Safety Profile
Known Safety Concerns
- MILK allergen (dairy-derived glycoprotein — IgE cross-reactivity with milk proteins); not vegan; separate from concurrent iron supplement dosing
Contraindications
- MILK allergen (dairy-derived glycoprotein — IgE cross-reactivity with milk proteins); not vegan; separate from concurrent iron supplement dosing
Interactions
Information not yet available for this ingredient profile.
Evidence and Scientific Findings
Ingredient Overview
Lactoferrin is an 80 kDa iron-binding glycoprotein of the transferrin family naturally present in mammalian secretions (bovine colostrum: 1.5–2.0 g/L; human colostrum: 5–7 g/L; mature milk: 0.02–0.35 g/L; tears; saliva; neutrophil granules). Supplement lactoferrin is derived from bovine milk (bLF). Functions: (1) Iron chelation — binds iron with very high affinity, depriving iron-dependent bacteria of growth substrate (bacteriostatic/bactericidal); (2) Lactoferricin peptide — direct membrane-disrupting antimicrobial on proteolysis; (3) Antiviral — blocks viral cell attachment mechanisms; (4) Immunomodulatory — activates NK cells, modulates cytokine profile; (5) Prebiotic — stimulates Bifidobacterium/Lactobacillus growth; (6) Anti-inflammatory — inhibits NF-κB. Applications: iron deficiency adjunct; GI infection prevention; immune support; skin health/acne. Typical dose: 100–300 mg/day. Very well tolerated. MILK ALLERGEN: lactoferrin is a dairy-derived whey protein fraction — CONTRAINDICATED in IgE-mediated milk allergy (cross-reactivity with milk proteins). Not vegan. Takes separately from iron supplements (may mildly reduce concurrent iron absorption). Safe for infants and adults at food-level doses; supplement doses require caution in pregnancy (consult physician).
Biological and Chemical Classification
- Scientific Name
- Bos taurus (bovine lactoferrin)
Mechanism of Action
Information not yet available for this ingredient profile.
Clinical Evidence of Effectiveness
Information not yet available for this ingredient profile.
Pharmacokinetics
Information not yet available for this ingredient profile.
Recommended Dosage
Information not yet available for this ingredient profile.
SETI — Scientific Evidence Transparency Index
Executive Summary — Ingredient Assessment
- 10 studies reviewed
- 0 high-quality studies (meta-analysis or RCT)
- Main clinical benefit observed: Specialty
- Evidence consistency: High consistency across studies (100%)
- MILK allergen (dairy-derived glycoprotein — IgE cross-reactivity with milk proteins); not vegan; separate from concurrent iron supplement dosing
The available scientific evidence for Lactoferrin indicates notable safety signals that warrant caution. Use should be considered carefully and monitored, particularly in sensitive populations or alongside other medications.
Total SETI Score
High risk| Evidence quality | 10/40 |
| Evidence consistency | 20/20 |
| Safety signals | 0/20 |
| Study recency | 10/10 |
| Evidence transparency | 10/10 |
Evidence Summary
- 10 studies reviewed
- 0 high-quality studies (meta-analysis or systematic review)
- 0 studies identified benefits or no safety concern (GREEN)
- 10 studies reported limited or advisory safety evidence (YELLOW)
Evidence Policy
Only peer-reviewed scientific literature indexed in PubMed or comparable databases is included in this evaluation. Commercial websites, blogs, and marketing materials are excluded. All references include direct traceable links to source documents.
Last updated: 06 აპრ 2026, 12:08
Evidence Distribution
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWWhen estrogen sparks clotting: the lactoferrin-FXI link. ↗Chen D. When estrogen sparks clotting: the lactoferrin-FXI link.. Blood. 2026. PMID:41926142.PMID 41926142 ↗Journal BloodYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41926142/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWHealth benefits and value addition of bovine colostrum (BC): a comprehensive review of its nutritional and functional potential. ↗Riaz S et al.. Health benefits and value addition of bovine colostrum (BC): a comprehensive review of its nutritional and functional potential.. Food Sci Anim Resour. 2026. PMID:41925999.PMID 41925999 ↗Journal Food Sci Anim ResourYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41925999/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWEffects of circadian rhythms on antimicrobial peptide concentrations in lactating goat milk. ↗Liang ZL et al.. Effects of circadian rhythms on antimicrobial peptide concentrations in lactating goat milk.. BMC Vet Res. 2026. PMID:41923233.PMID 41923233 ↗Journal BMC Vet ResYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41923233/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWTargeting Resistance Vulnerabilities of Clinical ESKAPE Isolates Using Lactoferrin and Its Functional Fragments. ↗Pandit S et al.. Targeting Resistance Vulnerabilities of Clinical ESKAPE Isolates Using Lactoferrin and Its Functional Fragments.. Curr Microbiol. 2026. PMID:41917501.PMID 41917501 ↗Journal Curr MicrobiolYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41917501/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWHigh-Resolution Profiling of Lactation-Phase-Specific MFGM Proteomes in Breast Milk: Multidimensionally Functional Insights from Astral-DIA Analysis. ↗Zhao Z et al.. High-Resolution Profiling of Lactation-Phase-Specific MFGM Proteomes in Breast Milk: Multidimensionally Functional Insights from Astral-DIA Analysis.. J Agric Food Chem. 2026. PMID:41911595.PMID 41911595 ↗Journal J Agric Food ChemYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41911595/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWUsing biomarkers to detect intramammary infections in dairy cows at dry-off. ↗Viora L et al.. Using biomarkers to detect intramammary infections in dairy cows at dry-off.. Res Vet Sci. 2026. PMID:41905028.PMID 41905028 ↗Journal Res Vet SciYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41905028/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWDual-targeting zein janus nanoparticles reprogram tumor-associated macrophages for enhanced glioblastoma therapy. ↗Ma K et al.. Dual-targeting zein janus nanoparticles reprogram tumor-associated macrophages for enhanced glioblastoma therapy.. Nanomedicine. 2026. PMID:41903687.PMID 41903687 ↗Journal NanomedicineYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41903687/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWThe changes of fecal calprotectin and lactoferrin during Clostridioides difficile infection. ↗Kou017cuch M et al.. The changes of fecal calprotectin and lactoferrin during Clostridioides difficile infection.. Anaerobe. 2026. PMID:41903580.PMID 41903580 ↗Journal AnaerobeYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41903580/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWCurcumin-Loaded Lactoferrin/Pectin Core-Shell Structured Microgel Nanoparticles: Dual Regulatory Effects in Alleviating Inflammatory Bowel Disease. ↗Jin MY et al.. Curcumin-Loaded Lactoferrin/Pectin Core-Shell Structured Microgel Nanoparticles: Dual Regulatory Effects in Alleviating Inflammatory Bowel Disease.. Nutrients. 2026. PMID:41901096.PMID 41901096 ↗Journal NutrientsYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41901096/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWSeeding the Future: How Feeding Mode Shapes the Infant Gut Microbiota. ↗Trofin F et al.. Seeding the Future: How Feeding Mode Shapes the Infant Gut Microbiota.. Microorganisms. 2026. PMID:41900478.PMID 41900478 ↗Journal MicroorganismsYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41900478/
Score Transparency
0 of 10 approved references (score saturates at 10). More peer-reviewed studies = stronger evidence base.
Method: Q = number of approved references ÷ 10 (capped at 1.0)
Limited — mostly case reports or animal studies
Method: L = mean study-level weight across approved references. Level 1 (meta-analysis / systematic review) = 1.0; Level 2 (RCT) = 0.8; Level 3 (cohort/case-control) = 0.6; Level 4 (case report) = 0.4; Level 5 (animal / in-vitro) = 0.2.
Mixed or neutral — roughly equal benefit and risk signals
Method: D = (sum of risk-scored references − sum of benefit-scored references) ÷ total evidence score, then scaled from [−1, 1] to [0, 1]. 0.0 = pure benefit; 0.5 = neutral; 1.0 = pure risk.
One or more monitoring-level safety signals active
Method: S = 0.5 (neutral baseline) + sum of active signal severity deltas ÷ 10. Severity deltas: Critical = +2.0, High = +1.5, Moderate = +1.0, Low = +0.5. Capped at 1.0.
Final GIRI Score for Lactoferrin. Risk level thresholds: Low 0–3.0 · Moderate 3.0–5.5 · High 5.5–7.5 · Critical 7.5–10.
Full methodology & data sources
The GIRI Score is computed entirely from structured data — no editorial scoring or subjective weighting is applied at any step.
- References: Only approved references are counted. Each reference is assigned an evidence level (L1–L5) and a direction (risk / neutral / benefit) by the reference manager or AI classifier.
- Safety Signals: Sourced from regulatory agencies (FDA, EMA, Health Canada, TGA, and others) and pharmacovigilance databases. Only active signals count toward the score.
- Formula version: GIRI Score v3.7.0 — Q × L × D × S × 10.
- Limitations: The score reflects published evidence and recorded signals as of the last update date. It is not a clinical risk assessment and should not replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
Risk Level Classification
Based on available regulatory signals and scientific evidence, this ingredient presents a low safety concern under normal conditions of use.
0–3.0
3.0–5.5
5.5–7.5
7.5–10
The score pin shows exactly where this ingredient falls on the fixed risk scale.
What drove the Low classification for Lactoferrin
A score of 1.5 places this ingredient in the Low band. Thresholds: Low 0–3.0 · Moderate 3.0–5.5 · High 5.5–7.5 · Critical 7.5–10.
0 approved references.
Limited — mostly case reports or animal studies (Level 4–5).
Neutral or mixed — benefit and risk signals roughly balanced.
No active signals — S component is at neutral baseline (0.5), contributing no extra risk weight.
No major regulatory restrictions or advisories recorded across monitored jurisdictions (FDA, EMA, Health Canada, TGA, and others).
How are the Low / Moderate / High / Critical thresholds defined?
The four risk levels are fixed score bands. A score is assigned to exactly one level based on where it falls:
| Level | Score | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| LOW | 0.0 – 2.9 | Sparse or predominantly beneficial evidence. No active safety alerts. |
| MODERATE | 3.0 – 5.4 | Mixed signals — some risk alongside benefit. Caution at high doses or in sensitive groups. |
| HIGH | 5.5 – 7.4 | Multiple studies or regulatory alerts documenting adverse effects. Professional oversight recommended. |
| CRITICAL | 7.5 – 10 | Regulatory restrictions in one or more major jurisdictions. Serious documented harm. Avoid without specialist supervision. |
Thresholds are fixed constants (GIRI_Score_Utils::LEVEL_THRESHOLDS). They do not change per ingredient and are never subject to editorial adjustment.