Biol · 2014

Bovine lactoferrin for iron deficiency anemia in pregnancy

Paesano R, et al.

RCT comparing oral lactoferrin to ferrous sulfate.

Key findings

Comparable hemoglobin response with fewer GI side effects.

Open study
Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

PubMed: Lactoferrin — Reduces H. pylori in triple therapy

Live PubMed search

Live results for "Lactoferrin Reduces H. pylori in triple therapy" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

Key findings

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Lactoferrin and "Reduces H. pylori in triple therapy". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Open study
Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

PubMed: Lactoferrin — Reduces sepsis in preterm infants

Live PubMed search

Live results for "Lactoferrin Reduces sepsis in preterm infants" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

Key findings

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Lactoferrin and "Reduces sepsis in preterm infants". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Open study
Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

PubMed: Lactoferrin — randomized controlled trial

Live PubMed search

Live results for "Lactoferrin randomized controlled trial" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

Key findings

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Lactoferrin and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Open study
Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

PubMed: Lactoferrin — meta-analysis

Live PubMed search

Live results for "Lactoferrin meta-analysis" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

Key findings

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Lactoferrin and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Open study
Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

PubMed: Lactoferrin — pharmacokinetics

Live PubMed search

Live results for "Lactoferrin pharmacokinetics" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

Key findings

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Lactoferrin and "pharmacokinetics". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Open study
Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

PubMed: Lactoferrin — safety adverse events

Live PubMed search

Live results for "Lactoferrin safety adverse events" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

Key findings

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Lactoferrin and "safety adverse events". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Open study
Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

PubMed: Lactoferrin — dose response

Live PubMed search

Live results for "Lactoferrin dose response" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

Key findings

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Lactoferrin and "dose response". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Open study
Systematic reviewGoogle Scholar · 1970

Google Scholar: Lactoferrin — clinical evidence

Live Scholar search

Cross-database citation index for Lactoferrin as it relates to "clinical evidence".

Key findings

Includes preprints, theses, and journal articles. Useful for tracking citation counts and follow-on work.

Open study
Educational use only. This profile is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement, especially if you take prescription medication or have a chronic condition.

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