Benefits
Immune Support
Lactoferrin documented immune-modulating effects — supports innate immunity, antibody response, immune cell function.
Iron Metabolism Modulation
Lactoferrin's primary biological function is iron binding and transport — modulates iron availability without contributing to iron overload.
Antimicrobial Activity
Lactoferrin sequesters iron from pathogens and has direct antimicrobial activity against bacteria, viruses, fungi.
Gut Health
Supports gut barrier function and beneficial microbiome composition.
Infant Nutrition Heritage
Lactoferrin is naturally abundant in colostrum and infant formula applications — established safety and efficacy in infants.
Glanbia Dairy Expertise
From world's leading whey/dairy ingredient supplier with established lactoferrin extraction technology.
Mechanism of action
Iron Binding and Transport
Lactoferrin binds two iron atoms with high affinity; modulates iron availability; sequesters iron from pathogens that need iron for growth.
Immune Cell Modulation
Activates NK cells, modulates T-cells, enhances antibody response.
Direct Antimicrobial Activity
Lactoferricin (peptide derived from lactoferrin) has direct membrane-disrupting antimicrobial activity.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Modulates inflammatory cytokines; supports tissue homeostasis.
Gut Barrier Support
Strengthens intestinal epithelial barrier; modulates gut microbiome.
Clinical trials
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.
Lactoferrin trials on iron status and absorption.
Iron-deficient populations.
Modulates iron metabolism; supports iron status without iron overload risk.
About this ingredient
BIOFERRIN is a LACTOFERRIN ingredient from GLANBIA. LACTOFERRIN BACKGROUND: iron-binding glycoprotein found in milk, colostrum, saliva, tears, mucous secretions; molecular weight ~80 kDa; primary biological functions are iron metabolism, immune modulation, antimicrobial defense; particularly abundant in human colostrum (5-7 mg/mL) and bovine colostrum.
KEY DISTINCTIONS: (1) GLANBIA dairy ingredient expertise; (2) Established extraction technology; (3) Multiple applications (immune, iron, gut, infant); (4) Long safety record in infant formula.
EVIDENCE-BASED USES: (1) Immune support; (2) Iron metabolism modulation; (3) Antimicrobial / antiviral / antifungal activity; (4) Gut health; (5) Infant nutrition; (6) Athlete recovery; (7) Anti-inflammatory applications.
CRITICAL CAUTIONS: (1) DAIRY ALLERGY — Bioferrin milk-derived; AVOID; (2) DOSE — varies by application; immune support typical 100-300 mg/day; therapeutic doses higher; (3) INFANT FORMULA — lactoferrin naturally present in human milk; bovine lactoferrin similar but not identical; supplementation in formula well-established; (4) IRON STATUS — lactoferrin modulates iron without overload risk; safer than supplemental iron in many contexts; (5) PREGNANCY/LACTATION — natural component of human milk; generally safe; (6) BIOFERRIN vs OTHER LACTOFERRIN BRANDS — Glanbia quality and supply; competitive ingredients include FrieslandCampina lactoferrin, others; (7) LACTOFERRIN vs COLOSTRUM — colostrum contains lactoferrin among many other bioactives; lactoferrin alone for targeted applications; (8) FOR COMPREHENSIVE IMMUNE HEALTH — sleep, exercise, nutrition, stress management foundational; supplements adjunct; (9) BRAND VERIFICATION — Bioferrin is Glanbia trademark.