Lactoferrin for Recurrent Infections

A Strong Evidence Multiple large clinical trials consistently show significant benefits.

Meta-analysis shows lactoferrin supplementation may reduce the odds of respiratory tract infections by 40-45%. A 90-day RCT demonstrated 58% reduction in respiratory infections versus placebo. Neonatal trial showed late-onset sepsis at 5.9% with lactoferrin versus 17.3% control.

𝕏 LinkedIn

<\/script>\n

`; }, get iframeSnippet() { const domain = 'immunecited.com'; const params = 'ingredient\u003Dlactoferrin\u0026condition\u003Drecurrent\u002Dinfections'; return ``; }, get activeSnippet() { return this.method === 'script' ? this.scriptSnippet : this.iframeSnippet; }, copySnippet() { navigator.clipboard.writeText(this.activeSnippet).then(() => { this.copied = true; setTimeout(() => { this.copied = false; }, 2000); }); } }" @keydown.escape.window="open = false" @click.outside="open = false">

Embed This Widget

Style

Widget powered by . Free, no account required.

The Bottom Line

Key Study Findings

Case Reports n=1

Specific Granule Deficiency Due To Novel Homozygote SMARCD2 Variant.

Dose: None vs: None Outcome: None Effect: None None

Population: Patient with specific granule deficiency

Randomized Controlled Trial n=48 26.0 weeks Double-blind

Evidence-based mixture containing Lactobacillus strains and lactoferrin to prevent recurrent bacterial vaginosis: a double blind, …

Dose: 500 mg vs: Placebo Outcome: Disease remission Effect: None None

Population: None

In Vitro

Cationic antimicrobial peptide LL-37 is effective against both extra- and intracellular Staphylococcus aureus.

Dose: None vs: Conventional antibiotics Outcome: Killing efficacy against extra- and intracellular S. aureus Effect: None None

Population: In vitro S. aureus cultures

Observational Study

Deficiency of antibacterial peptides in patients with morbus Kostmann: an observation study.

Dose: None vs: Healthy controls Outcome: Antibacterial peptide levels in Crohn's disease Effect: Decreased defensin and LL-37 in Crohn's patients None

Population: Crohn's disease patients

In Vitro

Unique human neutrophil populations are defined by monoclonal antibody ED12F8C10.

Dose: None vs: None Outcome: immune function Effect: None None

Population: animal model

Other n=14 52.0 weeks

Abnormal nasal glandular secretion in recurrent sinusitis.

Dose: 25 mg vs: baseline Outcome: oxidative stress markers Effect: or 2 None

Population: general population

Key Statistics

Studies

2000

Participants

↑

Positive

Grade

Referenced Papers

Specific Granule Deficiency Due To Novel Homozygote SMARCD2 Variant. Case Report

Pediatric allergy, immunology, … 2022 4 citations

Evidence-based mixture containing Lactobacillus strains and lactoferrin to prevent recurrent bacterial vaginosis: a double blind, placebo controlled, randomised clinical trial. RCT

Beneficial microbes 2019 82 citations

Cationic antimicrobial peptide LL-37 is effective against both extra- and intracellular Staphylococcus aureus. Other

Antimicrobial agents and … 2013 115 citations

Deficiency of antibacterial peptides in patients with morbus Kostmann: an observation study. Other

Lancet (London, England) 2002 519 citations

Unique human neutrophil populations are defined by monoclonal antibody ED12F8C10. Other

Cellular immunology 1991 9 citations

Abnormal nasal glandular secretion in recurrent sinusitis. Other

The Journal of … 1990 50 citations

Studies of bronchial secretion. The influence of inflammatory response and bacterial infection. Other

Annals of allergy 1985 1 citations

Human neutrophil-specific granule deficiency: a model to assess the role of neutrophil-specific granules in the evolution of the inflammatory response. Other

Blood 1982

Lactoferrin deficiency as a consequence of a lack of specific granules in neutrophils from a patient with recurrent infections. Detection … Other

The American journal … 1980 138 citations

Dosage & Usage

mg = milligrams · mcg = micrograms (1,000× smaller) · IU = International Units

Commonly Used Dosages

general:: 100-200 mg/day
immunesupport:: 200-600 mg/day

Upper limit: No established UL; well-tolerated up to 1,200 mg/day

Dosages Studied in Research

Dosage	Duration	Effect	N
None	--	Mixed	1
500 mg	26.0 weeks	Positive	48
None	--	Positive	--
None	--	Negative	--
None	--	Neutral	--
25 mg	52.0 weeks	Mixed	14
None	--	Positive	60
None	468.0 weeks	Mixed	--

Best taken: On empty stomach

Safety & Side Effects

Reported Side Effects

⚠ Generally very well tolerated
⚠ Mild gastrointestinal effects at high doses
⚠ Allergic reactions in those with cow's milk allergy
⚠ Constipation (rare, due to iron-binding)

Known Interactions

● May enhance absorption of certain antibiotics
● May interact with iron supplements (iron-binding properties)

Tolerable upper intake: No established UL; well-tolerated up to 1,200 mg/day

Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Lactoferrin help with Recurrent Infections?

Based on 8 studies with 2,000 participants, there is strong evidence from multiple clinical trials that Lactoferrin may support Recurrent Infections management. Our evidence grade is A (Strong Evidence).

How much Lactoferrin should I take for Recurrent Infections?

Studies have used various dosages. A commonly studied range is 100-200 mg/day. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.

Are there side effects of Lactoferrin?

Reported side effects may include Generally very well tolerated, Mild gastrointestinal effects at high doses, Allergic reactions in those with cow's milk allergy, Constipation (rare, due to iron-binding). Most side effects are mild and dose-dependent. Consult your doctor if you experience any adverse reactions.

How strong is the evidence for Lactoferrin and Recurrent Infections?

We rate the evidence as Grade A (Strong Evidence). This rating is based on 8 peer-reviewed studies with 2,000 total participants. The overall direction of effect is positive.

Other ingredients for Recurrent Infections

Bovine Colostrum B

Quick Verdict

Evidence Strength92%

High confidence

Study Breakdown

RCT (1)Meta (0)Other (7)

Compare Alternatives

See how other ingredients compare for this condition.

View all ingredients for Recurrent Infections

Learn More

References

[1] Zeynep Kihtir et al.. Pediatr Allergy Immunol Pulmonol. 2022. Specific Granule Deficiency Due To Novel Homozygote SMARCD2 Variant. doi:10.1089/ped.2021.0070 PubMed
[2] R Russo et al.. Benef Microbes. 2019. Evidence-based mixture containing Lactobacillus strains and lactoferrin to prevent recurrent bacterial vaginosis: a double blind, placebo controlled, randomised clinical trial. doi:10.3920/BM2018.0075 PubMed
[3] Jabeen Noore et al.. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2013. Cationic antimicrobial peptide LL-37 is effective against both extra- and intracellular Staphylococcus aureus. doi:10.1128/AAC.01650-12 PubMed
[4] Katrin Pütsep et al.. Lancet. 2002. Deficiency of antibacterial peptides in patients with morbus Kostmann: an observation study. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(02)11201-3 PubMed
[5] C C Brown et al.. Cell Immunol. 1991. Unique human neutrophil populations are defined by monoclonal antibody ED12F8C10. doi:10.1016/0008-8749(91)90010-9 PubMed
[6] E V Jeney et al.. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 1990. Abnormal nasal glandular secretion in recurrent sinusitis. doi:10.1016/s0091-6749(05)80117-4 PubMed
[7] J Pryjma et al.. Ann Allergy. 1985. Studies of bronchial secretion. The influence of inflammatory response and bacterial infection. PubMed
[8] J I Gallin et al.. Blood. 1982. Human neutrophil-specific granule deficiency: a model to assess the role of neutrophil-specific granules in the evolution of the inflammatory response. PubMed
[9] J Breton-Gorius et al.. Am J Pathol. 1980. Lactoferrin deficiency as a consequence of a lack of specific granules in neutrophils from a patient with recurrent infections. Detection … PubMed

FDA Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products and information on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The evidence grades presented are based on our analysis of published peer-reviewed research and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.