Should babies take lactoferrin?

Jun 13, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

Recently, my mother-in-law suggested giving the baby some lactoferrin supplements. I'm concerned that too much might be harmful, so I'd like to know: should babies take lactoferrin or not?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Whether a baby needs to take lactoferrin depends on the baby's physical condition and nutritional needs. Lactoferrin offers various benefits, including boosting immunity, antioxidant effects, enhancing iron absorption, and promoting better sleep. For babies with weaker constitutions or potential nutritional deficiencies, moderate supplementation of lactoferrin can be beneficial. However, if a baby is in good health and does not have any nutritional deficiencies, additional lactoferrin supplementation is generally unnecessary, to avoid placing extra strain on the digestive system. When supplementing with lactoferrin, it's important to space out its intake from milk-based products to prevent possible adverse reactions. Additionally, if a baby shows signs of lactoferrin allergy or other discomfort, intake should be stopped immediately and medical advice sought.