Research

This page brings together a selection of independent research exploring the potential of lactoferrin across key areas of human health.

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Inflammation & immune response

Effect of lactoferrin supplementation on inflammation, immune function, and prevention of respiratory tract infections in humans: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Lactoferrin supplementation was associated with reduced systemic inflammation, improvements in immune function, and a lower incidence of respiratory tract infections in infants and children, although findings in adults were mixed and further research is needed to confirm optimal dosing and target populations.

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.

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Iron metabolism

Comparative effects between oral lactoferrin and ferrous sulfate supplementation on iron-deficiency anemia: a comprehensive review and meta-analysis of clinical trials

Lactoferrin supplementation improved serum iron, ferritin, and hemoglobin levels more effectively than ferrous sulfate, while reducing inflammation markers (IL-6), suggesting its benefits are driven by anti-inflammatory effects rather than increased iron absorption.

Zhao X, Zhang X, Xu T, Luo J, Luo Y, An P. Comparative Effects between Oral Lactoferrin and Ferrous Sulfate Supplementation on Iron-Deficiency Anemia: A Comprehensive Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials. Nutrients. 2022 Jan 27;14(3):543. doi: 10.3390/nu14030543. PMID: 35276902; PMCID: PMC8838920.

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Early life nutrition
Gastrointestinal

Effects of lactoferrin-fortified formula on acute gastrointestinal symptoms in children aged 12–32 months: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Lactoferrin-fortified formula (48 mg/day) reduced the prevalence of acute gastrointestinal symptoms and the duration of respiratory symptoms in children aged 12–32 months, with no difference in adverse events compared to placebo.

Motoki N, Mizuki M, Tsukahara T, Miyakawa M, Kubo S, Oda H, Tanaka M, Yamauchi K, Abe F, Nomiyama T. Effects of Lactoferrin-Fortified Formula on Acute Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Children Aged 12-32 Months: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Front Pediatr. 2020 May 19;8:233. doi: 10.3389/fped.2020.00233. PMID: 32509712; PMCID: PMC7249745.

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Dermatology

Effects of lactoferrin on subjective skin conditions in winter: a preliminary, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial

Lactoferrin supplementation improved subjective skin moisture and texture in healthy adults during winter, particularly at higher doses, although further research is required to confirm these effects.

Oda H, Miyakawa M, Mizuki M, Misawa Y, Tsukahara T, Tanaka M, Yamauchi K, Abe F, Nomiyama T. Effects of Lactoferrin on Subjective Skin Conditions in Winter: A Preliminary, Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2019 Dec 2;12:875-880. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S228153. PMID: 31819585; PMCID: PMC6896904.

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Dermatology

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

Lactoferrin supplementation combined with vitamin E and zinc reduced total, inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesions, with improvements observed from 2 weeks and no reported adverse events.

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.

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Dermatology

Efficacy and tolerability of oral lactoferrin supplementation in mild to moderate acne vulgaris: an exploratory study

Lactoferrin supplementation reduced total and non-inflammatory acne lesions in adolescents and young adults, with most participants showing improvement and no reported adverse events.

Mueller EA, Trapp S, Frentzel A, Kirch W, Brantl V. Efficacy and tolerability of oral lactoferrin supplementation in mild to moderate acne vulgaris: an exploratory study. Curr Med Res Opin. 2011 Apr;27(4):793-7. doi: 10.1185/03007995.2011.557720. Epub 2011 Feb 8. PMID: 21303195.

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Dermatology

Dietary effect of lactoferrin-enriched fermented milk on skin surface lipid and clinical improvement of acne vulgaris

Lactoferrin supplementation reduced inflammatory and total acne lesions, acne severity, and sebum levels in adults with acne vulgaris, with associated changes in skin lipid composition.

Kim J, Ko Y, Park YK, Kim NI, Ha WK, Cho Y. Dietary effect of lactoferrin-enriched fermented milk on skin surface lipid and clinical improvement of acne vulgaris. Nutrition. 2010 Sep;26(9):902-9. doi: 10.1016/j.nut.2010.05.011. PMID: 20692602.

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Iron metabolism

Preventive effect of lactoferrin intake on anemia in female long distance runners

Lactoferrin supplementation alongside iron maintained iron status and red blood cell count in female long-distance runners, compared to declines in the control group, suggesting improved iron utilisation and potential prevention of iron-deficiency anaemia.

Koikawa N, Nagaoka I, Yamaguchi M, Hamano H, Yamauchi K, Sawaki K. Preventive effect of lactoferrin intake on anemia in female long distance runners. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2008 Apr;72(4):931-5. doi: 10.1271/bbb.70383. Epub 2008 Apr 7. PMID: 18391460.

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Iron metabolism

Oral administration of lactoferrin increases hemoglobin and total serum iron in pregnant women

Lactoferrin supplementation in pregnant women increased hemoglobin and serum iron levels over 30 days, with greater improvements and no reported side effects compared to ferrous sulfate, suggesting a potential role in supporting iron status during pregnancy.

Paesano R, Torcia F, Berlutti F, Pacifici E, Ebano V, Moscarini M, Valenti P. Oral administration of lactoferrin increases hemoglobin and total serum iron in pregnant women. Biochem Cell Biol. 2006 Jun;84(3):377-80. doi: 10.1139/o06-040. PMID: 16936810.

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Frequently asked questions

All G has been featured across global biotechnology, food innovation, and alternative protein platforms, including industry trade media, conferences, and innovation forums focused on precision fermentation. This reflects increasing attention on high-value proteins such as lactoferrin and human milk proteins.

Adoption is accelerating across China, Asia-Pacific, and Europe, particularly in high-value ingredient categories and infant formula. Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), produced using the same precision fermentation technology, are already approved and widely used in infant formula globally, particularly in China. This provides a strong precedent for further adoption across these regions, with Australia and New Zealand expected to progress efficiently for infant formula under Food Standards Australia New Zealand.

China, Europe, and Asia-Pacific are leading precision fermentation innovation from a commercialisation and demand perspective. China is particularly important due to its scale in infant nutrition and rapid adoption of advanced ingredients. The global approval and use of HMOs reinforces leadership across these regions.

In the United States, precision fermentation is already commercialised for food applications through GRAS pathways. In Europe, products are assessed through the European Food Safety Authority Novel Food process, which is more structured and typically takes longer. HMOs produced using precision fermentation have been approved across both markets, demonstrating broad regulatory acceptance.

Investment is strongest across China, Asia-Pacific, and Europe, with China emerging as a major growth region. Governments and private capital are increasingly focused on biotechnology and alternative proteins as strategic priorities, with investment expanding globally.

Asia-Pacific is a major growth market for lactoferrin, with China at the centre of demand. Growth is driven by premium and super premium infant formula categories, alongside expansion into adult nutrition and personal care. Both domestic retail and cross-border e-commerce (CBEC) channels contribute to demand.

Global demand is driven by premiumisation of nutrition, increased focus on health and performance, and demand for ingredients with defined functionality. In infant formula, this includes proteins that more closely align with the composition and function of milk, while in personal care it includes high-performance bioactive ingredients.

Regulatory progress directly enables adoption. HMOs, produced using precision fermentation, have already been approved and widely adopted in infant formula across global markets, particularly in China, establishing a clear precedent. In Australia and New Zealand, Food Standards Australia New Zealand governs approval, with expectations of efficient progression for similar ingredients. In Europe, the European Food Safety Authority provides a structured pathway.

China and Asia-Pacific are leading commercialisation driven by strong demand for premium and functional ingredients. Australia and New Zealand are expected to progress efficiently for infant formula through FSANZ pathways. The United States remains fast for food applications.

Governments are actively supporting biotech food innovation through funding, infrastructure, and regulatory development. In China and across Asia-Pacific, biotechnology and alternative proteins are increasingly treated as strategic or national priorities, accelerating industry growth and commercialisation.

Lactoferrin is widely adopted across infant formula, dietary supplements, and personal care industries. In China, it is used broadly across infant formula, while in markets such as Australia and Europe it is more concentrated in premium formulations, with adoption expected to expand further.

Lactoferrin is expected to play a central role in future infant formula innovation as a key functional protein. It is increasingly used in formulations aiming to more closely reflect the composition and function of milk, with expanding applications across nutrition and personal care.