Lactoferrin Market Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Global Industry Analysis: By Product (Apo lactoferrin, Holo lactoferrin), Form (Capsules, Powder, Others), Source (Rice Flour, Human Milk, Animal Milk), Application (Food & Beverage products, Pharmaceuticals, Cosmetics, Sports & Functional Foods, Animal Feed, Others) and Region Forecast 2019-2030

Lactoferrin market size was valued at US$ 375.2 million in 2023 and is projected to reach US$ 651.4 million by 2030 at a CAGR of 8.2% from 2024-2030. Moreover, the U.S. Lactoferrin Market is projected to grow at 8.1% of CAGR over the forecast period.

The lactoferrin, a multifunctional glycoprotein obtained predominantly from bovine and human milk. Lactoferrin, known for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant characteristics, is widely employed in newborn nutrition, medicines, nutritional supplements, and personal care products. Its ability to boost immunity and promote intestinal health has made it an important element in health-related product formulations.

The market is rapidly expanding, driven by rising consumer awareness of health and wellness, notably immunity and gut health. The growing demand for premium infant formula, particularly in Asia-Pacific, is a crucial driver due to lactoferrin's vital role in infant nutrition. Furthermore, the increased usage of lactoferrin in pharmaceutical applications, such as treating iron deficiency and infection management, is broadening its market reach. Advanced extraction techniques and product formulation advancements are increasing lactoferrin's use in dietary supplements and functional foods. However, the market confronts obstacles such as high production costs and restricted raw material supply, which might impede expansion.

Key Players

The global market includes several lactoferrin companies in this research report such as MP Biomedicals, Friesland Campina, InVitria, Bega Cheese Limited, Metagenics, Inc., ND Pharma & Biotech Ltd., Westland Cooperative Dairy Co. Ltd., APS Bio Group, Glanbia plc., Synlait Milk Ltd., Pharming Group NV among others.

List of Instances in Lactoferrin Industry

• In August 2024, De Novo Foodlabs, a food technology firm based in Raleigh, North Carolina, received funds to commercialize NanoFerrin, a precision-fermented lactoferrin product. Joyful Ventures, a sustainable protein venture capital firm, led the investment round, bringing De Novo Foodlabs' total cash to $4 million. NanoFerrin, a revolutionary animal-free lactoferrin produced using precision fermentation, is well positioned to fulfill the growing need for plant-based and functional ingredients in the food and beverage industry.
• In June 2024, TurtleTree, a Singapore-based precision fermentation company, established a commercial relationship with Strive Nutrition, an innovative food and beverage company. The cooperation focuses on LF+, which is marketed as the world's first vegan-certified, animal-free lactoferrin that has also been granted Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) classification. This ground-breaking product promises to transform the usage of lactoferrin in health-conscious foods and beverages by providing a sustainable and ethical alternative to standard animal-derived sources.

Facts & Figures

• Bovine milk is still the principal source of lactoferrin in the market, contributing significantly to both the food and pharmaceutical industries due to its high amount compared to other animal milk types. 
• The animal feed segment is growing significantly, led by the rising usage of lactoferrin to improve animal health and productivity, particularly in the dairy sector.
• Over 30% of the global population suffers from iron insufficiency, pushing the demand for lactoferrin as an effective iron absorption enhancer, especially in countries with higher incidence of anaemia. 

Key Developments

• In October 2024, All G, an Australian precision fermentation business, revealed ambitions to produce bovine lactoferrin by 2025. The company intends to launch this product in the market as part of its growth into the dairy alternative industry, using innovative fermentation technology to create a sustainable, non-animal-derived form of protein. This move is intended to fulfill increased consumer demand for functional ingredients, particularly in health supplements and newborn nutrition, driven by increased awareness of lactoferrin's immune health advantages.
• In September 2024, Helaina, a leading biotechnology company, announced plans to include human lactoferrin in consumer-packaged foods. This comes after a successful $45 million Series B fundraising round, which is expected to boost the company's efforts to bring lactoferrin-based inventions to market.

Lactoferrin Market Segmentation

By Product: Apo lactoferrin, the iron-free version of lactoferrin, leads the lactoferrin market due to its unique features and diverse applications. Its ability to control immunological responses and battle infections, regardless of iron binding capacity, makes it an important element in health-related formulations. Apo lactoferrin is well-known for its improved antibacterial activity, which is essential in combating infections caused by bacteria, fungus, and viruses. This distinct capability has established it as a top choice in baby nutrition, nutritional supplements, and pharmaceutical applications requiring immune support and pathogen resistance. The increased need for immune-boosting medicines in the post-pandemic era has pushed the use of apo lactoferrin.

In infant formula, apo lactoferrin is preferred because it closely mimics the qualities of human milk lactoferrin, supporting intestinal health and immunology in babies. Furthermore, its ability to manage iron overload without adding to oxidative stress is gaining interest in medicinal applications. To meet this expanding demand, market participants are boosting their investments in the manufacture and development of apo lactoferrin. With its diverse applications and scientifically proven benefits, apo lactoferrin is a key driver in the global market of lactoferrin.

By Form: Lactoferrin powder segment dominated the market due to its greater adaptability, stability, and compatibility with a wide range of applications. Lactoferrin powder is widely used in infant formula, dietary supplements, and functional foods due to its easy bendability and high shelf life, which suit industry needs efficiently. Manufacturers choose the powdered form because it can be effortlessly integrated into products without affecting taste, texture, or efficacy. One of the primary reasons for the powdered form's popularity is its widespread usage in baby nutrition, where it plays an important role in imitating the nutritional benefits of human milk. Powdered lactoferrin is suitable for adding to newborn formulas to promote immunity and improve gastrointestinal health.

Furthermore, powdered lactoferrin is widely used in the functional food and beverage industry, as customers want nutrient-dense, bioactive goods. The form's exceptional solubility and stability make it an excellent candidate for manufacturing dietary supplements for immunological and digestive health, especially considering raising awareness of preventive healthcare.  Spray-drying and encapsulating techniques have enhanced the bioavailability and production scalability of powdered lactoferrin. These advances have drastically lowered production costs while increasing functionality, firmly establishing the powder segment as the industry leader.

By Source: Bovine milk segment accounted for major share of the lactoferrin market due to its abundance, low cost, and high protein production. Bovine milk, which is largely derived from cows, is a rich and consistent supply of lactoferrin, making it the ideal option for large-scale extraction and manufacture. The widespread availability and established dairy sector infrastructure ensure a steady supply of bovine milk for lactoferrin extraction. The popularity of bovine milk originates from its well-documented and confirmed efficacy in health applications. Lactoferrin from bovine milk has been extensively researched for its antibacterial, immune-boosting, and iron-binding characteristics.

These advantages make it an important element in infant formula, dietary supplements, and pharmaceutical goods. Bovine lactoferrin is particularly popular in newborn nutrition because of its structural resemblance to human milk lactoferrin, allowing producers to create formulas that mirror the natural benefits of breast milk. Furthermore, technological advances in purification and extraction methods have increased the efficiency and quality of bovine lactoferrin manufacturing, lowering prices while preserving bioactivity. With increased consumer awareness of functional foods and health supplements, bovine milk remains the dominant source of lactoferrin in the global market, promoting its extensive use in a variety of applications.

By Application: Lactoferrin is most used in the food and beverage business, which is driven by rising demand for functional additives that improve immunity, gut health, and overall wellness. Lactoferrin, with its well-documented antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant capabilities, has become a popular ingredient in a variety of food and beverage formulations. Because of its closeness to human milk lactoferrin, it is frequently used in infant formula and functional dairy products, where it promotes infant health by increasing immunity and enhancing gut flora.

Consumer demand for products with additional health advantages is fast increasing, which is helping to expand lactoferrin's position in the food and beverage industry. Beyond infant formula, it is also being used in dietary supplements, protein-enriched meals, and beverages to improve immune function and digestive health. This rising awareness of health and wellness is driving the use of lactoferrin in functional food products that give nutritional advantages while also promoting disease prevention.