Lactoferrin Market Size & Outlook, 2025-2033

Lactoferrin Market Size

The lactoferrin market size was valued at USD 312.94 million in 2024. It is projected to reach from USD 339.54 million by 2025 to USD 652.11 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 8.5% during the forecast period (2025–2033).

Lactoferrin is a milk-based nutrient supplement. Lactoferrin is obtained from bovine milk and then blended into various commercial food products, such as personal care products, infant formula, toothpaste, and nutraceuticals. Some physical and chemical constraints and temperature can cause conformational changes in this multi-function protein. The lactoferrin crude extract and the process variables for lactoferrin-containing food products should be improved and optimized to avoid denaturation.

It can help with stomach and intestinal ulcers, diarrhea, and hepatitis C, among other things. It also protects against bacterial and viral infections by acting as an antioxidant. It has numerous health gains for the body, including preventing tissue injury, cancer prevention, immune response stimulation, and other health benefits. It is safe to eat, but excessive amounts can cause side effects. It is widely available both online and in stores. It is most commonly present as a powder. Lactoferrin is antiviral, antiviral, antibacterial, anti-carcinogenic, and anti-inflammatory. The antibacterial and antifungal properties of the protein primarily act as a defense mechanism in the body. Lactoferrin has antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it useful for human infants

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Lactoferrin Market Growth Drivers

Rising Demand for Lactoferrin in Sports and Infant Nutrition

The increasing incidence of iron deficiency among the population is expected to impact the demand for lactoferrin for iron absorption application positively. Various iron supplements are available, but they come with irritation and discomfort side effects. Sportspersons often use iron supplements to boost oxygenation and reduce the risk of iron-related diseases and other problems related to taking iron supplements and prefer lactoferrin as it comes with no side effects.

In addition to preventing bacterial growth, lactoferrin also provides antifungal and antiviral properties, which is highly beneficial for athletes. Lactoferrin has the cytokine-type quality that can activate the immune system, which is highly useful to sportspersons since critical stress from training can damage their immune system.

Furthermore, even though breast milk is the most natural and ideal infant diet, the length and rate of breastfeeding in developing economies are rapidly changing due to the number of working mothers and insufficient milk supply. As women continue to explore alternatives to breast milk, lactoferrin makers are expected to benefit. Reasons for the shift include health problems with the infant or mother and a lack of maternal leaves, making nursing difficult.

All these factors are anticipated to surge the demand for lactoferrin in the near future. Furthermore, the need for lactoferrin-based infant formula products has experienced immense demand, especially in the Asia-Pacific region, after the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020. This demand is backed by the growing acceptance of lactoferrin-based products for immunity boost and antiviral purposes among the population. 

For instance, JATENERGY LIMITED, an Australian company, announced a hike in sales of dairy-based infant nutrition products with lactoferrin as an ingredient. In March, the company made a monthly sale of USD 5.4 million. Compared to the previous year, sales dipped in the second quarter but remained high. This demand for lactoferrin-based nutrition products is expected to impact the global market positively in the coming years.

Market Restraints

High Ingredient Development Cost and Strict Government Regulations

Research and development are crucial success factors in the lactoferrin market; thus, investing in research and development is imperative for market participants. However, the requirement for huge investments is likely to be a restraining factor for the overall market growth over the coming years. While validating the claims made by manufacturers, numerous tests must be carried out to examine their effectiveness.

Also, before the product launch, human clinical studies must be carried out. These tests are expensive and, therefore, increase the overall product cost. However, companies are using the results attained by these tests to lure more customers into purchasing their offerings. Regulatory bodies require documentation of possible claims regarding health improvements by conducting scientific trials before approving the claims made by companies, leading to conflict between the industry players and authorities over such claims. Over the forecast period, this factor is expected to hamper the market. 

Different countries have different regulations about lactoferrin. This scenario creates a confusing situation for industry participants. Frequent changes in rules affect the market, and companies must adjust according to these changes. In many countries, lactoferrin has no formal definition, and thus, industry participants are faced with the challenge of obtaining approvals for their products. However, due to the global growth of the infant and sports nutrition industry, of which lactoferrin is a part, there has been a significant development. This development is expected to benefit the lactoferrin market over the forecast period.

Market Opportunities

Increasing Prevalence of Skin Disorders

Acne has a higher prevalence among millennials in the US and other developed countries. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, acne affects more than 50 million citizens in the US annually. Acne treatments consist of the use of several ingredients in various forms. However, according to several clinical trials, lactoferrin helps treat acne. Lactoferrin gets rid of the primary food source for pathogens and helps neutralize one of the main contributors to acne, as it offers anti-inflammatory properties. This plays a massive role in pore-clogging and the formation of acne.

The Global Burden of Disease study estimates around 85% of the population worldwide, ranging from 12–25 years, suffers from acne as of 2016. Acne is the third-largest prevalent skin condition globally, confirmed by the studies conducted in the countries including the US, France, and the UK. Also, the rising prevalence of acne in developing countries like India, China, Brazil, Mexico, South Africa, and others is anticipated to create opportunities for lactoferrin manufacturers over the forecast period.

The global personal care market is experiencing a shift from traditional brick-and-mortar stores to specialty and online stores. Women of all ages and from every part of the world prefer to shop in multiple channels. Demand for novel ingredients with minimum side effects and efficiency is anticipated further to propel the growth of lactoferrin over the forecast period.

Regional Analysis

Asia-Pacific : Dominant Region

The Asia-Pacific held 42.6% of the lactoferrin market share in the revenue. Asia-Pacific is estimated to reach an expected value of USD 192 million by 2030 at a CAGR of 7.5% over the forecast period. China, India, and Japan were observed to be the critical markets for lactoferrin in Asia-Pacific. Over the projected period, the demand for lactoferrin is expected to grow as leading players implement tactics such as introducing their brands into underdeveloped economies in Southeast Asia.

Countries like Japan and Australia have become more aware of the health benefits of lactoferrin, which is projected to boost regional growth over the projection period. COVID-19 pandemic originated in China and later affected developing countries like India, the Philippines, and South Korea. In the APAC area, the growing demand for immunity boosters has been spurred by the lack of a cure or vaccine for the virus by 2020. In the region, COVID 19 infection prevention is becoming more popular, likely increasing the demand for lactoferrin.

North America: Fastest-Growing Region

North America held 22.9% of the lactoferrin market share in terms of revenue. North America is estimated to reach an expected value of USD 113 million by 2030 at a CAGR of 8.5% over the forecast period. The US, Canada, and Mexico were observed to be some of the largest markets for lactoferrin in North America. North America has a vast population facing lifestyle-related diseases such as digestive distress and rising obesity due to the high consumption of ready-to-eat and processed foods and other harmful dietary habits that are dangerous to human health.

This, in turn, has been creating the demand for lactoferrin in this region over the years as it is used in nutritional supplements to counter the health-related. Diseases. North America is one of the worst-hit regions globally, with the US having maximum cases until Sept 2020. The potential application of lactoferrin in the consumers' immunity-boosting is expected to affect the demand in the region positively.

Segmental Analysis

By Form

The iron absorption segment dominated the market in 2021 and is estimated to reach an expected USD 144 million by 2030 at a CAGR of 8.3%.Anemia affects roughly 30% of the world's population; half of the cases are because of iron deficiency. It is a worldwide public health problem affecting child and maternal mortality and physical performance. Lactoferrin is an essential element for the iron absorption process as it is an iron-binding protein and is also responsible for iron's transport and release in cells. Lactoferrin helps with low immunity, iron deficiency, weakness, and anemia as it increases the hemoglobin level and boosts energy and vitality.

Iron is essential for cell growth in humans. However, it can be toxic if consumed in large quantities as it generates an increased number of free radicals. Free iron is harmful as it generates reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are toxic to living cells. Lactoferrin acquired from bovine animals helps maintain the elimination rate and production of ROS. Further application of lactoferrin in supplements aiding iron absorption is expected to drive the market for the function over the forecast period.

By Application

The infant formula application dominated the market. It is estimated to reach an expected value of USD 190 million by 2030 at a CAGR of 8.5%. Human milk contains about 2-3 mg/mL of lactoferrin. The demand for lactoferrin in infant formula is expected to increase due to the number of clinical studies and changing consumer dynamics.

In addition, the need for infant nutrition, especially in the developed economies owing to the rising working-class women and increasing prevalence of iron deficiency among infants, is expected to propel further the demand for lactoferrin in infant nutrition over the forecast period. The critical role of lactoferrin is in iron absorption and as an antimicrobial agent, which helps in reducing the risks of anemia in infants. The ingredient also acts as an anti-infective agent. It prevents the bacteria that cause infections, which is anticipated to boost further the demand for this segment in the near future.

List of key players in Lactoferrin Market

1. Pharming Group NV
2. Hilmar Cheese Company Inc.
3. Ingredia SASA
4. Tatura Milk Industries Ltd.
5. APS BioGroup
6. ProHealth Farbest Brands
7. InVitria
8. Milei GmbH
9. Ferrin-tech LLC
10. Synlait Milk Ltd
11. Glanbia plc initiatives
12. Fonterra Cooperative Group Ltd production
13. Friesl
14. Amina

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Recent Developments

• September 2020- FrieslandCampina WAMCO announced the purchase completion of the dairy business of Nuticima. This purchase has increased the production capacity of Friesl and Campina, which is catering to increased demand in Nigeria for powder milk and evaporates milk. 
• October 2020- Milei GmbH announced the production capacity expansion of lactoferrin to 170 tons, double the capacity in 2019. The net investment is expected to be USD 18.3 million