Lactoferrin
Lactoferrin is an iron-binding glycoprotein found in milk, present in small amounts in cow's milk and whey. Commercial bovine lactoferrin is isolated from skim milk or cheese whey by cation-exchange chromatography, then concentrated by ultrafiltration and spray-dried or freeze-dried at low temperature to a pale pink to tan powder. Brands buy it as a high-purity powder, and recombinant lactoferrin made by precision fermentation is a newer option.
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Spray-dried or freeze-dried isolate sold at a stated minimum lactoferrin purity, for capsules, powders and dairy products.
Native lactoferrin carries a small amount of iron; apo-lactoferrin (low iron) and holo-lactoferrin (iron-saturated) grades are sold where a set iron level is wanted.
Lactoferrin made and tested to infant formula requirements, including Cronobacter testing and tighter microbiological limits.
Lactoferrin with the bovine sequence produced by yeast fermentation and purified, offered by a small number of precision-fermentation companies.
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
Lactoferrin is a heat-sensitive protein and should be kept sealed in its original foil or poly-lined container, cool, dry and away from light; many suppliers specify storage below room temperature. Opened containers take up moisture, so reseal them promptly. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, with purity, moisture and micro as the usual retest points.
Record purity and iron content for each lot, since both vary with the milk source and process and change how much lactoferrin each serving delivers. Color can differ between lots with iron saturation, so note it on receipt.
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
GRN 464 and GRN 465, for cow's milk-derived lactoferrin notified by Morinaga Milk Industry, closed on February 18, 2014 with FDA having no questions; GRN 464 covers cow's milk-based foods and chewing gum, and GRN 465 covers term infant formula.
Source: hfpappexternal.fda.gov (opens in a new tab)GRN 669, for cows milk-derived lactoferrin in term infant formula and follow-on formula notified by Synlait Milk, closed on March 9, 2017 with FDA having no questions.
Source: hfpappexternal.fda.gov (opens in a new tab)GRN 1219, for recombinant bovine lactoferrin produced by Komagataella phaffii and notified by TurtleTree, closed on May 7, 2025 with FDA having no questions.
Source: hfpappexternal.fda.gov (opens in a new tab)This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
Manufacturer · Amersfoort, Netherlands
Sells it as Vivinal
Dutch dairy cooperative’s ingredients business supplying whey and casein proteins, lactoferrin and galacto-oligosaccharides for infant, medical and sports nutrition.
Suppliers are in alphabetical order and none pays to appear. Each claim is checked against the supplier’s own website on the date shown. Ask for the specification sheet and a recent COA before you order, and confirm details with the supplier.
Common forms include bovine lactoferrin powder, iron-saturation grades, infant formula grade and recombinant lactoferrin. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
Expect lactoferrin purity, iron content, protein, moisture and ash, microbiology and heavy metals, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
Lactoferrin is a heat-sensitive protein and should be kept sealed in its original foil or poly-lined container, cool, dry and away from light; many suppliers specify storage below room temperature. Opened containers take up moisture, so reseal them promptly. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, with purity, moisture and micro as the usual retest points.
GRN 464 and GRN 465, for cow's milk-derived lactoferrin notified by Morinaga Milk Industry, closed on February 18, 2014 with FDA having no questions; GRN 464 covers cow's milk-based foods and chewing gum, and GRN 465 covers term infant formula. GRN 669, for cows milk-derived lactoferrin in term infant formula and follow-on formula notified by Synlait Milk, closed on March 9, 2017 with FDA having no questions. GRN 1219, for recombinant bovine lactoferrin produced by Komagataella phaffii and notified by TurtleTree, closed on May 7, 2025 with FDA having no questions.
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