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Lactoferrin

Lactoferrin is an iron-binding glycoprotein found in mammalian milk, especially colostrum. It exhibits antimicrobial, antiviral, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties. Meta-analysis (7 RCTs): Significantly more effective than ferrous sulfate for increasing hemoglobin in anemia (SMD -0.81, p<0.0001). Meta-analysis (9 RCTs): Reduces respiratory tract infection risk by 43% (OR 0.57). Cochrane review (preterm infants): Low-certainty evidence for decreased late-onset sepsis. RCT (n=168, 3 months): Reduced acne lesions by 28.5% with vitamin E and zinc. Doses typically 100-250mg/day for anemia, 200mg/day for immune support. Well-tolerated with excellent safety profile.

Quick Answer

What it is

Lactoferrin is an iron-binding glycoprotein found in mammalian milk, especially colostrum. It exhibits antimicrobial, antiviral, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties.

Key findings

  • Grade A: Pregnancy IDA Treatment (Iron Deficiency Anemia)
  • Grade A: RTI Incidence Reduction
  • Grade A: Hemoglobin Increase (Iron Deficiency Anemia)

Safety

  • Meta-analysis (9 RCTs): Reduces respiratory tract infection risk by 43% (OR 0.57).
ℹ️ Quick Facts: Lactoferrin

Quick Facts: Lactoferrin

  • Best Evidence:Grade A
  • Conditions Studied:3
  • Research Outcomes:11
  • Grade A Findings:4
  • Grade B Findings:6
  • Key Effect:Iron Deficiency Anemia
Outcomes by grade:
A4
B6
C1
D0
3 conditions · 11 outcomes

Detailed Outcomes

Grade:
Effect:
Size:
Sort:
|
A
Pregnancy IDA Treatment
Moderate Increase
10 studies
moderate↑Improves
A
Hemoglobin Increase
Large Increase
7 studies
large↑Improves
A
Serum Iron Levels
Large Increase
5 studies
large↑Improves
A
RTI Incidence Reduction
Moderate Decrease
9 studies
moderate↓Improves
B
Diarrhea Prevention
Moderate Decrease
14 studies
moderate↓Improves
B
Late-Onset Sepsis Prevention
Small Decrease
12 studies
small↓Improves
B
Inflammation Markers
Moderate Decrease
8 studies
moderate↓Improves
B
Beneficial Bacteria Promotion
Moderate Increase
6 studies
moderate↑Improves
B
Acne Lesion Reduction
Moderate Decrease
4 studies
moderate↓Improves
B
Iron Status in IBD Children
Moderate Increase
1 study
moderate↑Improves
C
Skin Hydration
Small Increase
2 studies
small↑Improves

Research Citations (20)

The effectiveness of oral bovine lactoferrin compared to iron supplementation in patients with a low hemoglobin profile: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials
(2024)
PMID: 38291525
Probiotics, Prebiotics, Lactoferrin, and Combination Products for Prevention of Mortality and Morbidity in Preterm Infants: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis
(2023)
PMID: 37782505
Lactoferrin: Antimicrobial impacts, genomic guardian, therapeutic uses and clinical significance for humans and animals
(2023)
PMID: 37290189
Time to Kill and Time to Heal: The Multifaceted Role of Lactoferrin and Lactoferricin in Host Defense
(2023)
PMID: 37111542
Effect of Lactoferrin Supplementation on Inflammation, Immune Function, and Prevention of Respiratory Tract Infections in Humans: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
(2022)
PMID: 35481594
Lactoferrin for iron-deficiency anemia in children with inflammatory bowel disease: a clinical trial
(2022)
PMID: 35681097
Lactoferrin modulates gut microbiota and Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in mice with dysbiosis induced by antibiotics
(2022)
PMID: 35545893
Lactoferrin reduces the risk of respiratory tract infections: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
(2021)
PMID: 34620326
Lactoferrin: an overview of its main functions, immunomodulatory and antimicrobial role, and clinical significance
(2021)
PMID: 33685299
Enteral lactoferrin supplementation for prevention of sepsis and necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm infants
(2020)
PMID: 32232984

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