

lactoferrin
Next-generation bovine lactoferrin produced through precision fermentation, providing a bio-equivalent structure with improved functional properties.*

lactoferrin
Next-generation bovine lactoferrin produced through precision fermentation, providing a bio-equivalent structure with improved functional properties.*

LFX™ difference
LFX™ is produced via microbial fermentation rather than extraction from milk. This manufacturing approach enables precise control over protein expression and purification, resulting in:
Clean and consistent protein profile, completely free from other background milk proteins.
Matches the structural and functional benefits of animal-based lactoferrin.
Greater capacity to bind iron, offering potential for enhanced functionality.
Higher antioxidant activity as more iron-binding sites are available.
Scalable production with no reliance on animals.
* Compared to native bovine lactoferrin in analytical testing.

Functional benefits of lactoferrin
Lactoferrin is a naturally occurring milk protein, most concentrated in colostrum and widely studied for its bioactive functions.
Lactoferrin is a natural iron-binding protein that helps regulate how iron is absorbed, transported, and stored in the body. By binding iron, it supports iron availability where it’s needed while limiting excess free iron that can contribute to oxidative stress and digestive discomfort.
Lactoferrin supports the body’s first line of defence by helping maintain healthy immune responses and protecting against unwanted microbes. It can bind iron that some bacteria rely on for growth and supports balanced immune activity across mucosal surfaces such as the gut and mouth.
Lactoferrin supports gut health by helping shape a healthier microbial environment. By limiting the growth of undesirable bacteria and supporting beneficial species, it can contribute to digestive comfort and a more resilient gut barrier.
Lactoferrin helps modulate inflammation by supporting a healthy immune balance. It may assist in calming excessive inflammatory signalling and supporting tissue recovery, making it relevant for applications where barrier health and immune comfort are important.
Applications
Lactoferrin’s unique properties make it valuable across multiple industries:
Early life nutrition
Lactoferrin is a key bioactive protein in breast milk, highest in colostrum.
It supports gut maturation, barrier integrity, immune development, and iron status. Lactoferrin fortification is associated with improved growth, beneficial microbiota, and better feeding tolerance.
Women’s health
Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency in women. Lactoferrin offers a differentiated approach by regulating iron absorption via the hepcidin pathway.
It is associated with improved haemoglobin and iron status vs ferrous sulphate, with reduced inflammation and better tolerability. Relevant across prenatal, menstrual, and general wellness.
Sports and active nutrition
Intense exercise impacts iron metabolism, immunity, and oxidative stress.
Lactoferrin supports immune defence post-exercise and reduces oxidative stress through iron chelation and antioxidant activity. Particularly relevant for female athletes, where iron deficiency is common.
Healthy ageing
Chronic low-grade inflammation (“inflammageing”) is linked to declines in immune function and overall resilience.
Lactoferrin supports immune balance and helps reduce inflammatory markers, with evidence in older adult populations.
Personal care
Lactoferrin is naturally present in skin secretions and saliva, with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity.
Evidence shows reductions in inflammatory acne lesions, improved sebum control, and support for skin repair and overall skin health.
In oral health, evidence shows reductions in periodontal pathogens, gingival inflammation, and pocket depth, supporting applications in gum health and oral care.
Frequently asked questions
Bovine lactoferrin is an iron-binding protein naturally found in cow’s milk, particularly in colostrum, and is used in nutrition and health applications.
Lactoferrin is used in infant nutrition, dietary supplements, functional foods, and personal care formulations due to its functional properties.
Lactoferrin can be produced using precision fermentation or extracted from milk, followed by purification to create a consistent, high-quality ingredient.
Traditionally, lactoferrin is sourced from cow’s milk. It can also be produced using precision fermentation, without relying on dairy.
Lactoferrin is added to infant formula to support formulations that aim to more closely reflect the functional profile of proteins found in human milk.
References
- Abu Hashim H, Foda O, Ghayaty E. Lactoferrin or ferrous salts for iron deficiency anemia in pregnancy: A meta-analysis of randomized trials. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2017 Dec;219:45-52. doi: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2017.10.003. Epub 2017 Oct 4. PMID: 29059584.
- Berthon BS, Williams LM, Williams EJ, Wood LG. Effect of Lactoferrin Supplementation on Inflammation, Immune Function, and Prevention of Respiratory Tract Infections in Humans: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Adv Nutr. 2022 Oct 2;13(5):1799-1819. doi: 10.1093/advances/nmac047. PMID: 35481594; PMCID: PMC9526865.
- El Amrousy D, El-Afify D, Elsawy A, Elsheikh M, Donia A, Nassar M. Lactoferrin for iron-deficiency anemia in children with inflammatory bowel disease: a clinical trial. Pediatr Res. 2022 Sep;92(3):762-766. doi: 10.1038/s41390-022-02136-2. Epub 2022 Jun 9. PMID: 35681097; PMCID: PMC9556315.
- Christofi MD, Giannakou K, Mpouzika M, Merkouris A, Stylianide MV, Charalambous A. 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. BMC Nutr. 2024 Jan 30;10(1):20. doi: 10.1186/s40795-023-00818-6. PMID: 38291525; PMCID: PMC10825996.
- Berthon BS, Williams EJ, Williams LM, Budden KF, Hiles SA, Bartlett NW, Wood LG. Oral lactoferrin reduces systemic inflammation, enhances anti-viral responses and modulates immune cell profiles: a randomised controlled trial in healthy, older adults. Br J Nutr. 2026 Feb 4:1-15. doi: 10.1017/S000711452610631X. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 41634901.
- Blais A. Inflammatory bowel diseases: what lactoferrin can do for us? Explor Med. 2025;6:1001330. https://doi.org/10.37349/emed.2025.1001330
- Changhui Zhao, Nan Chen, Tolulope Joshua Ashaolu, Prebiotic and modulatory evidence of lactoferrin on gut health and function, Journal of Functional Foods, Volume 108, 2023, 105741, ISSN 1756-4646, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6160582/.
- Artym J, Zimecki M, Kruzel ML. Lactoferrin for Prevention and Treatment of Anemia and Inflammation in Pregnant Women: A Comprehensive Review. Biomedicines. 2021 Jul 27;9(8):898. doi: 10.3390/biomedicines9080898. PMID: 34440102; PMCID: PMC8389615.
- Manzoni P. Clinical Benefits of Lactoferrin for Infants and Children. J Pediatr. 2016 Jun;173 Suppl:S43-52. doi: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2016.02.075. PMID: 27234411.
- Shi X, Liu B, Ye W, Qi X, Xi M, Liu S, Zhu Q, Zheng L, Zhao A. Associations of Lactoferrin-Fortified Formula with Infant Growth and Gut Microbiota: A Real-World Observational Study. Nutrients. 2025 Dec 12;17(24):3896. doi: 10.3390/nu17243896. PMID: 41470843; PMCID: PMC12736245.
- Chan H, Chan G, Santos J, Dee K, Co JK. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to determine the efficacy and safety of lactoferrin with vitamin E and zinc as an oral therapy for mild to moderate acne vulgaris. Int J Dermatol. 2017 Jun;56(6):686-690. doi: 10.1111/ijd.13607. Epub 2017 Mar 30. PMID: 28369875.
- Takayama Y, Aoki R. Roles of lactoferrin on skin wound healing. Biochem Cell Biol. 2012 Jun;90(3):497-503. doi: 10.1139/o11-054. Epub 2012 Feb 14. PMID: 22332789.
- Berlutti F, Pilloni A, Pietropaoli M, Polimeni A, Valenti P. Lactoferrin and oral diseases: current status and perspective in periodontitis. Ann Stomatol (Roma). 2011 Mar;2(3-4):10-8. Epub 2012 Jan 27. PMID: 22545184; PMCID: PMC3314318.
- Nakano M, Wakabayashi H, Sugahara H, Odamaki T, Yamauchi K, Abe F, Xiao JZ, Murakami K, Ishikawa K, Hironaka S. Effects of lactoferrin and lactoperoxidase-containing food on the oral microbiota of older individuals. Microbiol Immunol. 2017 Oct;61(10):416-426. doi: 10.1111/1348-0421.12537. PMID: 28881387.
- Paesano R, Berlutti F, Pietropaoli M, Pantanella F, Pacifici E, Goolsbee W, Valenti P. Lactoferrin efficacy versus ferrous sulfate in curing iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia in pregnant women. Biometals. 2010 Jun;23(3):411-7. doi: 10.1007/s10534-010-9335-z. Epub 2010 Apr 21. PMID: 20407805.
- Inoue H, Sakai M, Kaida Y, Kaibara K. Blood lactoferrin release induced by running exercise in normal volunteers: antibacterial activity. Clin Chim Acta. 2004 Mar;341(1-2):165-72. doi: 10.1016/j.cccn.2003.12.001. PMID: 14967173.
- Rascón-Cruz Q, Siqueiros-Cendón TS, Siañez-Estrada LI, Villaseñor-Rivera CM, Ángel-Lerma LE, Olivas-Espino JA, León-Flores DB, Espinoza-Sánchez EA, Arévalo-Gallegos S, Iglesias-Figueroa BF. Antioxidant Potential of Lactoferrin and Its Protective Effect on Health: An Overview. Int J Mol Sci. 2024 Dec 26;26(1):125. doi: 10.3390/ijms26010125. PMID: 39795983; PMCID: PMC11719613.
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