Last update
5/15/2026
Reviewed By
Overview
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 16 Researches
7.5
USERS' SCORE
Questionable
Based on 8 Reviews
5.8
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Capsule
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Lactoferrin (as Apolactoferrin)
250 mg
†
Top Medical Research Studies
7
We conducted a comprehensive review and meta-analysis to understand how lactoferrin (LF) supplementation affects diarrhea in children. This involved examining a number of randomized controlled trials involving participants under 18 years old.
From our analysis, which sifted through an impressive 1,594 citations, we identified 25 studies that met our criteria. Notably, out of these, 14 studies focused specifically on diarrhea. Our findings indicated that LF supplementation was linked to fewer children experiencing diarrhea compared to those receiving a placebo.
Specifically, the odds of having diarrhea were reduced (with an odds ratio of 0.56) when children were given LF compared to those who weren't. This suggests that lactoferrin could be helpful in reducing the incidence of diarrhea in the pediatric population. However, it's important to note that while the results are promising, further refinement in trial design is necessary to fully understand LF's potential as a public health tool.
From our analysis, which sifted through an impressive 1,594 citations, we identified 25 studies that met our criteria. Notably, out of these, 14 studies focused specifically on diarrhea. Our findings indicated that LF supplementation was linked to fewer children experiencing diarrhea compared to those receiving a placebo.
Specifically, the odds of having diarrhea were reduced (with an odds ratio of 0.56) when children were given LF compared to those who weren't. This suggests that lactoferrin could be helpful in reducing the incidence of diarrhea in the pediatric population. However, it's important to note that while the results are promising, further refinement in trial design is necessary to fully understand LF's potential as a public health tool.
Read More
0
In a well-structured study involving 156 children on antibiotics, we set out to see if bovine lactoferrin (bLf) could help prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD). Kids were randomly given either bLf or a placebo twice daily during their antibiotic treatment.
Unfortunately, our findings revealed that AAD occurred more frequently in the bLf group—21.3% compared to just 9.3% in the placebo group. This suggests that bLf does not effectively prevent diarrhea; in fact, it may increase the risk. Importantly, we observed no adverse effects in either group.
Unfortunately, our findings revealed that AAD occurred more frequently in the bLf group—21.3% compared to just 9.3% in the placebo group. This suggests that bLf does not effectively prevent diarrhea; in fact, it may increase the risk. Importantly, we observed no adverse effects in either group.
Read More
9
We investigated how different doses of bovine lactoferrin (bLF) in formula affected diarrhea and respiratory infections in weaned infants with anemia.
In our study of 108 infants, we found that those receiving higher doses of bLF (76 mg/100 g) experienced significantly lower rates of diarrhea and respiratory illnesses compared to those receiving no bLF.
This suggests that adding bLF to infant formula may be a promising new approach to reduce illness in this vulnerable group.
In our study of 108 infants, we found that those receiving higher doses of bLF (76 mg/100 g) experienced significantly lower rates of diarrhea and respiratory illnesses compared to those receiving no bLF.
This suggests that adding bLF to infant formula may be a promising new approach to reduce illness in this vulnerable group.
Read More
Most Useful Reviews
0
Caused spastic diarrhea
75 people found this helpful
I would NOT recommend this for cats. Based on a recommendation, I purchased this for my cats to help with allergies, but it caused both of them spastic diarrhea. I later discovered that magnesium stearate has several side effects, including loss of appetite.
Read More
7.5
Helps immunity
2 people found this helpful
As a nutritional supplement for cats, I've noticed that administering small amounts helps prevent diarrhoea. It seems to aid their immunity effectively.
Read More
9
Iron absorption success
1 people found this helpful
This product is excellent. The capsules are easy to swallow. I took it to increase my iron levels because a prior single iron dose caused diarrhoea. Thankfully, I've seen no diarrhoea since starting this supplement and my iron levels improved. I highly recommend it; lactoferrin is a unique product that could soon replace antibiotics.
Read More
Medical Researches
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 16 Researches
7.5
- All Researches
9.5
We explored how tofacitinib, a medication typically used in adults, impacted a 16-year-old girl with severe Crohn's disease. After struggling with abdominal pain and diarrhea, traditional treatments provided only minimal relief. By incorporating tofacitinib into her regimen, she experienced complete resolution of her symptoms, including diarrhea and abdominal pain, within just a week. This case is particularly significant as it is one of the first reports showing such positive outcomes in an adolescent patient with colonic Crohn's disease, suggesting a promising avenue for future treatment.
Read More
9
We explored how bovine lactoferrin (bLf) works alongside antimicrobial peptides to tackle diarrhea caused by enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) in mice. In our study, infected mice were treated with various combinations of bLf and AMP N6.
We observed that the combination therapy significantly reduced inflammation markers and improved intestinal health in comparison to untreated infected mice. This suggests that bLf together with N6 may enhance intestinal immunity and function, pointing to a promising therapeutic route for bacterial enteritis.
We observed that the combination therapy significantly reduced inflammation markers and improved intestinal health in comparison to untreated infected mice. This suggests that bLf together with N6 may enhance intestinal immunity and function, pointing to a promising therapeutic route for bacterial enteritis.
Read More
9
We investigated how different doses of bovine lactoferrin (bLF) in formula affected diarrhea and respiratory infections in weaned infants with anemia.
In our study of 108 infants, we found that those receiving higher doses of bLF (76 mg/100 g) experienced significantly lower rates of diarrhea and respiratory illnesses compared to those receiving no bLF.
This suggests that adding bLF to infant formula may be a promising new approach to reduce illness in this vulnerable group.
In our study of 108 infants, we found that those receiving higher doses of bLF (76 mg/100 g) experienced significantly lower rates of diarrhea and respiratory illnesses compared to those receiving no bLF.
This suggests that adding bLF to infant formula may be a promising new approach to reduce illness in this vulnerable group.
Read More
8
We investigated the effects of lactoferrin and the microalgae Schizochytrium sp. in combating diarrhea caused by E. coli in young calves. In a study with 50 calves, we saw that those receiving either lactoferrin, Schizochytrium sp., or a combination of both experienced less diarrhea and better weight gain compared to the control group.
This suggests that these supplements can significantly help in managing E. coli-induced diarrhea in preweaning dairy calves. Overall, both treatments could serve as effective, non-antibiotic methods to reduce incidences of diarrhea in these vulnerable animals.
This suggests that these supplements can significantly help in managing E. coli-induced diarrhea in preweaning dairy calves. Overall, both treatments could serve as effective, non-antibiotic methods to reduce incidences of diarrhea in these vulnerable animals.
Read More
8
Lactoferrin reduces diarrhea in piglets
We investigated how lactoferrin and probiotics impact diarrhea in neonatal piglets. In our experiment, piglets were divided into four groups receiving different treatments, including lactoferrin and a specific probiotic strain.
We found that those given lactoferrin experienced a significant decrease in diarrhea compared to the control group, while no diarrhea cases were seen in the probiotic and combined treatment groups. Additionally, iron and zinc levels improved, and antioxidant capacity increased in the lactoferrin groups.
Overall, early-life supplementation with the probiotic alone successfully prevented diarrhea in piglets, showcasing its potential benefits.
We found that those given lactoferrin experienced a significant decrease in diarrhea compared to the control group, while no diarrhea cases were seen in the probiotic and combined treatment groups. Additionally, iron and zinc levels improved, and antioxidant capacity increased in the lactoferrin groups.
Overall, early-life supplementation with the probiotic alone successfully prevented diarrhea in piglets, showcasing its potential benefits.
Read More
User Reviews
USERS' SCORE
Questionable
Based on 8 Reviews
5.8
- All Reviews
- Positive Reviews
- Negative Reviews
0
Caused spastic diarrhea
75 people found this helpful
I would NOT recommend this for cats. Based on a recommendation, I purchased this for my cats to help with allergies, but it caused both of them spastic diarrhea. I later discovered that magnesium stearate has several side effects, including loss of appetite.
Read More
7.5
Helps immunity
2 people found this helpful
As a nutritional supplement for cats, I've noticed that administering small amounts helps prevent diarrhoea. It seems to aid their immunity effectively.
Read More
9
Iron absorption success
1 people found this helpful
This product is excellent. The capsules are easy to swallow. I took it to increase my iron levels because a prior single iron dose caused diarrhoea. Thankfully, I've seen no diarrhoea since starting this supplement and my iron levels improved. I highly recommend it; lactoferrin is a unique product that could soon replace antibiotics.
Read More
7.5
Reduced diarrhoea
I bought this as requested by someone at home. After just a few days of taking it, my frequent diarrhoea, which was the case 70% of the time, reduced significantly. I’m pleased with the outcome.
Read More
7.5
Stool firmness improvement
For middle-aged cats, diarrhoea can be a problem. When they are given probiotics alongside this supplement, their stools become firmer. I intend to purchase it again.
Read More
Frequently Asked Questions
7.5
Reduced diarrhoea
I bought this as requested by someone at home. After just a few days of taking it, my frequent diarrhoea, which was the case 70% of the time, reduced significantly. I’m pleased with the outcome.
7.5
Strengthened resistance
After consuming it for a few days, I noticed a significant improvement in my strength. It also helped with my diarrhoea.
7.5
Stool firmness improvement
For middle-aged cats, diarrhoea can be a problem. When they are given probiotics alongside this supplement, their stools become firmer. I intend to purchase it again.
7
We conducted a comprehensive review and meta-analysis to understand how lactoferrin (LF) supplementation affects diarrhea in children. This involved examining a number of randomized controlled trials involving participants under 18 years old.
From our analysis, which sifted through an impressive 1,594 citations, we identified 25 studies that met our criteria. Notably, out of these, 14 studies focused specifically on diarrhea. Our findings indicated that LF supplementation was linked to fewer children experiencing diarrhea compared to those receiving a placebo.
Specifically, the odds of having diarrhea were reduced (with an odds ratio of 0.56) when children were given LF compared to those who weren't. This suggests that lactoferrin could be helpful in reducing the incidence of diarrhea in the pediatric population. However, it's important to note that while the results are promising, further refinement in trial design is necessary to fully understand LF's potential as a public health tool.
From our analysis, which sifted through an impressive 1,594 citations, we identified 25 studies that met our criteria. Notably, out of these, 14 studies focused specifically on diarrhea. Our findings indicated that LF supplementation was linked to fewer children experiencing diarrhea compared to those receiving a placebo.
Specifically, the odds of having diarrhea were reduced (with an odds ratio of 0.56) when children were given LF compared to those who weren't. This suggests that lactoferrin could be helpful in reducing the incidence of diarrhea in the pediatric population. However, it's important to note that while the results are promising, further refinement in trial design is necessary to fully understand LF's potential as a public health tool.
8
Lactoferrin reduces diarrhea in piglets
We investigated how lactoferrin and probiotics impact diarrhea in neonatal piglets. In our experiment, piglets were divided into four groups receiving different treatments, including lactoferrin and a specific probiotic strain.
We found that those given lactoferrin experienced a significant decrease in diarrhea compared to the control group, while no diarrhea cases were seen in the probiotic and combined treatment groups. Additionally, iron and zinc levels improved, and antioxidant capacity increased in the lactoferrin groups.
Overall, early-life supplementation with the probiotic alone successfully prevented diarrhea in piglets, showcasing its potential benefits.
We found that those given lactoferrin experienced a significant decrease in diarrhea compared to the control group, while no diarrhea cases were seen in the probiotic and combined treatment groups. Additionally, iron and zinc levels improved, and antioxidant capacity increased in the lactoferrin groups.
Overall, early-life supplementation with the probiotic alone successfully prevented diarrhea in piglets, showcasing its potential benefits.
8
We investigated the effects of lactoferrin and the microalgae Schizochytrium sp. in combating diarrhea caused by E. coli in young calves. In a study with 50 calves, we saw that those receiving either lactoferrin, Schizochytrium sp., or a combination of both experienced less diarrhea and better weight gain compared to the control group.
This suggests that these supplements can significantly help in managing E. coli-induced diarrhea in preweaning dairy calves. Overall, both treatments could serve as effective, non-antibiotic methods to reduce incidences of diarrhea in these vulnerable animals.
This suggests that these supplements can significantly help in managing E. coli-induced diarrhea in preweaning dairy calves. Overall, both treatments could serve as effective, non-antibiotic methods to reduce incidences of diarrhea in these vulnerable animals.
0
In a well-structured study involving 156 children on antibiotics, we set out to see if bovine lactoferrin (bLf) could help prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD). Kids were randomly given either bLf or a placebo twice daily during their antibiotic treatment.
Unfortunately, our findings revealed that AAD occurred more frequently in the bLf group—21.3% compared to just 9.3% in the placebo group. This suggests that bLf does not effectively prevent diarrhea; in fact, it may increase the risk. Importantly, we observed no adverse effects in either group.
Unfortunately, our findings revealed that AAD occurred more frequently in the bLf group—21.3% compared to just 9.3% in the placebo group. This suggests that bLf does not effectively prevent diarrhea; in fact, it may increase the risk. Importantly, we observed no adverse effects in either group.
8
We explored the potential of lactoferrin as a treatment for chronic gastrointestinal symptoms in children suffering from Long COVID. In a case series involving two patients, high doses of oral lactoferrin were administered after they reported ongoing issues like diarrhea following COVID-19. Remarkably, their symptoms reportedly improved after starting the treatment. While this suggests a positive outcome, further research is needed to establish the effectiveness of lactoferrin for broader use in this context.
References
- Liu P, Zuo J, Lu H, Zhang B, Wu C. Lactoferrin exhibits PEDV antiviral activity by interfering with spike-heparan sulfate proteoglycans binding and activating mucosal immune response. Vet Res. 2025;56:25. 10.1186/s13567-025-01456-5
- Mayorga VS, Navarro R, Torres Roldan VD, Urtecho M, Tipe S, et al. Efficacy of lactoferrin supplementation in pediatric infections: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Biochem Cell Biol. 2025. 10.1139/bcb-2024-0181
- Ma X, Zhang K, Yang N, Hao Y, Mao R, et al. Treatment of lactoferrin and antimicrobial peptide N6 on bacterial enteritis caused by in mice. Biochem Cell Biol. 2025;103:1. 10.1139/bcb-2024-0103
- Ma L, Zhu Y, Zhu La AT, Lourenco JM, Callaway TR, et al. Schizochytrium sp. and lactoferrin supplementation alleviates Escherichia coli K99-induced diarrhea in preweaning dairy calves. J Dairy Sci. 2024;107:1603. 10.3168/jds.2023-23466
- Sarkar VK, De UK, Kala A, Chauhan A, Verma AK, et al. Effects of oral probiotic and lactoferrin interventions on iron-zinc homeostasis, oxidant/antioxidant equilibrium and diarrhoea incidence of neonatal piglets. Benef Microbes. 2023;14:197. 10.3920/BM2022.0032
- Ma X, Hao Y, Mao R, Yang N, Zheng X, et al. Effects of dietary supplementation of bovine lactoferrin on growth performance, immune function and intestinal health in weaning piglets. Biometals. 2023;36:587. 10.1007/s10534-022-00461-x
- Morello R, De Rose C, Cardinali S, Valentini P, Buonsenso D. Lactoferrin as Possible Treatment for Chronic Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Children with Long COVID: Case Series and Literature Review. Children (Basel). 2022;9. 10.3390/children9101446
- Dierick M, Ongena R, Vanrompay D, Devriendt B, Cox E. Lactoferrin Decreases Enterotoxigenic -Induced Fluid Secretion and Bacterial Adhesion in the Porcine Small Intestine. Pharmaceutics. 2022;14. 10.3390/pharmaceutics14091778
- Crawford E, Kim S. P046 Tofacitinib Induced Resolution of Severe Colitis and Reactive Atypia in an Adolescent Patient With IBD. Am J Gastroenterol. 2021;116:S12. 10.14309/01.ajg.0000798784.35370.2a
- Xie W, Song L, Wang X, Xu Y, Liu Z, et al. A bovine lactoferricin-lactoferrampin-encoding CO21 regulates the intestinal mucosal immunity and enhances the protection of piglets against enterotoxigenic K88 challenge. Gut Microbes. 2021;13:1956281. 10.1080/19490976.2021.1956281
- Jeong YY, Lee GY, Yoo YC. Bovine Lactoferricin Induces Intestinal Epithelial Cell Activation through Phosphorylation of FAK and Paxillin and Prevents Rotavirus Infection. J Microbiol Biotechnol. 2021;31:1175. 10.4014/jmb.2106.06044
- Wronowski MF, Kotowska M, Banasiuk M, Kotowski A, Kuzmicka W, et al. Bovine Lactoferrin in the Prevention of Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea in Children: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Front Pediatr. 2021;9:675606. 10.3389/fped.2021.675606
- Chen K, Jin S, Chen H, Cao Y, Dong X, et al. Dose effect of bovine lactoferrin fortification on diarrhea and respiratory tract infections in weaned infants with anemia: A randomized, controlled trial. Nutrition. 2021;90:111288. 10.1016/j.nut.2021.111288
- Chichlowski M, Bokulich N, Harris CL, Wampler JL, Li F, et al. Effect of Bovine Milk Fat Globule Membrane and Lactoferrin in Infant Formula on Gut Microbiome and Metabolome at 4 Months of Age. Curr Dev Nutr. 2021;5:nzab027. 10.1093/cdn/nzab027
- Donovan B, Suarez-Trujillo A, Casey T, Aryal UK, Conklin D, et al. Inclusion of Oat and Yeast Culture in Sow Gestational and Lactational Diets Alters Immune and Antimicrobial Associated Proteins in Milk. Animals (Basel). 2021;11. 10.3390/ani11020497
- Mizuki M, Tsukahara T, Oda H, Tanaka M, Yamauchi K, et al. Effects of Lactoferrin on Prevention of Acute Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Winter: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Trial for Staff of Kindergartens and Nursery Schools in Japan. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020;17. 10.3390/ijerph17249582
