Last update
5/26/2026
Research Authors

Overview

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Moderately Effective
Based on 4 Researches
8
USERS' SCORE
Moderately Good
Based on 4 Reviews
7.9
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Vegetable Capsule
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Iron (as iron bisglycinate chelate†)
25 mg
139%
📅 Last updated:

Top Medical Research Studies

7
We explored the potential benefits of oral bovine lactoferrin as a dietary supplement for individuals struggling with mild to moderate acne vulgaris. This study involved 43 young participants who took chewable lactoferrin tablets twice a day for eight weeks.

By the end of the study, we observed promising results. Participants experienced an average reduction in acne lesions. Specifically, there was a 20% decrease in inflammatory lesions, a more significant 23.5% reduction in non-inflammatory lesions, and an overall improvement in total lesion counts of 22.5%. Notably, around 77% of the subjects saw a decrease in their total lesion counts, indicating that lactoferrin may have a positive effect.

Importantly, we found that lactoferrin was well tolerated, with no reported adverse effects related to the supplement during the trial. Although our study had some limitations due to its open-label design without a control group, the results encourage further research into lactoferrin's efficacy for acne treatment, particularly through randomized controlled trials.
Read More
9
Lactoferrin plus vitamins reduces acne
We conducted a rigorous study to assess how a combination of lactoferrin, vitamin E, and zinc influences acne vulgaris. In our research, we used a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design with 168 participants aged 13-40. Over a period of three months, subjects received either the supplement or a placebo, taking the capsules twice a day.

What we found was promising. The group taking lactoferrin with vitamin E and zinc experienced a notable decrease in acne lesions, starting as early as two weeks into the trial. By the tenth week, the reduction in total lesions peaked at an impressive 28.5%. We also observed significant improvements in both comedonal and inflammatory lesions during this time frame.

It's important to note that while lactoferrin is an iron-binding protein, our study does not isolate the effect of iron on acne since the treatment involved additional components. Importantly, we did not encounter any adverse effects during the trial, suggesting the treatment's safety.

Overall, our findings suggest that this oral regimen could be an effective option for those dealing with mild to moderate acne vulgaris, but we cannot definitively state how much iron itself contributes to these results.
Read More
We investigated how iron chelators could boost the effectiveness of anti-microbial agents in treating acne. The patent application details compositions that combine these chelators with various anti-microbial agents, claiming an enhancement in biocidal activity.

These mixtures increase the potential efficacy of acne treatments, providing a promising avenue for individuals struggling with this condition. Although the formulations appear beneficial, we note that the isolated impact of the iron chelators cannot be fully assessed since they are used alongside other treatments.

Overall, the potential of these iron-chelator combinations warrants further exploration, especially for wound-healing applications and various everyday products, like personal care items and cleaning supplies.
Read More

Most Useful Reviews

8
Improved energy levels
4 people found this helpful
I can feel the difference. I have been a vegetarian for over eight years, but recently my iron levels dropped significantly, prompting me to abandon my vegetarian diet. Previously, I suffered from constant fatigue and painful acne. To fight these issues, I adapted my diet and started taking this iron supplement along with Solgar ester C. After just two weeks, I’ve noticed a considerable improvement. I have more energy, my hair loss has reduced greatly, and my skin has improved. This supplement is great and very easy to digest. I'm quite satisfied!
Read More
7
Visible acne improvement
Tests showed low iron levels. My doctor prescribed this for acne treatment, and the results have been good, with visible improvement.
Read More
6
Effective acne treatment
Appointed by my doctor as part of my acne treatment. I am seeing results!
Read More

Most Recommended Products for Acne

NOW Foods Saccharomyces Boulardii
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Likely Very Effective
Based on 1 Research
9.5
USERS' SCORE
Excellent
Based on 18 Reviews
9.1
NOW Foods Dong Quai
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Moderately Effective
Based on 2 Researches
8.5
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 10 Reviews
8.8
NOW Foods Oregano Oil
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Moderately Effective
Based on 4 Researches
8.6
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 8 Reviews
8.4
NOW Foods Milk Thistle Extract
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Moderately Effective
Based on 3 Researches
8.3
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 36 Reviews
8.5

Medical Researches

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Moderately Effective
Based on 4 Researches
8
  • All Researches
9
Lactoferrin plus vitamins reduces acne
We conducted a rigorous study to assess how a combination of lactoferrin, vitamin E, and zinc influences acne vulgaris. In our research, we used a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design with 168 participants aged 13-40. Over a period of three months, subjects received either the supplement or a placebo, taking the capsules twice a day.

What we found was promising. The group taking lactoferrin with vitamin E and zinc experienced a notable decrease in acne lesions, starting as early as two weeks into the trial. By the tenth week, the reduction in total lesions peaked at an impressive 28.5%. We also observed significant improvements in both comedonal and inflammatory lesions during this time frame.

It's important to note that while lactoferrin is an iron-binding protein, our study does not isolate the effect of iron on acne since the treatment involved additional components. Importantly, we did not encounter any adverse effects during the trial, suggesting the treatment's safety.

Overall, our findings suggest that this oral regimen could be an effective option for those dealing with mild to moderate acne vulgaris, but we cannot definitively state how much iron itself contributes to these results.
Read More
9
Novel nanoparticles effective against acne bacteria in mice
Researchers developed innovative nanoparticles combining iron oxide with copper and a natural plant compound to fight acne-causing bacteria. The particles work through two mechanisms: when exposed to near-infrared light, they generate heat that damages bacterial membranes, while simultaneously releasing iron and copper ions in the acidic acne environment, triggering chemical reactions that kill bacteria and destroy biofilms.

In mouse acne models, the treatment dramatically reduced inflammation markers—cutting IL-6 by 33%, TNF-α by 46%, and MCP-1 by 51% compared to controls. Lesion thickness decreased 75% with nearly complete symptom resolution by day nine. The nanoparticles demonstrated excellent safety with over 90% cell survival at tested concentrations, suggesting a potentially breakthrough approach that combines antimicrobial action with skin-healing benefits without relying on antibiotics.
Read More
We investigated how iron chelators could boost the effectiveness of anti-microbial agents in treating acne. The patent application details compositions that combine these chelators with various anti-microbial agents, claiming an enhancement in biocidal activity.

These mixtures increase the potential efficacy of acne treatments, providing a promising avenue for individuals struggling with this condition. Although the formulations appear beneficial, we note that the isolated impact of the iron chelators cannot be fully assessed since they are used alongside other treatments.

Overall, the potential of these iron-chelator combinations warrants further exploration, especially for wound-healing applications and various everyday products, like personal care items and cleaning supplies.
Read More
7
We explored the potential benefits of oral bovine lactoferrin as a dietary supplement for individuals struggling with mild to moderate acne vulgaris. This study involved 43 young participants who took chewable lactoferrin tablets twice a day for eight weeks.

By the end of the study, we observed promising results. Participants experienced an average reduction in acne lesions. Specifically, there was a 20% decrease in inflammatory lesions, a more significant 23.5% reduction in non-inflammatory lesions, and an overall improvement in total lesion counts of 22.5%. Notably, around 77% of the subjects saw a decrease in their total lesion counts, indicating that lactoferrin may have a positive effect.

Importantly, we found that lactoferrin was well tolerated, with no reported adverse effects related to the supplement during the trial. Although our study had some limitations due to its open-label design without a control group, the results encourage further research into lactoferrin's efficacy for acne treatment, particularly through randomized controlled trials.
Read More

User Reviews

USERS' SCORE
Moderately Good
Based on 4 Reviews
7.9
  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
8
Improved energy levels
4 people found this helpful
I can feel the difference. I have been a vegetarian for over eight years, but recently my iron levels dropped significantly, prompting me to abandon my vegetarian diet. Previously, I suffered from constant fatigue and painful acne. To fight these issues, I adapted my diet and started taking this iron supplement along with Solgar ester C. After just two weeks, I’ve noticed a considerable improvement. I have more energy, my hair loss has reduced greatly, and my skin has improved. This supplement is great and very easy to digest. I'm quite satisfied!
Read More
7
Visible acne improvement
Tests showed low iron levels. My doctor prescribed this for acne treatment, and the results have been good, with visible improvement.
Read More
6
Effective acne treatment
Appointed by my doctor as part of my acne treatment. I am seeing results!
Read More
3
Significant improvement
Excellent! I took this supplement on my cosmetologist's recommendation due to my acne, enlarged pores, and blackheads. After tests, my ferritin level was found to be much lower than normal. I consumed three containers of 90 capsules from 2018 until autumn 2020. Repeated tests revealed my ferritin approached the normal range. Changes aren’t visible daily, but reflecting on my condition from two years ago, I can definitively say I feel about 30% better. I like my appearance much more now than then.
Read More

Frequently Asked Questions

6
Effective acne treatment
Appointed by my doctor as part of my acne treatment. I am seeing results!
3
Significant improvement
Excellent! I took this supplement on my cosmetologist's recommendation due to my acne, enlarged pores, and blackheads. After tests, my ferritin level was found to be much lower than normal. I consumed three containers of 90 capsules from 2018 until autumn 2020. Repeated tests revealed my ferritin approached the normal range. Changes aren’t visible daily, but reflecting on my condition from two years ago, I can definitively say I feel about 30% better. I like my appearance much more now than then.
8
Improved energy levels
4 people found this helpful
I can feel the difference. I have been a vegetarian for over eight years, but recently my iron levels dropped significantly, prompting me to abandon my vegetarian diet. Previously, I suffered from constant fatigue and painful acne. To fight these issues, I adapted my diet and started taking this iron supplement along with Solgar ester C. After just two weeks, I’ve noticed a considerable improvement. I have more energy, my hair loss has reduced greatly, and my skin has improved. This supplement is great and very easy to digest. I'm quite satisfied!
9
Lactoferrin plus vitamins reduces acne
We conducted a rigorous study to assess how a combination of lactoferrin, vitamin E, and zinc influences acne vulgaris. In our research, we used a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design with 168 participants aged 13-40. Over a period of three months, subjects received either the supplement or a placebo, taking the capsules twice a day.

What we found was promising. The group taking lactoferrin with vitamin E and zinc experienced a notable decrease in acne lesions, starting as early as two weeks into the trial. By the tenth week, the reduction in total lesions peaked at an impressive 28.5%. We also observed significant improvements in both comedonal and inflammatory lesions during this time frame.

It's important to note that while lactoferrin is an iron-binding protein, our study does not isolate the effect of iron on acne since the treatment involved additional components. Importantly, we did not encounter any adverse effects during the trial, suggesting the treatment's safety.

Overall, our findings suggest that this oral regimen could be an effective option for those dealing with mild to moderate acne vulgaris, but we cannot definitively state how much iron itself contributes to these results.
7
We explored the potential benefits of oral bovine lactoferrin as a dietary supplement for individuals struggling with mild to moderate acne vulgaris. This study involved 43 young participants who took chewable lactoferrin tablets twice a day for eight weeks.

By the end of the study, we observed promising results. Participants experienced an average reduction in acne lesions. Specifically, there was a 20% decrease in inflammatory lesions, a more significant 23.5% reduction in non-inflammatory lesions, and an overall improvement in total lesion counts of 22.5%. Notably, around 77% of the subjects saw a decrease in their total lesion counts, indicating that lactoferrin may have a positive effect.

Importantly, we found that lactoferrin was well tolerated, with no reported adverse effects related to the supplement during the trial. Although our study had some limitations due to its open-label design without a control group, the results encourage further research into lactoferrin's efficacy for acne treatment, particularly through randomized controlled trials.

References

  1. Chan H, Chan G, Santos J, Dee K, Co JK. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to determine the efficacy and safety of lactoferrin with vitamin E and zinc as an oral therapy for mild to moderate acne vulgaris. Int J Dermatol. 2017;56:686. 10.1111/ijd.13607
  2. Sahni S, Krishan S, Palanimuthu D, Richardson DR. The use of iron chelators in biocidal compositions: evaluation of patent, WO2014059417A1. Expert Opin Ther Pat. 2015;25:367. 10.1517/13543776.2014.989215
  3. Mueller EA, Trapp S, Frentzel A, Kirch W, Brantl V. Efficacy and tolerability of oral lactoferrin supplementation in mild to moderate acne vulgaris: an exploratory study. Curr Med Res Opin. 2011;27:793. 10.1185/03007995.2011.557720
  4. Hou SX, Shi XC, Xiao Y, Liu XX, Zhang L, et al. Multifunctional mesoporous superparamagnetic Iron oxide-based nanocomposites for synergistic Photothermal/Fenton therapy in the treatment of acne vulgaris. J Colloid Interface Sci. 2026;707:139674. 10.1016/j.jcis.2025.139674
image