iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Small pilot studies suggest that lactoferrin supplements may improve some self-reported taste and smell symptoms after chemotherapy, but they do not prove that lactoferrin works or establish it as a standard treatment. The research tested lactoferrin tablets—not drinking milk—and anyone experiencing taste changes during cancer treatment should talk with their oncology team before taking supplements.
What did the studies test?
Lactoferrin is an iron-binding protein found in milk and saliva. Researchers studied it as a supplement for people with taste and smell abnormalities associated with chemotherapy. They did not test milk as a treatment.
The 2018 feasibility study
Wang and colleagues enrolled 19 cancer patients with established taste and smell abnormalities following chemotherapy, as well as 12 healthy participants. Participants took three 250 mg lactoferrin tablets daily for 30 days. Researchers collected saliva before supplementation, after the 30-day course, and after a further 30 days. The paper reported a reduction in the patient group’s combined taste-and-smell abnormality score and salivary iron, alongside increases in some salivary proteins. The small sample and feasibility design mean these findings are preliminary, not proof of treatment benefit. Read the 2018 study in Food & Function.
The 2022 pilot report
Irby and colleagues reported on 26 patients who took 750 mg of lactoferrin daily for 30 days, followed by 30 days without supplementation. Nineteen participants remained at day 30 and 17 at day 60. Among participants with complete day-60 assessments, the average combined self-reported taste-and-smell score improved by 1.7 points at day 30 (p = 0.018) and 3.8 points from baseline at day 60 (p < 0.0001). Taste alone improved by 0.6 points at day 30, a result that was not statistically significant (p = 0.062); smell improved by 1.1 points (p = 0.042). These are pilot results based on subjective reports, and the loss of participants over follow-up matters when interpreting them. The authors said further evaluation is warranted. Read the 2022 report in Supportive Care in Cancer.
#1 Best Overall
- Suggested Use for Lactoferrin: Adults take 1 capsule once a day with food or as directed by your qualified healthcare professional
How the evidence differs
| Study | Participants | Supplement and schedule | What was reported |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wang et al., 2018 | 19 cancer patients and 12 healthy participants | Three 250 mg tablets daily for 30 days | Patient-group taste-and-smell abnormality score and salivary iron decreased; some salivary proteins increased. |
| Irby et al., 2022 | 26 enrolled; 19 remained at day 30 and 17 at day 60 | 750 mg daily for 30 days, then 30 days of follow-up without supplementation | Average combined self-reported symptom score improved at days 30 and 60 among those assessed; taste alone did not improve significantly at day 30. |
| Wang et al., 2026 | Mouse model | Lactoferrin and zinc sulfate investigated in a cisplatin-induced taste-disorder model | Preclinical findings; not evidence of benefit in people receiving chemotherapy. |
What do the results mean for patients?
The studies offer an early signal that lactoferrin may be worth investigating, not a basis for recommending it. The 2018 paper described its result as demonstrating the feasibility of developing lactoferrin supplementation as a treatment. That wording matters: feasibility is not a clinical recommendation. The later pilot also called for further evaluation.
Researchers have proposed that lactoferrin could affect iron-related chemistry in the mouth or salivary proteins associated with taste and smell abnormalities. The studies measured salivary iron and proteins, but they do not establish the mechanism or show that a change in those measurements causes meaningful symptom relief.
Rank #2
- Lactoferrin Supplement: Nutricost Lactoferrin Capsules, a dietary supplement designed to support your daily routine.
- Generous Supply: Each bottle contains 60 capsules, providing a 60-serving supply at 300mg per serving.
- Dietary-Friendly: Suitable for vegetarians, and crafted to be non-GMO and gluten-free.
- Quality Assurance: Manufactured in a facility compliant with established standards and third-party tested for quality and authenticity.
- Easy Integration: Convenient capsules for easy incorporation into your daily routine, promoting your overall wellness.
The 2026 investigation adds animal-model evidence only. A result in mice cannot establish that lactoferrin, zinc, or their combination helps people undergoing chemotherapy.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →What to do about metallic or bitter taste during treatment
Tell your oncology team about changes in taste or smell, especially if they make it difficult to eat or drink. Your team can consider your treatment and nutritional needs and advise you about supplements. Do not start lactoferrin or zinc based on these pilot studies.
Rank #3
- Suggested Use for Lactoferrin: Adults take 1 capsule once a day with food or as directed by your qualified healthcare professional
For practical strategies, see the National Cancer Institute’s Nutrition During Cancer guidance, which includes ways to manage metallic or bitter tastes and information about nutrition support when a person cannot eat or digest enough to stay nourished.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Supports a healthy immune response – Found primarily in milk, the compound lactoferrin helps modulate immune function and encourages the immune system’s natural defenses.
- Encourages GI health – Lactoferrin promotes the growth of beneficial digestive bacteria, an important component of supporting the overall health of your GI tract.
- Promotes eye health – Studies have found that lactoferrin can support vision by helping to encourage natural tear production and, with it, ocular lubrication.
- Ingredients matter – We use the finest raw ingredients chosen for quality and purity. The majority of our products are non-GMO, gluten-free and manufactured in the USA with globally sourced ingredients, and a Certificate of Analysis is available for each.
- Live your healthiest life – We believe the answers to a healthier life are in reach, and that scientific research is the key to getting there. That’s why so many of our formulas feature specific ingredients and amounts based on scientific studies.
Rank #4
- IRON SUPPLEMENT SUPPORT: Lactoferrin may support iron absorption by binding to free iron particles in the intestines and helping your body utilize them
- WELL-ABSORBED IRON SUPPORT: Clinical research shows that Lactoferrin may offer advantages compared to traditional iron sources such as ferrous sulfate
- PATENTED BIOFERRIN LACTOFERRIN: Bioferrin is a milk derived lactoferrin compound that is partially saturated with Iron for gentle and is formulated to support iron intake
- NOT ALL LACTOFERRIN IS CREATED EQUAL: Bioferrin contains a high concentration of lactoferrin peptides and has been evaluated for its consistency and composition
- WE BOTTLE WELLNESS: At Double Wood we provide pure, potent supplements that deliver exceptional value, all backed by careful sourcing and rigorous third-party testing
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
