Lactoferrin is a bioactive, iron-binding whey protein found naturally in the human body and in relatively high concentrations in mother's breast milk.

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It helps the body's internal systems repair, restore, and maintain equilibrium, supporting iron regulation, gut health, and endurance performance.


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Vivitein™ LF is a high-purity lactoferrin, over 90% pure as a share of protein, produced through precision fermentation, which makes this traditionally scarce ingredient available at scale to drive product innovation.

Traditional lactoferrin is extracted from cow's milk, where it is present in very low concentrations, which makes it difficult to source, expensive, and supply-constrained.

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It is therefore often called "pink gold." Vivitein™ LF is lactoferrin produced by precision fermentation, which ensures supply stability, predictable pricing, and consistent quality. Vivitein™ LF is bio-equivalent to milk-derived bovine lactoferrin, so it delivers the same functional benefits.

Lactoferrin has been studied across a broad range of health benefits, and Vivitein™ LF focuses on three. It supports sustained vitality through gentle and effective iron regulation.

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It supports gut health by balancing and modulating the microbiome and strengthening the gut barrier, and it actively dampens gut inflammation.

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It supports endurance performance recovery through antimicrobial and antiviral activity and by modulating the inflammatory response.

Lactoferrin gently mobilizes iron from the gut to where the body needs it, improving how efficiently the body uses both dietary iron and iron supplements. It works through receptor-mediated iron uptake and by modulating inflammation. Inflammation drives hepcidin, which keeps iron locked inside cells rather than released into the bloodstream.

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By dampening inflammation, lactoferrin helps lower hepcidin so that stored iron is released and made available to the body, which in turn improves iron-related markers such as hemoglobin and serum iron. In clinical studies, oral bovine lactoferrin matched ferrous sulfate for improving hemoglobin and iron stores while causing far fewer digestive side effects such as abdominal pain and constipation.

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Source: Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica; Eur. J. Obstet. Gynecol. Reprod. Biol.; Hashim et al. (2017), meta-analysis of randomized trials, Nappi et al. (2009);

Lactoferrin offers a gentler route to better iron status. Conventional iron salts such as ferrous sulfate and ferrous bisglycinate leave much of their iron unabsorbed in the gut, which can cause discomfort.

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Lactoferrin instead guides iron to where the body needs it, helping prevent free iron from causing digestive distress. In a meta-analysis of randomized trials, lactoferrin matched ferrous sulfate for improving iron markers while causing significantly fewer digestive side effects.

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Source: Eur. J. Obstet. Gynecol. Reprod. Biol.; Hashim et al. (2017), meta-analysis, systematic review and meta-analysis, Nutrients; Zhao et al. (2022).

Vivitein™ LF is an ingredient for agile innovators building premium health and wellness products across three areas. For sustained vitality it suits products for women who are low in iron and experiencing associated fatigue, whether as a stand-alone hero ingredient or combined with iron.

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For gut health it works as a hero ingredient or alongside probiotics, synbiotics, or fibers. For immunity and performance recovery it pairs well with ingredients such as vitamin C and zinc, or supports endurance athletes at risk of sports anemia. Its fermentation-derived supply gives brands the stability and predictable pricing needed to build with confidence.

Lactoferrin balances and modulates the microbiome. It restricts iron to starve out harmful bacteria while helping beneficial strains flourish, including some Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus species. It also strengthens the epithelial cells of the gut wall, supports gut barrier integrity, and actively dampens gut inflammation. Together these actions make lactoferrin a powerful hero ingredient for premium gut health products.

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In addition, lactoferrin can reduce inflammation and protect barrier cells from stressors such as microbial compounds and NSAIDs, helping to maintain gut barrier integrity. By supporting a healthier and less inflamed gut environment, lactoferrin may also improve immune function, as the gut plays a central role in immune defense.

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Source: Chen et al. (2017); Griffiths et al. (2003); Liu et al. (2019, 2021); Reznikov et al. (2014); Vega-Bautista et al. (2019).

Lactoferrin is a strong fit for endurance and performance recovery products. Endurance athletes place their bodies under continued strain and are a group at risk of sports anemia.

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Lactoferrin supports iron balance and can improve iron-related markers such as hemoglobin and serum iron through receptor-mediated uptake and hepcidin regulation, which supports oxygen transport. It also exhibits antimicrobial and antiviral activity and modulates the inflammatory response, including cytokines such as IL-6 and TNF-alpha, supporting recovery after intense training.

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Source: Ali et al. (2021); Carlmark et al. (1980); Koikawa et al. (2008); Yami et al. (2023).

The recommended dose is 100 to 300 mg. Vivitein™ LF is highly soluble, contributes minimal flavor, and is easy to work with. It suits formats including capsules, tablets, powders, shots and liquids, gummies, and functional foods.

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Source: Ali et al. (2021); Carlmark et al. (1980); Koikawa et al. (2008); Yami et al. (2023).

Vivitein™ LF: Labeling and Regulatory Information

• Vivitein™ LF is bio-equivalent to milk-derived bovine lactoferrin.
• It can be labeled as “lactoferrin (from fermentation)” and requires allergen labeling as “Milk.”
• Vivici has obtained self-affirmed GRAS status in 2026 and is awaiting a No Questions Letter from the FDA.
• Vivitein™ LF carries Halal and Kosher certifications.
• Country labeling regulations vary, so brands should confirm local requirements.

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Production and Allergen Labeling

• Vivitein™ LF is made by precision fermentation and no animals are involved in its production, which is what makes it a vegan-friendly ingredient.
• Allergen labeling works differently. Because the protein is bio-equivalent to the bovine lactoferrin found in milk, anyone with a milk allergy could react to it in the same way.
• Allergen labeling as “Milk” is therefore required to protect those consumers, even though the ingredient itself is not derived from an animal.

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Source: Artym et al. (2021), Biomedicines; Vivitein™ LF Product Specification.