Lactoferrin

Good evidence for immune support and iron absorption enhancement. Particularly well-studied in infants and for GI infections.

A rough internal score reflecting quantity, quality, and consistency of human evidence. Not a clinical recommendation.

Lactoferrin sequesters iron from pathogenic bacteria, disrupts bacterial biofilms, and modulates innate and adaptive immunity. RCTs show benefit for reducing GI infections in infants and improving iron absorption (sometimes better than ferrous sulfate with fewer side effects). Also studied for H. pylori as adjunct therapy.

• Antimicrobial activity by sequestering iron from pathogens
• Enhances iron absorption with fewer GI side effects than iron salts
• Modulates immune function and reduces GI infections

Typical doses: 100-400 mg daily for immune support. For iron absorption: 100-200 mg with iron supplements.

• Generally very well-tolerated
• Mild GI discomfort at high doses
• Rare allergic reactions in dairy-sensitive individuals

Derived from bovine milk; not suitable for those with cow milk protein allergy. Quality varies between products.

Most robust evidence is in pediatric and GI infection contexts. General immune-boosting claims in healthy adults are less well-supported.

• Immunity55
• Recovery35