Bioferrin Lactoferrin
Also known as: Lactoferrin, LF, Bioferrin, bLF, rhLF, Bovine Lactoferrin, Recombinant Human Lactoferrin
Overview
Lactoferrin is a multifunctional iron-binding glycoprotein belonging to the transferrin family, found in milk, saliva, tears, and other bodily secretions. It is available as a dietary supplement, often derived from bovine milk (bLF) or produced as recombinant human lactoferrin (rhLF). Lactoferrin is known for its ability to bind iron, modulate immune responses, and exhibit antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is used to support immune function, reduce inflammation, prevent respiratory infections, and improve iron status, particularly in individuals with anemia. Research indicates that lactoferrin can enhance iron absorption, modulate the immune system by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines, and support gut health by promoting a balanced microbiota. The quality of available evidence is generally good, with numerous randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews supporting its benefits.
Benefits
Lactoferrin supplementation has several evidence-based benefits. Oral bovine lactoferrin significantly increases hemoglobin levels compared to ferrous sulfate in individuals with low hemoglobin (SMD -0.81, 95% CI: -1.21, -0.42, p < 0.0001). This suggests a moderate to large effect size for improving iron status. Lactoferrin is also associated with a reduction in culture-proven late-onset sepsis (LOS) in infants (RR 0.74, 95% CI: 0.60 to 0.93; RD -4.1%, 95% CI: -6.4% to -1.1%), indicating a moderate effect for infection prevention. Additionally, lactoferrin modulates the immune system, reducing inflammation and improving immune function, although the effect sizes vary depending on the population and specific outcomes. Infants benefit from reduced risk of LOS and respiratory infections, while adults and children may experience improved iron status and immune function.
How it works
Lactoferrin functions through several key mechanisms. Primarily, it binds iron, competing with pathogens for this essential nutrient and thereby limiting microbial growth. It also modulates the immune system by enhancing both innate and adaptive immune responses and reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6. In the gastrointestinal system, lactoferrin supports gut barrier function and helps maintain a balanced microbiota. Molecularly, it interacts with iron transport proteins and immune cell receptors, such as toll-like receptors. Lactoferrin is well-tolerated and absorbed orally, with intact lactoferrin detected in the gut and systemic circulation. Its bioavailability can be enhanced by co-administration with vitamin C, although this is not strictly required.
Side effects
Lactoferrin is generally well-tolerated, with a low incidence of adverse effects. Common side effects are rare, with most studies reporting no significant difference from placebo. Uncommon side effects, occurring in 1-5% of users, may include mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea or diarrhea. Rare side effects, affecting less than 1% of users, may involve allergic reactions, particularly in individuals with milk protein sensitivity. No significant drug interactions have been reported in clinical trials. Lactoferrin is contraindicated in individuals with a known allergy to milk proteins. It is considered safe for infants, children, and adults, although caution is advised in individuals with severe milk allergies. Overall, lactoferrin presents a favorable safety profile, but individuals with milk protein allergies should exercise caution.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose of bovine lactoferrin for improving iron status is 100–200 mg/day. For infection prevention in infants, a similar dosage of 100–200 mg/day is recommended. The optimal dosage range for general use is 100–400 mg/day, depending on the specific indication. While the maximum safe dose is not definitively established, studies have used up to 1,000 mg/day without significant adverse effects. Lactoferrin can be taken with or without food, as timing is not critical for efficacy. Both bovine lactoferrin (bLF) and recombinant human lactoferrin (rhLF) are considered effective. Co-administration with vitamin C may enhance iron absorption, although it is not a strict requirement. No other specific cofactors are required for lactoferrin to be effective.
FAQs
Is lactoferrin safe for everyone?
Lactoferrin is safe for most people, but those with milk protein allergies should avoid it due to the risk of allergic reactions. Consult a healthcare provider if you have concerns.
When is the best time to take lactoferrin?
Lactoferrin can be taken at any time of day, with or without food. The timing is not critical for its effectiveness, so choose a time that is convenient for you.
How long does it take to see results from lactoferrin supplementation?
Improvements in iron status may be observed within weeks to months of supplementation. For infection prevention, benefits are typically seen during the supplementation period in clinical trials.
Can lactoferrin replace medical treatment for anemia or infections?
No, lactoferrin is not a replacement for medical treatment in severe cases of anemia or infection. It is best used as an adjunctive therapy to support overall health and immune function.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38291525/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 19 trials found that oral bovine lactoferrin significantly increased hemoglobin levels compared to ferrous sulfate in individuals with low hemoglobin. The study highlights lactoferrin as a potentially effective alternative for improving iron status, although it notes high heterogeneity among the included studies.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35481594/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that lactoferrin supplementation reduces inflammation and improves immune function. The review provides evidence for the potential of lactoferrin in preventing respiratory infections, though it acknowledges heterogeneity in outcomes and populations studied.
- https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/2810095 – This systematic review and network meta-analysis of 81 RCTs involving 21,808 infants found that lactoferrin reduces culture-proven late-onset sepsis in infants. The study provides strong evidence for the use of lactoferrin in preventing sepsis in this vulnerable population, although it notes moderate heterogeneity and low certainty for some outcomes.
- https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/8/4540 – This review article discusses the immunomodulatory effects of lactoferrin, highlighting its role in both innate and adaptive immunity. It covers lactoferrin's mechanisms of action, including its ability to bind iron and interact with immune cell receptors, and its potential therapeutic applications in various inflammatory and infectious diseases.
- https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.07.17.24310517v1.full-text – This preprint article (not peer-reviewed) explores the potential of lactoferrin as a therapeutic agent against viral infections, including COVID-19. It discusses lactoferrin's antiviral mechanisms, such as blocking viral entry and modulating the immune response, and presents preliminary evidence from in vitro and in vivo studies.