Human and bovine lactoferrin share the fundamental iron-binding and antimicrobial mechanisms while differing in glycosylation patterns and some surface epitopes. The 69% amino acid homology includes 100% conservation of the key iron-binding amino acids and the lactoferricin antimicrobial domain. Human lactoferrin is not commercially available for supplementation; bovine lactoferrin from milk is the only practical source.

Why is human lactoferrin not available as a supplement?

Large-scale human lactoferrin production would require human milk donors or recombinant expression systems — impractical at the scale needed for therapeutic supplementation. Bovine milk is the only economically viable source.

Does bovine lactoferrin cause an immune reaction (allergic)?

For most people, no. Bovine lactoferrin is hypoallergenic compared to casein and beta-lactoglobulin — the primary allergens in dairy. Individuals with true milk protein allergy should use caution and consult a physician before using any bovine dairy-derived product.