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Lactoferrin Containing Colostrum: Targeted Support for Sleep, Immunity, and Respiratory Health

  • Writer: David S. Klein, MD FACA FACPM
    David S. Klein, MD FACA FACPM
  • Dec 1
  • 6 min read

Bovine colostrum—the “first milk” produced in the first days after calving—is naturally enriched with immune-active proteins, growth factors, and protective peptides. Among these, lactoferrin stands out as a multifunctional iron-binding glycoprotein with antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects.MDPI+1 When colostrum supplements retain biologically active lactoferrin, they offer a focused way to support the immune system, enhance resistance to upper respiratory infections, and even influence sleep quality through the gut–brain–immune axis.

Evidence-based overview of lactoferrin-rich bovine colostrum for immune support, fewer upper respiratory infections, and better sleep quality through the gut–brain–immune axis.

It is important to recognize that not all colostrum products are equivalent. Some are overly processed, diluted, or derived from later milkings, which markedly reduces their lactoferrin content. Clinically, the benefits described below are most relevant to preparations with quantified, biologically active lactoferrin, rather than generic “colostrum” powders without standardization.


How Lactoferrin-Containing Colostrum Works


Lactoferrin exerts its effects through several complementary mechanisms. As an iron-binding protein, it limits free iron availability to bacteria, inhibiting their growth and biofilm formation. It also interacts directly with viral particles and host cell receptors, blocking viral attachment and entry for a range of respiratory viruses.PMC+1 At the mucosal surface, lactoferrin enhances secretory IgA, supports tight junction integrity, and modulates innate cells such as neutrophils, dendritic cells, and natural killer (NK) cells.Nature+1


Colostrum itself supplies a matrix of immunoglobulins, proline-rich polypeptides, growth factors, and oligosaccharides that act as prebiotics and trophic factors for the gut epithelium. Contemporary reviews highlight bovine colostrum as a promising adjunct for respiratory and gastrointestinal infections and as a supportive strategy during viral epidemics, including COVID-19.Frontiers+1 When combined, colostrum and its lactoferrin fraction support both barrier defense and systemic immune regulation.


Clinical Evidence for Immune and Upper Respiratory Protection


Multiple randomized and controlled clinical trials support the role of lactoferrin and colostrum in reducing the frequency and severity of upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs). A meta-analysis of randomized trials involving nearly 1,200 participants found that lactoferrin supplementation reduced the odds of respiratory tract infections by about 40–45% compared with control.PubMed In healthy adults, a 12-week randomized, double-blind trial of bovine lactoferrin (200 mg/day) demonstrated fewer respiratory and systemic symptoms, alongside enhanced plasmacytoid dendritic cell (pDC) function—key sentinels for antiviral defense.MDPI


Colostrum itself has been studied in several populations. In children with recurrent URTIs and diarrhea, a 4-week course of bovine colostrum significantly reduced total infections, URTI episodes, and hospitalizations over the following six months.PubMed A randomized trial in medical university students showed that moderate-dose colostrum supplementation lowered the incidence of URTIs compared with placebo, with benefits persisting for weeks after cessation.MDPI Earlier athletic studies have also reported fewer URTI symptoms and shortened illness duration in heavily trained adults receiving colostrum, consistent with colostrum’s capacity to counteract exercise-induced immune suppression.PMC+1


Mechanistically, lactoferrin and colostrum appear to reduce respiratory susceptibility by:

  • Enhancing type I interferon responses and NK cell activity

  • Supporting mucosal IgA production and epithelial integrity

  • Limiting pathogen adhesion and biofilm formation along the nasopharyngeal and intestinal mucosae


These effects align with the clinical observation that URTIs become less frequent and less severe in individuals taking standardized lactoferrin-containing colostrum over several weeks.


Lactoferrin, Sleep Quality, and the Gut–Brain–Immune Axis

Evidence-based overview of lactoferrin-rich bovine colostrum for immune support, fewer upper respiratory infections, and better sleep quality through the gut–brain–immune axis.

Although most people think of lactoferrin as purely an “immune protein,” emerging research suggests it can influence sleep and circadian regulation via neuroinflammatory and gut-brain pathways. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in young children using a lactoferrin-fortified formula (48 mg/day) over 13 weeks showed improved morning behavior and reduced “hard to wake up” scores compared with placebo, suggesting better sleep quality even though total sleep time did not change.PubMed


Evidence-based overview of lactoferrin-rich bovine colostrum for immune support, fewer upper respiratory infections, and better sleep quality through the gut–brain–immune axis.

In adults, pilot work with liposomal lactoferrin has demonstrated improved subjective and actigraphy-measured sleep quality and reduced jetlag after long-haul travel, potentially through suppression of hippocampal neuroinflammation and modulation of inflammatory cytokines that perturb sleep architecture.MDPI Earlier randomized studies in “poor sleepers” likewise indicate better perceived depth of sleep and morning refreshment with lactoferrin, in parallel with improvements in the enteric environment—highlighting the relevance of the gut–brain axis.MDPI+1


When colostrum serves as the delivery vehicle for lactoferrin, patients may gain both nocturnal immune support (particularly relevant during viral seasons) and subtle normalization of sleep quality. Clinically, this pairing is attractive for individuals whose sleep is degraded by recurrent infections, travel, chronic inflammation, or low-grade dysbiosis.


Practical Considerations and Product Quality


From a safety perspective, bovine lactoferrin has been granted “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) status by regulatory authorities and approved as a novel food ingredient in the European Union.MDPI+1 Trials across infants, children, adults, and older adults consistently report good tolerability, with adverse events comparable to placebo.


However, not all colostrum products meaningfully deliver lactoferrin. Factors that can reduce bioactive lactoferrin include late collection (beyond the true colostrum window), aggressive heat treatment, defatting and fractionation processes, or dilution with standard whey or milk powders. As a result, a label that simply reads “bovine colostrum” does not guarantee significant lactoferrin content. Patients seeking the immune and sleep-related benefits described above should look for products that:


  • Declare standardized lactoferrin content (e.g., mg of lactoferrin per serving)

  • Use low-temperature processing and early-milking colostrum

  • Provide third-party testing for active proteins where available


Dosages used in clinical trials vary, but commonly range from 40–200 mg/day of purified lactoferrin for children and adults, with colostrum doses typically in the grams-per-day range.PubMed+2MDPI+2 Individual needs, comorbidities, and concomitant therapies should be considered in consultation with a qualified clinician.

Lactoferrin Colostrum treats viral respiratory infections like flu
Pharmaceutical Grade Lactoferrin Containing Colostrum

Conclusion


Lactoferrin-rich colostrum occupies a unique niche at the intersection of mucosal immunity, systemic inflammatory control, and sleep regulation. By combining the broad matrix of colostrum with the targeted antiviral, antibacterial, and immunomodulatory activity of lactoferrin, these preparations can reduce the burden of upper respiratory infections, support resilient immune function, and modestly improve sleep quality in selected populations. As with any therapeutic nutrient, careful attention to product selection, dose, and clinical context is essential—but the evidence base for lactoferrin-containing colostrum as a safe, physiology-aligned adjunct continues to grow.


References


  1. Miyakawa M, Kubo S, Oda H, et al. Effects of lactoferrin on sleep conditions in children aged 12–32 months: a preliminary, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Nat Sci Sleep. 2020;12:671-677. doi:10.2147/NSS.S263106.PubMed

  2. Uesaki S, et al. Liposomal lactoferrin reduces brain neuroinflammation in rats and alleviates jetlag and improves sleep quality after long-haul travel. NeuroSci. 2025;6(1):19. doi:10.3390/neurosci6010019.MDPI

  3. Oda H, et al. Effects of bovine lactoferrin on the maintenance of respiratory and systemic physical conditions in healthy adults: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Nutrients. 2023;15(18):3959. doi:10.3390/nu15183959.MDPI

  4. Ali AS, Hasan SS, Kow CS, Merchant HA. Lactoferrin reduces the risk of respiratory tract infections: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Clin Nutr ESPEN. 2021;45:26-32. doi:10.1016/j.clnesp.2021.08.019.PubMed+1

  5. Manzoni P, et al. Lactoferrin supplementation in preventing and protecting from SARS-CoV-2 infection: an updated review of literature. Int J Mol Sci. 2024;25(19):10248. doi:10.3390/ijms251910248.MDPI

  6. Hong R, Xie X, Zhou Q, et al. A comprehensive review of research advances in the study of lactoferrin bioactivity and mechanisms. Food Funct. 2024;15(3):xxxx-xxxx. doi:10.1039/d4fo02083a.RSC Publishing

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  8. Kim JW, et al. The multifaceted functions of lactoferrin in antimicrobial defense and immune modulation. Biomolecules. 2025;15(8):1174. doi:10.3390/biom15081174.MDPI

  9. Siqueiros-Cendón T, Arévalo-Gallegos S, Iglesias-Figueroa BF, et al. Immunomodulatory effects of lactoferrin. Acta Pharmacol Sin. 2014;35(5):557-566. doi:10.1038/aps.2013.200.Nature

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  12. Saad K, Abo-Elella SSA, El-Baseer KAA, et al. Effects of bovine colostrum on recurrent respiratory tract infections and diarrhea in children. Medicine (Baltimore). 2016;95(37):e4560. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000004560.PubMed

  13. Baśkiewicz-Hałasa M, Stachowska E, Grochans E, et al. Moderate dose bovine colostrum supplementation in prevention of upper respiratory tract infections in medical university students: a randomized, triple blind, placebo-controlled trial. Nutrients. 2023;15(8):1925. doi:10.3390/nu15081925.MDPI

  14. Brinkworth GD, Buckley JD. Concentrated bovine colostrum protein supplementation reduces the incidence of self-reported symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection in adult males. Eur J Nutr. 2003;42(4):228-232.Worldwide Journals

  15. Jones AW, Cameron SJ, Thatcher R, et al. Effects of bovine colostrum supplementation on upper respiratory illness in active males. Brain Behav Immun. 2014;39:194-203.Worldwide Journals

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  20. Miyakawa M, Abe F, Nomiyama T. Clinical research review: usefulness of bovine lactoferrin in pediatric and adult health, with a focus on sleep and neurodevelopment. Biometals. 2023;36(3):543-560.SpringerLink


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