Rankings / Immune & Inflammation
Lactoferrin (bovine)
Immune & Inflammation · Iron-binding glycoprotein
Tier B+
Bottom line
Read Off Label grades Lactoferrin (bovine) as B+ (7.1/10) based on moderate evidence, moderate benefit magnitude, and a low-risk safety profile.
Increasingly popular biohacker supplement — bridges iron supplementation, immune support, and gut/anti-inflammatory effects.
Studied, labeled, or reported-use context: 200-600 mg/day PO (apolactoferrin); higher in clinical trials — OTC; not individualized guidance.
What the evidence says
Increasingly popular biohacker supplement — bridges iron supplementation, immune support, and gut/anti-inflammatory effects. Manzoni 2009 and 2014 NICU trials showed reduced late-onset sepsis. Pediatric and adult URI trials moderately positive. Some trials report fewer gastrointestinal adverse effects than iron salts. Bovine source (Mum-LF, Lactobio, Synutra) is standard. Stomach acid degrades much of the dose so enteric/microencapsulated forms emerging.
Mechanism
Iron-sequestering glycoprotein from cow milk/colostrum; antimicrobial via iron deprivation of pathogens (bacteria, viruses, fungi); immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects on epithelial cells; small fraction may survive GI digestion intact
Studied, labeled, or reported dose & route
200-600 mg/day PO (apolactoferrin); higher in clinical trials
This records doses and routes described in studies, approved labeling, clinical practice, or documented use. It is not individualized guidance and does not establish safety; context changes with indication, formulation, health history, monitoring, and other medicines.
Citations
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Common questions
- What does the evidence show about Lactoferrin (bovine)'s effects?
- Read Off Label rates the evidence for Lactoferrin (bovine) as Moderate and the benefit magnitude as moderate, producing an overall grade of B+ (7.1/10). Increasingly popular biohacker supplement — bridges iron supplementation, immune support, and gut/anti-inflammatory effects.
- What safety findings are reported for Lactoferrin (bovine)?
- Lactoferrin (bovine) has a low risk profile in the database. Low (very well-tolerated; theoretical milk-allergy contraindication) Legal status: OTC.
- What doses or routes are reported for Lactoferrin (bovine)?
- 200-600 mg/day PO (apolactoferrin); higher in clinical trials This is context from studies, approved labeling, clinical practice, or documented use; it is not individualized guidance and does not establish safety.
- How does Lactoferrin (bovine) work?
- Iron-sequestering glycoprotein from cow milk/colostrum; antimicrobial via iron deprivation of pathogens (bacteria, viruses, fungi); immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects on epithelial cells; small fraction may survive GI digestion intact
This is an independent synthesis of published research by a non-clinician. Scores are opinions supported by citations, not prescriptions. See the full disclaimer and methodology for how this score was produced and what it does and doesn't mean.