Lactoferrin Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Function (Iron Absorption, Intestinal Flora Protection), By Application (Personal Care Products, Infant Formula), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2025 - 2030

Lactoferrin Market Size & Trends

The global lactoferrin market size was valued at USD 297.3 million in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.6% from 2025 to 2030. This growth is driven by a rising consumer awareness of the health benefits of lactoferrin, including its antimicrobial, antiviral, and immunomodulatory properties. This has led to increased demand for lactoferrin in dietary supplements, infant formula, and functional foods. Additionally, the growing prevalence of bacterial and viral infections has further fueled the market growth as consumers seek products to boost their immune systems. The expansion of the pharmaceutical and personal care industries is also contributing to the market, with lactoferrin being used in products for skin care and wound healing.

The advancements in lactoferrin extraction and purification technologies have significantly improved accessibility and cost-effectiveness, facilitating market expansion. The COVID-19 pandemic has further heightened interest in lactoferrin, particularly due to its potential antiviral properties, leading consumers to seek products that support immune health. Additionally, ongoing research and development initiatives are broadening the applications of lactoferrin across diverse sectors, including pharmaceuticals and personal care products, thereby enhancing its market reach and growth potential.

Function Insights

The iron absorption segment accounted for the largest share of 39.3% in 2024, primarily due to the increasing prevalence of iron deficiency and related disorders such as anemia, which affects a significant portion of the global population. Lactoferrin's ability to bind and transport iron enhances its absorption in the body, making it a valuable component in dietary supplements and functional foods aimed at addressing iron deficiencies. The growing awareness of the health benefits of lactoferrin and its role in improving iron levels has further driven the demand for products in this segment.

The intestinal flora protection segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.1% from 2025 to 2030, driven by the increasing consumer awareness of the importance of gut health and the role of probiotics and prebiotics in maintaining a healthy intestinal flora. Lactoferrin's antimicrobial properties help protect the gut from harmful bacteria, promoting a balanced and healthy microbiome. The rising demand for probiotic and prebiotic products, along with the expanding market for functional foods and dietary supplements, is expected to fuel the growth of this segment.

Application Insights

The infant formula segment dominated the global Lactoferrin market in 2024, driven by the increasing awareness of the health benefits of lactoferrin for infants. Lactoferrin is a crucial component of breast milk, known for its immune-boosting properties and ability to enhance iron absorption. These benefits make lactoferrin a valuable ingredient in infant formula, providing essential nutrients and supporting the immune system of newborns. The rising demand for high-quality, fortified infant formulas, coupled with the increasing number of working mothers, has fueled the growth of this segment. Moreover, the growing focus on infant nutrition and health across various regions has further propelled the demand for lactoferrin in the infant formula segment.

The personal care products segment is projected to grow the fastest over the forecast period. The increasing consumer interest in natural and multifunctional ingredients in personal care products is a significant driver for this growth. Lactoferrin's antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and skin-soothing properties make it an attractive ingredient for skincare and cosmetic formulations. It is commonly used in products such as creams, lotions, and anti-aging treatments. The growing demand for personal care products that offer multiple benefits, including skin protection and rejuvenation, is expected to drive the adoption of lactoferrin in this segment. Additionally, ongoing research and development efforts aimed at exploring new applications of lactoferrin in personal care products are likely to further boost this segment's growth.

Regional Insights

North America lactoferrin market accounted for a 23.3% revenue share in 2024, driven by a combination of rising consumer awareness regarding health and wellness and increasing demand for functional foods. The region’s robust healthcare infrastructure and strong emphasis on nutritional supplementation have contributed to the widespread adoption of lactoferrin across various applications. Key industries, including dietary supplements and infant formula, are witnessing significant growth, bolstered by the increasing prevalence of lifestyle diseases and a growing aging population.

U.S. Lactoferrin Market Trends

The U.S. dominated the North American Lactoferrin market in 2024. The growing popularity of lactoferrin among consumers, particularly in dietary supplements and functional foods, has driven demand significantly. Moreover, the rise of e-commerce platforms has made lactoferrin products more accessible to a wider audience, further fueling market growth. Regulatory support for health claims related to lactoferrin's immunomodulatory properties is also enhancing its appeal. As health-conscious consumers increasingly seek natural and efficacious ingredients, the U.S. market is expected to continue leading in terms of revenue and product variety.

Europe Lactoferrin Market Trends

Europe's Lactoferrin market is anticipated to grow fastest throughout the forecast period, driven by increasing health consciousness and a rising trend towards preventive healthcare. European consumers are becoming more aware of the potential health benefits associated with lactoferrin, including its role in enhancing immune function and gut health. This awareness is supported by a strong regulatory framework that encourages innovation in nutraceuticals. Additionally, the growing demand for organic and clean-label products in Europe is propelling manufacturers to incorporate lactoferrin into their offerings.

Asia Pacific Lactoferrin Market Trends

The Asia Pacific lactoferrin market held the largest revenue share of 30.70% in 2024, driven by a burgeoning population, increasing disposable incomes, and a rising focus on health and nutrition. Countries such as China and India are witnessing a rapid uptick in demand for lactoferrin, particularly in infant nutrition and dietary supplements. The region's growing awareness of the benefits of lactoferrin, combined with a strong consumer shift towards preventive healthcare, is propelling market growth.

Key Lactoferrin Company Insights

Some of the key companies in the Lactoferrin market include Hilmar Cheese Company, Pharming Group NV, FrieslandCamina, Synlait Milk Ltd., Ingredia SA, and others.

• Pharming Group NV is actively involved in the lactoferrin market, particularly in the development of human lactoferrin (hLF) as a functional food. The company has initiated projects to demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of hLF in managing inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).

• FrieslandCampina is a prominent name in the lactoferrin market, known for its extensive dairy processing capabilities. The company produces lactoferrin from bovine milk and integrates it into various products, including infant formula, dietary supplements, and functional foods.

Recent Developments

• In September 2024, Helaina secured a USD 45 million Series B funding round, spearheaded by Avidity Partners. This investment elevates Helaina’s total equity funding to USD 83 million. The capital raised will facilitate the market introduction of human lactoferrin, branded as effera. This protein, derived from mammalian milk, is being strategically positioned to address the women’s health, active nutrition, and healthy aging sectors.

• In August 2024, De Novo Foodlabs, specializing in the production of animal-free lactoferrin through precision fermentation, has secured USD 1.5 million in a seed investment round led by Joyful VC in California. This funding will facilitate the acceleration of the commercialization of its novel product, NanoFerrin, enhancing the company’s capacity to scale production and market penetration of this innovative lactoferrin alternative in the food technology sector.

Lactoferrin Market Report Scope

Global Lactoferrin Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global lactoferrin market report based on function, application, and region:

• Function Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Iron Absorption

  • Antiinflammatory

  • Intestinal Flora Protection

  • Antibacterial

  • Immune Cell Stimulation

  • Antioxidant

• Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Food Products

  • Infant Formula

  • Sports & Functional Food

  • Pharmaceuticals

  • Personal care products

  • Others

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • UK

    • Italy

    • Spain

    • France

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • India

    • Japan

    • South Korea

    • Australia & New Zealand

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Argentina

  • Middle East and Africa (MEA)

    • UAE