One protein. Remarkable potential.
Abundant in colostrum, a mother's first milk, lactoferrin is a naturally occurring protein with a remarkable range of biological functions.
Found throughout the human body, including the female reproductive tract, it plays a role in innate immunity, iron regulation and microbial interactions.
Its potential has made it the subject of decades of scientific research.
Lactoferrin has a unique ability to bind iron. Human clinical studies have explored its relationship with iron absorption, haemoglobin and ferritin, particularly in women.
Naturally present in the female reproductive tract, lactoferrin has been studied for its influence on vaginal bacterial communities, including Lactobacillus species and bacteria associated with imbalance.
Lactoferrin forms part of the body's first line of defence. Research has investigated its antimicrobial properties and interactions with immune cells and inflammatory responses.
Beyond the reproductive tract, lactoferrin has been studied for its interactions with intestinal bacteria, the gut lining and mucosal immune function.
Lactoferrin, chosen with women in mind.
Lactomilk
Ferriniron
The name lactoferrin reflects its origins in milk and its ability to bind iron.
Elleher
Ferriniron
Elleferrin is our chosen bovine lactoferrin ingredient, sourced from milk and selected for its quality, purity and provenance.
An extraordinary natural protein, given a place at the heart of our approach to female health.
200 mg Elleferrin in every capsule.
The origin matters.
We choose the best, not the cheapest. Every ingredient earns its place in our formulations, and every supplier is chosen for their expertise, integrity and uncompromising standards.
Our hero ingredient, lactoferrin, comes from a B Corp-certified French dairy cooperative established in 1949, combining family-run farms, generations of expertise and a commitment to sustainable farming.
Because what goes into our bodies matters. And so does where it comes from.
The science behind lactoferrin.
From vaginal microbial communities and women's iron status to innate immunity, lactoferrin has been investigated across human clinical trials and laboratory research.
Explore the evidence by area of interest.
Study 01 · Vaginal microbiome
Bacterial biota of women with bacterial vaginosis treated with lactoferrin (2017)
What researchers found
Both doses were associated with reductions in bacteria linked to vaginal imbalance, including Gardnerella and Prevotella, alongside increases in Lactobacillus species.
The changes in bacterial communities persisted for two weeks after treatment in the 200 mg group.
Read the study ↗Study 02 · Vaginal microbiome
Lactobacilli vaginal colonisation after oral consumption of Respecta complex (2015)
What researchers found
Researchers detected increased levels of the supplemented Lactobacillus strains in vaginal samples following oral consumption.
The findings provide an interesting foundation for further investigation into the relationship between orally administered bacterial strains, lactoferrin and vaginal microbial communities.
Read the study ↗Study 03 · Iron metabolism
Efficacy and tolerability of oral bovine lactoferrin compared to ferrous sulfate in pregnant women with iron deficiency anemia (2009)
What researchers found
Both groups experienced improvements in haemoglobin and measures of iron status.
Women receiving lactoferrin reported fewer gastrointestinal side effects, particularly abdominal pain and constipation, than those receiving ferrous sulphate.
Read the study ↗Study 04 · Microbial research
Antimicrobial activity of bovine lactoferrin against Gardnerella species clinical isolates (2022)
What researchers found
Bovine lactoferrin inhibited the growth of the tested Gardnerella isolates in a concentration-dependent manner, including isolates resistant to metronidazole.
Researchers also observed enhanced antimicrobial activity when lactoferrin was combined with clindamycin under laboratory conditions.
Read the study ↗Study 05 · Immune biology
Oral lactoferrin reduces systemic inflammation, enhances anti-viral responses and modulates immune cell profiles (2026)
What researchers found
Lactoferrin supplementation influenced several measured immune-cell responses.
The higher-dose group showed changes in certain T-cell populations and immune responses to viral stimulation, while both doses affected aspects of immune-cell activity.
Read the study ↗Studies in this area are being added.
Research cited relates to individual ingredients, not finished formulations. Content is for educational purposes only.
Lactoferrin has been studied for decades, yet researchers continue to uncover new dimensions of its biology.
From the earliest stages of life to the complex microbial environments of adulthood, it remains a remarkable area of scientific discovery.
