Supplement analysis backed by scientific evidence · PT

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Moderate evidenceImmunity

Lactoferrin

Lactoferrin has real evidence in two specific settings — correcting iron-deficiency anaemia with fewer GI side effects than iron salts, and a modest reduction in late-onset sepsis in preterm infants — but the general "immune booster" positioning for healthy adults is unsupported.

What the science says

  • Iron deficiency anaemia in pregnancy Moderate evidence

    A meta-analysis of randomized trials comparing oral bovine lactoferrin with ferrous salts in pregnant women found comparable or greater increases in haemoglobin and serum ferritin, with significantly fewer gastrointestinal side effects such as constipation, nausea and epigastric pain. Trials were mostly conducted in Egypt and Italy with modest sample sizes, so the effect size should be treated as provisional.

  • Preventing sepsis in preterm infants Moderate evidence

    The 2020 Cochrane review of enteral lactoferrin supplementation in preterm infants concluded that lactoferrin probably reduces late-onset sepsis (moderate-certainty evidence) but found little or no effect on necrotising enterocolitis, mortality or neurodevelopmental outcomes. The large ELFIN trial in over 2,200 UK infants found no significant reduction in late-onset infection on its own, which tempers the pooled result.

  • Immune support and antiviral effects in healthy adults Limited evidence

    Lactoferrin binds iron away from microbes and has broad in-vitro antibacterial and antiviral activity, and small trials have reported fewer cold symptoms with lactoferrin-containing dairy fractions. No adequately powered independent RCT establishes that lactoferrin supplements reduce infections in healthy adults, and COVID-era claims went far beyond the evidence.

Dosage & safety

Studied doseIron-deficiency anaemia in adults: 100-250 mg/day of bovine lactoferrin, usually 100 mg twice daily between meals, for 4-8 weeks. Preterm infant trials used 100-200 mg/day, given under medical supervision only. Immune-support products commonly supply 200-400 mg/day. Apolactoferrin (iron-free) is the form used in most anaemia trials; take away from food for best absorption.
SafetyWell tolerated overall — the anaemia trials were largely designed around lactoferrin causing fewer GI complaints than ferrous sulfate. Mild nausea, constipation, rash or loss of appetite occur occasionally. It is derived from cow's milk, so avoid in cow's-milk protein allergy; lactose content is usually negligible but varies by product. Do not use lactoferrin in place of prescribed iron or antibiotics for diagnosed conditions without medical advice, and do not self-treat anaemia without establishing the cause. Use in preterm infants should be directed by a neonatal team, not by parents. Data in pregnancy come from anaemia trials and are reassuring at 100-200 mg/day; safety at higher doses is unknown.

Scientific references

Where to buy

Double Wood Supplements, Lactoferrin, 60 Capsules (125 mg per Capsule)

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