Lactoferrin (bovine)
Immune · Iron-binding glycoprotein
Tier B
What this is
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. Often preferred over iron salts for iron deficiency due to GI tolerability. 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
Dose & route
200-600 mg/day PO (apolactoferrin); higher in clinical trials
Citations
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39730037/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40085927/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36558432/
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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.