Lactoferrincontaining

Lactoferrin-containing products are foods, supplements, and cosmetic items that include lactoferrin, a glycoprotein found in mammalian milk and other secretions. Lactoferrin binds iron and has antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties. In humans, lactoferrin is abundant in colostrum and milk, and bovine lactoferrin is the most common source used in commercial products.

Lactoferrin can be purified from whey or produced recombinantly; the resulting ingredient is then added to infant formulas, dietary supplements, functional foods, or cosmetics. In infant nutrition, lactoferrin-containing formulas aim to resemble some bioactive components of human milk. In adults, lactoferrin is marketed as a nutraceutical ingredient and as an additive in some foods and personal care products.

Common applications include infant formula fortification, dietary supplements marketed to support immune or gut health, and cosmetic products that claim microbe-related skin benefits. The presence of lactoferrin is intended to confer antimicrobial activity, support gut barrier function, or contribute to immune modulation, depending on the product and dosage.

Evidence on health effects is variable. Laboratory and some clinical studies describe lactoferrin’s ability to limit microbial growth via iron sequestration, interact with microbial surfaces, and modulate immune responses. Some reports indicate reduced infection rates, improved gut aspects, or shifts in microbiota, but results are inconsistent and the clinical significance remains uncertain. Effects often depend on product form, dosage, and population studied.

Safety and regulation vary by jurisdiction. Lactoferrin-containing products are generally well tolerated when used as directed, but dairy allergies apply to bovine-derived lactoferrin. High-dose supplements may cause gastrointestinal symptoms in some individuals. Regulatory status differs for food ingredients, dietary supplements, and cosmetics across regions.