Research compounds
Lactoferrin
Apolactoferrin, bovine lactoferrin
Lactoferrin is an iron-binding glycoprotein found in milk, tears, saliva and neutrophil granules, forming part of the innate immune system. It is sold as an oral supplement, usually in bovine-derived form.
Also known as: bovine lactoferrin, apolactoferrin
- Status
- Lactoferrin is a research compound and not approved by the FDA for human use.
- Evidence
- Human trials. Published clinical trials in people report results.
- Half-life
- Largely acts within the gastrointestinal tract; systemic absorption of intact protein is limited.
- How it's taken
- Oral capsule or powder
- Mechanism
- Immune modulation
How Lactoferrin works
Lactoferrin binds iron with very high affinity, and much of its antimicrobial activity comes from sequestering the iron that bacteria require to grow. It also binds directly to bacterial lipopolysaccharide, disrupting membranes independently of iron. Beyond antimicrobial action it modulates immune signalling and appears to influence iron absorption through the gut.
What research has looked at
- Trials in preterm infants have examined lactoferrin for prevention of late-onset sepsis and necrotising enterocolitis, with meta-analyses suggesting benefit — though the large ELFIN trial was negative.
- It has been studied for iron-deficiency anaemia in pregnancy, where several trials report efficacy comparable to ferrous sulphate with better gastrointestinal tolerability.
- Its dual antimicrobial mechanism — iron sequestration plus direct membrane disruption — is well characterised.
- It is a normal component of human milk with a correspondingly benign safety record.
Evidence level: Human trials. Published clinical trials in people report results. These are areas studied or reported, not promised effects.
Reported side effects and risks
- The evidence is genuinely mixed. The largest and best-conducted preterm sepsis trial, ELFIN, found no benefit, which weighs heavily against the earlier positive meta-analyses.
- Bovine lactoferrin differs from human lactoferrin in glycosylation, and equivalence is assumed rather than demonstrated.
- It is substantially degraded by gastric acid and pepsin, and enteric protection varies by product.
- Marketing claims for immunity, gut health and weight loss run far ahead of the controlled evidence.
- Milk allergy is a contraindication for bovine-derived product.
Sources
- PubMed research on lactoferrin ELFIN preterm sepsis iron · NIH · National Library of Medicine
- DrugBank record for lactoferrin · DrugBank
- Active clinical trials for lactoferrin · U.S. National Library of Medicine
Track Lactoferrin in Peptide Vault
Log every dose, set reminders on your own schedule, rotate injection sites and keep your vials organized. Peptide Vault records what you enter. It doesn't recommend compounds or doses. iPhone, on-device.
Related compounds
Lactoferrin FAQ
What is Lactoferrin?
Lactoferrin is an iron-binding glycoprotein found in milk, tears, saliva and neutrophil granules, forming part of the innate immune system. It is sold as an oral supplement, usually in bovine-derived form.
How does Lactoferrin work?
Lactoferrin binds iron with very high affinity, and much of its antimicrobial activity comes from sequestering the iron that bacteria require to grow. It also binds directly to bacterial lipopolysaccharide, disrupting membranes independently of iron. Beyond antimicrobial action it modulates immune signalling and appears to influence iron absorption through the gut.
Is Lactoferrin FDA approved?
No. Lactoferrin is a research compound and not approved by the FDA for human use. Evidence level: human trials. Published clinical trials in people report results.
What is the half-life of Lactoferrin?
Reported half-life: Largely acts within the gastrointestinal tract; systemic absorption of intact protein is limited.
How is Lactoferrin taken?
Oral capsule or powder.
What side effects have been reported with Lactoferrin?
Reported in the sources: The evidence is genuinely mixed. The largest and best-conducted preterm sepsis trial, ELFIN, found no benefit, which weighs heavily against the earlier positive meta-analyses; Bovine lactoferrin differs from human lactoferrin in glycosylation, and equivalence is assumed rather than demonstrated; It is substantially degraded by gastric acid and pepsin, and enteric protection varies by product; Marketing claims for immunity, gut health and weight loss run far ahead of the controlled evidence; Milk allergy is a contraindication for bovine-derived product.
Educational summary compiled from the sources listed above. Not medical advice. Peptide Vault does not sell, source or recommend any compound. Talk to a qualified clinician before starting or changing anything.