What is Apolactoferrin?

Apolactoferrin is a protein that is found in human breast milk. It has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, making it a promising ingredient in various health supplements.

How does it work?

Apolactoferrin works by binding to iron in the body, which in turn reduces the amount of iron available for bacteria to use. This makes it more difficult for bacteria to grow and spread, which can help to prevent infection and reduce inflammation.

What is the active ingredient or ingredients that makes it work?

The active ingredient in Apolactoferrin is iron-binding protein.

What forms does it come in?

Apolactoferrin is available in supplement form, typically as a powder or capsule.

When was it first used for medicinal purposes?

Apolactoferrin has been studied for its potential medicinal properties since the early 1990s, but it is not yet widely used in clinical settings.

Apolactoferrin is a protein found in human milk that works by binding to iron molecules and making it difficult for harmful bacteria and viruses to access the iron they need to survive. This leads to a reduction in the growth and replication of these harmful microorganisms, making the body less susceptible to infections and illnesses. It is available in the form of supplements, usually in capsule or powder form and is recommended to be taken with food, either in the morning or in the evening. Possible side effects include nausea, upset stomach, diarrhea, and constipation. The recommended daily dose of Apolactoferrin is between 200-500mg per day, and it usually takes 1-2 weeks to start showing its effects.

What does Apolactoferrin help with?

Apolactoferrin is a protein found in milk. It is the form of lactoferrin that carries no iron. People take it as a capsule or powder.

• Low iron and iron deficiency anemia
  Good evidence — human studies comparing it with standard iron salts. In human studies, people took up more iron from food and pills. Those studies found it reached red blood cells better than standard iron salts, with less constipation. Our file does not list the trial sizes or doses.
  Evidence grade B · Traditional tier T0
• Serious infections in premature babies
  Good evidence — clinical trials of lactoferrin in premature newborns. In trials with premature newborns, lactoferrin lowered rates of late-onset sepsis. That is a serious blood infection. Our file does not list the trial sizes or doses.
  Evidence grade B · Traditional tier T0
• Acne spots
  Early evidence — a small number of clinical trials of lactoferrin taken by mouth. A small number of trials tested lactoferrin taken by mouth. People in them had fewer red, swollen acne spots. The file does not give trial sizes or doses.
  Evidence grade C · Traditional tier T0
• COVID-19 symptoms and getting over a chest illness
  Early evidence — early clinical trials and case series since 2020. Early trials and case reports looked at lactoferrin, mostly the apo form, in COVID-19. Some found milder symptoms that cleared sooner. This work is still going, so the results are not settled.
  Evidence grade C · Traditional tier T0
• Support during cancer care
  Evidence doesn't support this — early, mixed human reports plus lab work. Researchers are studying it as an add-on during cancer care. Some early reports point to less harm to the gut lining from chemotherapy. This field is new, and the findings are not firm.
  Evidence grade D · Traditional tier T0
• Gut trouble and out-of-balance gut bacteria
  Not yet tested in people — lab work only; no human trial on file. In lab work, it fed helpful gut bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. It also held back harmful bacteria and supported the gut lining in those studies. No human trial on file has tested this.
  Evidence grade insufficient · Traditional tier T0
• Frequent infections and germs in general
  Not yet tested in people — lab studies on cells, bacteria and viruses; no human trial on file. In lab studies, it stirred up immune cells such as natural killer cells and neutrophils. It also broke up bacteria and blocked viruses like herpes simplex and rotavirus from entering cells. Lab work covered chest bacteria and H. pylori, but no human trial is on file.
  Evidence grade insufficient · Traditional tier T0
• Long-term, low-grade inflammation
  Not yet tested in people — lab work on iron and immune signals; no human trial on file. In lab work, it locked up free iron, which helps drive inflammation. Those studies also showed calmer inflammatory signals in immune cells. No human trial on file has tested this in people.
  Evidence grade insufficient · Traditional tier T0
• Bone and joint strength
  Not yet tested in people — cell and animal studies only. In cell and animal studies, lactoferrin spurred bone-building cells. It also slowed the cells that break bone down. Researchers ask whether this matters after menopause, but no human trial is on file.
  Evidence grade insufficient · Traditional tier T0

What Apolactoferrin has not been shown to do

• No human trial on file shows it stops colds, flu or other infections in healthy adults.
• It has not been shown to prevent sepsis or hospital infections in adults; that work is still under way.
• It has not been shown to treat or shrink cancer.
• No human trial on file shows it builds bone or holds off osteoporosis.
• It has not been shown to replace antibiotics or antiviral drugs.
• It has not been shown to keep you from catching COVID-19.

How to read this:

Each grade rates the evidence for that one use, not the whole product. A means several good human trials agree. B means at least one good human trial. C means small or early human studies. D means weak or mixed human evidence. Insufficient means no human study on file, just lab or animal work. This page reports what studies found. It is not medical advice and not a promise of results. Talk with your doctor before you start, above all if you are pregnant, ill, or on medicine.

What can Apolactoferrin help prevent?

• Neonatal sepsis (strong clinical evidence in premature infants)
• Recurrent upper respiratory tract infections
• Iron-overload-driven oxidative stress
• H. pylori-associated gastric damage

Which foods are rich in it?

Apolactoferrin is most commonly found in human breast milk, but it can also be found in cow's milk and other dairy products such as cheese and yogurt.

What are possible side effects?

• Digestive discomfort
• Nausea
• Allergic reactions
• Low iron levels
• Burning sensation

What’s the recommended daily dose?

The recommended daily dose of Apolactoferrin is between 200-500mg per day.

How many days does it take to work?

Apolactoferrin usually takes 1-2 weeks to start showing its effects.

What time of day is best to take it?

It is best to take Apolactoferrin with a meal, either in the morning or in the evening.

Is it best to take it with or without food?

It is best to take Apolactoferrin with food to help reduce any potential digestive side effects.