Lactoferrin
OTHER NAME(S): bovine lactoferrin (bLF), lactoferrin
Overview
Lactoferrin is a protein found in cow’s milk and human milk which is available over the counter as a supplement. It is often used to help manage and prevent low iron levels. Although it may also be used to support the immune system and improve digestive health, its benefits for these uses are not well defined. Lactoferrin seems to be well tolerated by most people, but you should avoid these supplements if you have high iron levels. Before taking lactoferrin, tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any medicines or supplements you may be using.
Uses
What is lactoferrin used for?
Lactoferrin is commonly used to help manage and prevent low iron levels (iron deficiency). Although it may also be used to improve digestive health and support immune function, its benefits for these uses are not well defined.
Note: The FDA has not reviewed lactoferrin for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.
How does lactoferrin work (mechanism of action)?
Lactoferrin is a protein that is naturally found in both cow’s milk and human milk. In infants, lactoferrin plays an important role in building a healthy gut and immune system. Throughout life, lactoferrin acts as part of the immune response to bacteria and viruses. Dietary supplements, infant formulas, and other foods that contain lactoferrin are usually made from bovine (cow) lactoferrin.
Lactoferrin naturally contains iron, a mineral that your body needs to function. This means that lactoferrin supplements can be used as a source of iron. Research shows that taking lactoferrin 100 to 200 milligrams (mg) daily can increase iron levels in adults who have low levels. For some people, it may also cause fewer side effects than iron supplements. However, it is not always clear how much iron is in a lactoferrin supplement. If you have severe iron deficiency or low levels of red blood cells (anemia), speak with your health care provider before taking any supplements. You may need other tests or treatments to help manage your condition.
Because lactoferrin plays a role in the body’s immune response, there is interest in using it to reduce the risk of certain infections and improve digestive health. But it is not clear if lactoferrin supplements can boost immune function. Research in very preterm infants shows that adding lactoferrin to formula does not reduce the risk of an infection. Research in adults is mixed, with some studies showing small benefits and other studies showing no benefits. There is very limited research on using lactoferrin supplements for digestive health, and its benefits for this use are not well defined.
How should I store lactoferrin?
You should store lactoferrin according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of lactoferrin?
Lactoferrin seems to be well tolerated. But there is not enough research to know what the common side effects may be. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.
There may be side effects of lactoferrin that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of lactoferrin?
While less common, the most serious side effects of lactoferrin are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Lactoferrin may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using lactoferrin and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching or skin rash
- Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Precautions
Who should not use lactoferrin?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use lactoferrin.
- Lactoferrin
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific lactoferrin products they stock.
High Iron Levels.Some conditions, such as “iron overload” (hemochromatosis) or hemolytic anemia, cause your body to have too much iron. Lactoferrin contains iron. If you have one of these conditions, you should not take lactoferrin.
What should I know about lactoferrin before using it?
Lactoferrin is naturally found in cow’s milk. It is also added to some infant formulas and is available as a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.
Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are using, or use it as recommended by your health care provider.
Keep lactoferrin out of the reach of children.
The FDA has not tested lactoferrin products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.
What should I tell my health care provider before using lactoferrin?
Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know whether lactoferrin is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Milk Allergy.Lactoferrin is a protein found in cow’s milk. Some people with an allergy to cow’s milk may also be allergic to lactoferrin. If you have a cow’s milk allergy, speak with your health care provider before taking lactoferrin.
Other Current and Past Health Conditions.Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.
- Ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
- Stomach ulcers or bleeding
- Surgery on your stomach or intestines, including weight loss surgery
- Frequent blood transfusions
Other Medicines and Supplements.Lactoferrin may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking lactoferrin, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how lactoferrin could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding. Lactoferrin is a natural part of breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Interactions
Does lactoferrin interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between lactoferrin and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect lactoferrin.
Does lactoferrin interact with medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking lactoferrin.
- A tetracycline, such as doxycycline, minocycline, omadacycline (Nuzyra), sarecycline (Seysara), or tetracycline, which is a medicine used to treat infections or other conditions
- A fluoroquinolone, such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro, Cipro XR, others), levofloxacin (Levaquin), moxifloxacin (Avelox), or ofloxacin (Floxin), which is a medicine used to treat certain infections
- Levodopa, which is a medicine for Parkinson’s disease
- A thyroid medicine, such as levothyroxine, which is used to raise thyroid hormone levels
- A bisphosphonate, such as alendronate (Binosto, Fosamax), ibandronate, or risedronate (Actonel, Atelvia), which is a medicine commonly used for osteoporosis
The interactions between lactoferrin and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with lactoferrin is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking lactoferrin with any medicines.
Dosing
What should I do if I accidentally use too much lactoferrin?
If you or someone else has used too much lactoferrin, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
Read the product label closely and speak with a health care provider about how to take lactoferrin safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.
References
- Advances in Nutrition: “Effect of lactoferrin supplementation on inflammation, immune function, and prevention of respiratory tract infections in humans: a systematic review and meta-analysis.”
- BMC Nutrition: “The effectiveness of oral bovine lactoferrin compared to iron supplementation in patients with a low hemoglobin profile: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.”
- Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews: “Lactoferrin for the postoperative management of term neonates after gastrointestinal surgery (Review).”
- Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]: Iron Salts.
- EFSA Journal: “Scientific Opinion on bovine lactoferrin.”
- International Journal of Molecular Sciences: “Lactoferrin as protective natural barrier of respiratory and intestinal mucosa against coronavirus infection and inflammation.”
- The Lancet: “Enteral lactoferrin supplementation for very preterm infants: a randomised placebo-controlled trial.”
- Nutrients: “Comparative effects between oral lactoferrin and ferrous sulfate supplementation on iron-deficiency anemia: a comprehensive review and meta-analysis of clinical trials.”
- Nutrients: “Lactoferrin, a natural protein with multiple functions in health and disease.”