Joint inflammation in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis is driven by synovial NF-κB activation → IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and MMP production. Lactoferrin's potent NF-κB inhibition reduces these joint inflammatory mediators, while its iron chelation reduces free iron-driven oxidative damage in joint fluid.

Does lactoferrin help with joint pain?

The anti-inflammatory mechanism (NF-κB inhibition) should reduce inflammatory joint pain. Without clinical trial data specifically for joint pain as a primary endpoint, effects are mechanistically predicted but not clinically quantified.