Home Ingredients Bioferrin® (Lactoferrin — Glanbia)
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Bioferrin® (Lactoferrin — Glanbia)

Evidence Level
Strong
2 Clinical Trials
6 Documented Benefits
4/5 Evidence Score

Bioferrin® is a lactoferrin ingredient from Glanbia — distinguished by milk-derived lactoferrin (iron-binding glycoprotein) with documented immune support, iron metabolism, and antimicrobial activity. Glanbia's branded form leverages their dairy ingredient expertise. Used for: immune support, iron metabolism, gut health, antimicrobial activity, infant nutrition.

Studied Dose 100-1000 mg/day lactoferrin (varies by application; immune support typical 100-300 mg)
Active Compound Lactoferrin (iron-binding glycoprotein, ~80 kDa)

Benefits

Immune Support

Lactoferrin documented immune-modulating effects — supports innate immunity, antibody response, immune cell function.

Supported by Trial 1, Trial 2

Iron Metabolism Modulation

Lactoferrin's primary biological function is iron binding and transport — modulates iron availability without contributing to iron overload.

Supported by Trial 2

Antimicrobial Activity

Lactoferrin sequesters iron from pathogens and has direct antimicrobial activity against bacteria, viruses, fungi.

Supported by Trial 2, Trial 1

Gut Health

Supports gut barrier function and beneficial microbiome composition.

Supported by Trial 2

Infant Nutrition Heritage

Lactoferrin is naturally abundant in colostrum and infant formula applications — established safety and efficacy in infants.

Supported by Trial 1, Trial 2

Glanbia Dairy Expertise

From world's leading whey/dairy ingredient supplier with established lactoferrin extraction technology.

Supported by Trial 1, Trial 2

Mechanism of action

1

Iron Binding and Transport

Lactoferrin binds two iron atoms with high affinity; modulates iron availability; sequesters iron from pathogens that need iron for growth.

2

Immune Cell Modulation

Activates NK cells, modulates T-cells, enhances antibody response.

3

Direct Antimicrobial Activity

Lactoferricin (peptide derived from lactoferrin) has direct membrane-disrupting antimicrobial activity.

4

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Modulates inflammatory cytokines; supports tissue homeostasis.

5

Gut Barrier Support

Strengthens intestinal epithelial barrier; modulates gut microbiome.

Clinical trials

1
Lactoferrin for Immune Support — Multiple Trials
PubMed

Multiple lactoferrin trials on immune markers and infection rates.

Various populations including infants, elderly, immunocompromised.

Established immune support effects; reduced infection rates in some populations.

2
Lactoferrin for Iron Metabolism
PubMed

Lactoferrin trials on iron status and absorption.

Iron-deficient populations.

Modulates iron metabolism; supports iron status without iron overload risk.

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

Generally well-tolerated.
Mild GI distress (rare).
Dairy allergen — milk-derived; avoid with dairy/milk allergy.
Allergic reactions to lactoferrin specifically rare.

Important Drug interactions

Generally minimal drug interactions.
Iron supplements — lactoferrin modulates iron absorption.
Pregnancy — lactoferrin naturally occurs in colostrum; generally considered safe.
Lactation — lactoferrin natural component of milk; safe.
Children — established safety in infants and children.
Dairy allergy — avoid.

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Frequently asked questions about Bioferrin® (Lactoferrin — Glanbia)

What is Bioferrin?

Bioferrin® is a lactoferrin ingredient from Glanbia — distinguished by milk-derived lactoferrin (iron-binding glycoprotein) with documented immune support, iron metabolism, and antimicrobial activity. Glanbia's branded form leverages their dairy ingredient expertise.

What is Bioferrin used for?

Bioferrin is researched primarily for Immune Support and Gut Health. Lactoferrin documented immune-modulating effects — supports innate immunity, antibody response, immune cell function.

What is the recommended dosage of Bioferrin?

The clinically studied dose is 100-1000 mg/day lactoferrin (varies by application; immune support typical 100-300 mg) Always follow the product label and check with a healthcare provider for personal advice.

Is Bioferrin safe, and does it have side effects?

For most healthy adults, Bioferrin is well tolerated at studied doses. Reported effects can include: Generally well-tolerated. Mild GI distress (rare). It may also interact with some medications. Bioferrin is not right for everyone, so check with a healthcare provider first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or take prescription medication.

Does Bioferrin interact with any medications?

Possible interactions include: Generally minimal drug interactions. Iron supplements — lactoferrin modulates iron absorption. If you take prescription medication, check with a pharmacist or doctor before using it.

How strong is the scientific evidence for Bioferrin?

NutraSmarts rates the evidence for Bioferrin as Strong (4 out of 5). It is backed by 2 clinical trials and 4 cited references summarized on this page. A higher rating reflects more, larger, and better-designed human studies.

References(4 citations)

Evidence ratings on NutraSmarts are based on the totality of human clinical research, with emphasis on randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. The references below directly support claims made throughout this page.

  1. 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;23(3):411-7. doi: 10.1007/s10534-010-9335-z.PubMedUsed to support: Supports the iron-status claim: oral bovine lactoferrin raised hemoglobin and serum iron in pregnant women with iron deficiency/anemia, comparable to or better than ferrous sulfate with fewer GI effects. Honesty: generic bovine lactoferrin (not Bioferrin-specific); comparative design from one research team.
  2. Paesano R, Pacifici E, Benedetti S, Berlutti F, Frioni A, Polimeni A, Valenti P Safety and efficacy of lactoferrin versus ferrous sulphate in curing iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia in hereditary thrombophilia pregnant women: an interventional study Biometals. 2014;27(5):999-1006. doi: 10.1007/s10534-014-9723-x.PubMedUsed to support: Supports iron-deficiency-anemia correction with oral bovine lactoferrin in a higher-risk (thrombophilia) pregnant population. Honesty: generic lactoferrin, small interventional study from the same group; Bioferrin-specific data are lacking.
  3. Oda H, Wakabayashi H, Tanaka M, Yamauchi K, Sugita C, Yoshida H, Abe F, Sonoda T, Kurokawa M Effects of lactoferrin on infectious diseases in Japanese summer: A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial J Microbiol Immunol Infect. 2021;54(4):566-574. doi: 10.1016/j.jmii.2020.02.010.PubMedUsed to support: Supports the immune/antimicrobial claim: enteric-coated bovine lactoferrin reduced summer-season infectious symptoms versus placebo. Honesty: modest effects on self-reported symptoms; generic lactoferrin, industry-affiliated authors.
  4. Vitetta L, Coulson S, Beck SL, Gramotnev H, Du S, Lewis S The clinical efficacy of a bovine lactoferrin/whey protein Ig-rich fraction (Lf/IgF) for the common cold: a double blind randomized study Complement Ther Med. 2013;21(3):164-71. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2012.12.006.PubMedUsed to support: Supports the immune-support claim: a bovine lactoferrin/whey Ig-rich fraction modestly reduced cold symptom burden versus placebo. Honesty: lactoferrin combined with a whey Ig fraction (not lactoferrin alone), small trial; the signal is modest.