Lactoferrin: what science really says about this milk protein

Journal · Ingredients

Lactoferrin: what the science really says about the milk protein

Long confined to biochemistry labs, lactoferrin is now part of conversations about nutrition and iron. Here is what it is, what research is actually studying, and how to recognise a quality lactoferrin.

Lactoferrin has everything of a fashionable molecule: an intriguing name, a natural origin, and videos that credit it with a thousand virtues. The reality is more interesting, and more nuanced. At Biologyst, we have chosen to present it the way we formulate: from the publications, separating what is established, what is being studied, and what no brand has the right to claim.

This guide answers the questions people ask before taking it: what is lactoferrin, what does “native” mean, where does it come from, does it provide iron, how to take it and who it is not suitable for.

What is lactoferrin?

Lactoferrin is a glycoprotein, meaning a protein bound to sugars, from the transferrin family. It is found in the milk of mammals, in particularly high amounts in colostrum, the first milk produced after birth. It is also found in other secretions: tears, saliva, nasal secretions, as well as in certain white blood cells.

What makes it special fits in one sentence: it is a protein that binds iron. Its structure, described in detail by Edward Baker’s team, consists of two almost symmetrical lobes, each able to hold one iron atom with a very high affinity. This ability to capture free iron is behind most of the scientific interest it attracts.

Native or denatured lactoferrin: the difference that matters

Not all lactoferrins are equal. The molecule is sensitive to heat and to physico-chemical stress: an overly aggressive process alters its shape in space, its conformation, and with it some of its properties.

This is why we speak of native lactoferrin: a protein extracted at low temperature, whose original structure is preserved. It is a criterion to ask any brand about.

Proferrin®: what we chose

Lactoferrine Active+ uses Proferrin®, a 95% purified bovine lactoferrin (475 mg of lactoferrin per 500 mg of ingredient). Per 2 capsules: 500 mg of Proferrin®, including 475 mg of pure lactoferrin.

Bovine or human lactoferrin: what is the difference?

Human lactoferrin and bovine lactoferrin are very similar in sequence and structure. The one found in food supplements is almost always bovine, extracted from cow’s milk, because it is the only source available in quantity. A review published in 2020 by Francesca Superti, of the Italian National Institute of Health, notes that bovine lactoferrin is the most widely used form. In the European Union, bovine lactoferrin is authorised as a novel food, following a safety assessment by EFSA.

Lactoferrin and iron: what research is studying

This is the question that comes up most often. Lactoferrin does not provide iron: it is not a mineral but a protein that binds it. Researchers are studying its role in iron metabolism; this work is ongoing and does not allow any effect to be attributed to a food supplement.

Lactoferrin and mucous membranes: where does research stand?

Lactoferrin is present at the interfaces between the body and the outside world: mucous membranes, saliva, tears. This is what has led research to study it in several areas, including mucous membranes. Much of the data still comes from the laboratory and animal models, and human trials have yet to be consolidated.

Let us be clear: lactoferrin has no authorised health claim in Europe. No brand may attribute any health effect to it. If you are looking for a nutrient with a recognised role in immune function, look to vitamin D, zinc or vitamin C.

Lactoferrine Active+: 30 capsules of Proferrin®, bovine lactoferrin.

How to take lactoferrin?

For Lactoferrine Active+, the recommended dose is 1 to 2 capsules per day, preferably on an empty stomach, as a 1 to 2 month course that can be repeated. A box of 30 capsules therefore lasts 15 to 30 days. Do not exceed the recommended daily dose.

Who lactoferrin is not suitable for

• People allergic to milk proteins: bovine lactoferrin is a milk protein. Strictly contraindicated.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women: Lactoferrine Active+ is not recommended for them.
• People on medication: ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
• Children: keep out of the reach of young children.

How to choose a quality lactoferrin?

• An extraction process that preserves the structure of the protein, clearly described.
• The dose of pure lactoferrin, in milligrams, and not just the weight of the ingredient.
• The name of the ingredient and its purity.
• An honest label: a brand that attributes health effects to lactoferrin is stepping outside the legal framework. It is a warning sign about everything else.

Lactoferrin, nigella, vitamin D: the ritual that brings them together

Lactoferrine Active+ is one of the three formulas in our ritual combining lactoferrin, nigella and vitamin D, alongside Nigelle Active+ and D3 Active+. In this set, it is vitamin D that carries the immune claim: vitamin D contributes to the normal function of the immune system. The vitamin E in Nigelle Active+ contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress. The ritual is offered at €80.90, less than the three formulas bought separately.

To discover nigella oil and its thymoquinone, read our guide Nigella oil: what the science really says.

Frequently asked questions

What is lactoferrin?

Lactoferrin is a glycoprotein from the transferrin family, found in milk and especially in colostrum, as well as in tears and saliva. What makes it special is that it binds iron: each molecule can hold two iron atoms.

What does native lactoferrin mean?

Lactoferrin is called native when the extraction process preserves the original structure of the protein. Its structure is sensitive to heat.

Does lactoferrin provide iron?

No. Lactoferrin is a protein that binds iron, not a source of iron. If you are unsure about your iron stores, only a blood test prescribed by your doctor can tell you.

Does lactoferrin have recognised benefits?

Lactoferrin has no authorised health claim in Europe. Research is studying it in particular for its link with iron metabolism and mucous membranes, but no brand may attribute any health effect to it.

How to take Lactoferrine Active+?

1 to 2 capsules per day, preferably on an empty stomach, as a 1 to 2 month course that can be repeated. 2 capsules provide 500 mg of Proferrin®, including 475 mg of pure lactoferrin. Do not exceed the recommended daily dose.

Who should not take lactoferrin?

People allergic to milk proteins. Lactoferrine Active+ is also not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. If you are on medication, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Further reading

• Lactoferrine Active+: the product page
• The lactoferrin, nigella and vitamin D ritual
• Vitamin D: from October to March, the sun is no longer enough
• Nigella oil: what the science really says