5/16/2025
Last update
5/16/2025
Reviewed By
Overview
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 4 Researches
7.8
USERS' SCORE
Moderately Good
Based on 87 Reviews
7.8
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Capsule
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Lactoferrin (as Apolactoferrin)
250 mg
†
Top Medical Research Studies
8
We explored how lactoferrin (LF) affects infectious diseases, including summer colds, through a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Healthy adults received either a placebo or 200 mg or 600 mg of LF for 12 weeks.
While the prevalence of illnesses didn't change significantly, we found that those taking LF experienced a shorter duration of infections. In fact, the 600 mg group had a notably reduced duration of summer colds compared to the placebo group.
Overall, lactoferrin seems beneficial in hastening recovery from cold symptoms during summer.
While the prevalence of illnesses didn't change significantly, we found that those taking LF experienced a shorter duration of infections. In fact, the 600 mg group had a notably reduced duration of summer colds compared to the placebo group.
Overall, lactoferrin seems beneficial in hastening recovery from cold symptoms during summer.
Read More
9
This study sought to find out if a combination of bovine lactoferrin and whey protein could help reduce colds in people who often get sick. We conducted a double-blind, randomized trial involving 126 participants who took either the supplement or a placebo for 90 days.
Results showed that those taking the lactoferrin combination experienced significantly fewer colds—48 compared to 112 in the placebo group. While there were also positive trends in symptom severity and sick days, these weren’t statistically significant. Overall, we found the lactoferrin combination beneficial for cold prevention.
Results showed that those taking the lactoferrin combination experienced significantly fewer colds—48 compared to 112 in the placebo group. While there were also positive trends in symptom severity and sick days, these weren’t statistically significant. Overall, we found the lactoferrin combination beneficial for cold prevention.
Read More
5
We conducted a randomized clinical trial with 407 participants to evaluate if sucking tablets containing lactoferrin and lactoperoxidase could ease cold symptoms. The groups included treatment and non-treatment, with further division based on hygiene practices like wearing face masks and gargling.
Our findings showed no significant improvement in cold symptoms overall. However, we noted that in participants who did not take precautions like gargling or wearing masks, the tablets seemed to moderately reduce symptom duration, including a notable decrease in fever for those without masks.
Our findings showed no significant improvement in cold symptoms overall. However, we noted that in participants who did not take precautions like gargling or wearing masks, the tablets seemed to moderately reduce symptom duration, including a notable decrease in fever for those without masks.
Read More
Most Useful Reviews
9
Shortens cold sore
38 people found this helpful
Cold sore be gone! I read that this could help shorten the duration of cold sores by inhibiting some common viruses, like herpes simplex 1. A few days ago, I felt tingling around my lip; I took a couple of pills and by the next morning, a few red bumps appeared and that was it—I never had a full-blown cold sore. For my intended purpose, this product did its job.
Read More
10
Cured cold sores
32 people found this helpful
Wow! This cured me of constant cold sores. I tried everything from pharmaceuticals to supplements; nothing worked. But humble lactoferrin did the trick. I take two a day during cold season and just one in summer. Since starting, I haven’t had a cold sore or cold; I’m usually very sensitive to chemicals and herbs, so it’s remarkable this works so well without side effects. Wow!
Read More
2
No effect noted
27 people found this helpful
No help with ARVI. They took it as a remedy for ARVI after reading about lactoferrin in nasal tissues. The article's author suggests taking it (with zinc) at the first symptoms of ARVI and the common cold. I did so but experienced no effect. This direction didn't work for me! It's pricey and disappointing.
Read More
Medical Researches
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 4 Researches
7.8
- All Researches
9
We conducted a study to investigate the potential of a throat spray containing lactoferrin, along with other ingredients, to alleviate cold symptoms. This double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involved 157 participants who self-administered treatments and reported their experiences over 36 hours. We aimed to see if this combination could improve upon the effectiveness of aspirin, which has shown only modest benefits in relieving cold symptoms.
While our findings indicated that the treatment significantly reduced sore throat pain and other cold symptoms, it is important to note that the exact contribution of lactoferrin remains unclear. This is because the throat spray included multiple active components, including lysozyme and aloe, making it difficult to isolate lactoferrin's specific effects. Overall, we observed a marked reduction in symptom severity, with improvements noted across the board for the treatments administered.
Although this study highlighted a promising approach to supporting respiratory health and managing cold symptoms, we cannot definitively say that lactoferrin alone was responsible for these outcomes. Thus, while the results are encouraging, additional research is needed to clarify the distinct role of lactoferrin in treating colds.
While our findings indicated that the treatment significantly reduced sore throat pain and other cold symptoms, it is important to note that the exact contribution of lactoferrin remains unclear. This is because the throat spray included multiple active components, including lysozyme and aloe, making it difficult to isolate lactoferrin's specific effects. Overall, we observed a marked reduction in symptom severity, with improvements noted across the board for the treatments administered.
Although this study highlighted a promising approach to supporting respiratory health and managing cold symptoms, we cannot definitively say that lactoferrin alone was responsible for these outcomes. Thus, while the results are encouraging, additional research is needed to clarify the distinct role of lactoferrin in treating colds.
Read More
9
This study sought to find out if a combination of bovine lactoferrin and whey protein could help reduce colds in people who often get sick. We conducted a double-blind, randomized trial involving 126 participants who took either the supplement or a placebo for 90 days.
Results showed that those taking the lactoferrin combination experienced significantly fewer colds—48 compared to 112 in the placebo group. While there were also positive trends in symptom severity and sick days, these weren’t statistically significant. Overall, we found the lactoferrin combination beneficial for cold prevention.
Results showed that those taking the lactoferrin combination experienced significantly fewer colds—48 compared to 112 in the placebo group. While there were also positive trends in symptom severity and sick days, these weren’t statistically significant. Overall, we found the lactoferrin combination beneficial for cold prevention.
Read More
8
We explored how lactoferrin (LF) affects infectious diseases, including summer colds, through a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Healthy adults received either a placebo or 200 mg or 600 mg of LF for 12 weeks.
While the prevalence of illnesses didn't change significantly, we found that those taking LF experienced a shorter duration of infections. In fact, the 600 mg group had a notably reduced duration of summer colds compared to the placebo group.
Overall, lactoferrin seems beneficial in hastening recovery from cold symptoms during summer.
While the prevalence of illnesses didn't change significantly, we found that those taking LF experienced a shorter duration of infections. In fact, the 600 mg group had a notably reduced duration of summer colds compared to the placebo group.
Overall, lactoferrin seems beneficial in hastening recovery from cold symptoms during summer.
Read More
5
We conducted a randomized clinical trial with 407 participants to evaluate if sucking tablets containing lactoferrin and lactoperoxidase could ease cold symptoms. The groups included treatment and non-treatment, with further division based on hygiene practices like wearing face masks and gargling.
Our findings showed no significant improvement in cold symptoms overall. However, we noted that in participants who did not take precautions like gargling or wearing masks, the tablets seemed to moderately reduce symptom duration, including a notable decrease in fever for those without masks.
Our findings showed no significant improvement in cold symptoms overall. However, we noted that in participants who did not take precautions like gargling or wearing masks, the tablets seemed to moderately reduce symptom duration, including a notable decrease in fever for those without masks.
Read More
User Reviews
USERS' SCORE
Moderately Good
Based on 87 Reviews
7.8
- All Reviews
- Positive Reviews
- Negative Reviews
9
Shortens cold sore
38 people found this helpful
Cold sore be gone! I read that this could help shorten the duration of cold sores by inhibiting some common viruses, like herpes simplex 1. A few days ago, I felt tingling around my lip; I took a couple of pills and by the next morning, a few red bumps appeared and that was it—I never had a full-blown cold sore. For my intended purpose, this product did its job.
Read More
10
Cured cold sores
32 people found this helpful
Wow! This cured me of constant cold sores. I tried everything from pharmaceuticals to supplements; nothing worked. But humble lactoferrin did the trick. I take two a day during cold season and just one in summer. Since starting, I haven’t had a cold sore or cold; I’m usually very sensitive to chemicals and herbs, so it’s remarkable this works so well without side effects. Wow!
Read More
2
No effect noted
27 people found this helpful
No help with ARVI. They took it as a remedy for ARVI after reading about lactoferrin in nasal tissues. The article's author suggests taking it (with zinc) at the first symptoms of ARVI and the common cold. I did so but experienced no effect. This direction didn't work for me! It's pricey and disappointing.
Read More
9
Reduced colds effect
5 people found this helpful
Lactoferrin, 250 mg, was suggested by my primary care physician due to my frequent colds, as I work in a Public High School. It has made a significant difference! I plan to take it regularly from now on.
Read More
10
Significant health improvement
3 people found this helpful
After two months, I felt revitalised, with a healthier appearance and no shortness of breath. My ferritin levels improved noticeably, and I did not experience any colds. Lactoferrin helped me immensely.
Read More
Frequently Asked Questions
9
Cold duration shortened
Lactoferrin dramatically shortened the duration of my cold. It arrived promptly and significantly aided my recovery.
9
Prevents sickness effectively
A great discovery! As I am quite anaemic, I chose this because I know it aids with iron transport and boosts immunity. Since I started taking it four months ago, I haven’t fallen ill anymore; previously, I occasionally suffered from sore throats and colds. This supplement will always be in my cupboard during winter months, and it's a cheaper option too!
9
Cold prevention noted
I really like taking Lactoferrin when I feel a cold coming on. When taken with zinc and vitamin C early enough, it can truly prevent illness.
9
Cold-free period
I got these to help with my immune system. Normally, I get colds frequently, but I haven’t had any in the last 18 months. I’ve also been taking zinc, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and thymus, so I cannot tell which has mainly contributed to this effect.
10
Significant health improvement
3 people found this helpful
After two months, I felt revitalised, with a healthier appearance and no shortness of breath. My ferritin levels improved noticeably, and I did not experience any colds. Lactoferrin helped me immensely.
9
Reduced colds effect
5 people found this helpful
Lactoferrin, 250 mg, was suggested by my primary care physician due to my frequent colds, as I work in a Public High School. It has made a significant difference! I plan to take it regularly from now on.
9
Rarely catches colds
Excellent immune support! I have been using this product for years and rarely catch colds or upper respiratory infections. I pair it with Zinc and have not caught Covid thus far.
2
No effect noted
27 people found this helpful
No help with ARVI. They took it as a remedy for ARVI after reading about lactoferrin in nasal tissues. The article's author suggests taking it (with zinc) at the first symptoms of ARVI and the common cold. I did so but experienced no effect. This direction didn't work for me! It's pricey and disappointing.
9
We conducted a study to investigate the potential of a throat spray containing lactoferrin, along with other ingredients, to alleviate cold symptoms. This double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involved 157 participants who self-administered treatments and reported their experiences over 36 hours. We aimed to see if this combination could improve upon the effectiveness of aspirin, which has shown only modest benefits in relieving cold symptoms.
While our findings indicated that the treatment significantly reduced sore throat pain and other cold symptoms, it is important to note that the exact contribution of lactoferrin remains unclear. This is because the throat spray included multiple active components, including lysozyme and aloe, making it difficult to isolate lactoferrin's specific effects. Overall, we observed a marked reduction in symptom severity, with improvements noted across the board for the treatments administered.
Although this study highlighted a promising approach to supporting respiratory health and managing cold symptoms, we cannot definitively say that lactoferrin alone was responsible for these outcomes. Thus, while the results are encouraging, additional research is needed to clarify the distinct role of lactoferrin in treating colds.
While our findings indicated that the treatment significantly reduced sore throat pain and other cold symptoms, it is important to note that the exact contribution of lactoferrin remains unclear. This is because the throat spray included multiple active components, including lysozyme and aloe, making it difficult to isolate lactoferrin's specific effects. Overall, we observed a marked reduction in symptom severity, with improvements noted across the board for the treatments administered.
Although this study highlighted a promising approach to supporting respiratory health and managing cold symptoms, we cannot definitively say that lactoferrin alone was responsible for these outcomes. Thus, while the results are encouraging, additional research is needed to clarify the distinct role of lactoferrin in treating colds.
8
We explored how lactoferrin (LF) affects infectious diseases, including summer colds, through a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Healthy adults received either a placebo or 200 mg or 600 mg of LF for 12 weeks.
While the prevalence of illnesses didn't change significantly, we found that those taking LF experienced a shorter duration of infections. In fact, the 600 mg group had a notably reduced duration of summer colds compared to the placebo group.
Overall, lactoferrin seems beneficial in hastening recovery from cold symptoms during summer.
While the prevalence of illnesses didn't change significantly, we found that those taking LF experienced a shorter duration of infections. In fact, the 600 mg group had a notably reduced duration of summer colds compared to the placebo group.
Overall, lactoferrin seems beneficial in hastening recovery from cold symptoms during summer.
9
This study sought to find out if a combination of bovine lactoferrin and whey protein could help reduce colds in people who often get sick. We conducted a double-blind, randomized trial involving 126 participants who took either the supplement or a placebo for 90 days.
Results showed that those taking the lactoferrin combination experienced significantly fewer colds—48 compared to 112 in the placebo group. While there were also positive trends in symptom severity and sick days, these weren’t statistically significant. Overall, we found the lactoferrin combination beneficial for cold prevention.
Results showed that those taking the lactoferrin combination experienced significantly fewer colds—48 compared to 112 in the placebo group. While there were also positive trends in symptom severity and sick days, these weren’t statistically significant. Overall, we found the lactoferrin combination beneficial for cold prevention.
References
- Pugach P, Sadeghi-Latefi N. Supporting respiratory epithelia and lowering inflammation to effectively treat common cold symptoms: A randomized controlled trial. PLoS One. 2024;19:e0301959. 10.1371/journal.pone.0301959
- Oda H, Wakabayashi H, Tanaka M, Yamauchi K, Sugita C, et al. Effects of lactoferrin on infectious diseases in Japanese summer: A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. J Microbiol Immunol Infect. 2021;54:566. 10.1016/j.jmii.2020.02.010
- Shin K, Wakabayashi H, Sugita C, Yoshida H, Sato K, et al. Effects of orally administered lactoferrin and lactoperoxidase on symptoms of the common cold. Int J Health Sci (Qassim). 2018;12:44.
- Vitetta L, Coulson S, Beck SL, Gramotnev H, Du S, et al. 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;21:164. 10.1016/j.ctim.2012.12.006
