Lactoferrin Market Size, Share, Industry, Forecast and outlook (2024-2031)

Global Lactoferrin Market is segmented By Source (bovine milk, Engineered Rice, Porcine milk, Human milk, Murine milk, Others), By Application (immune health, Oral Hygiene, Gut Health, Skin care, Others), By End Use (Functional Foods & Drinks, Dietary Supplements, Infant Formula, Cosmetics, Others), By Region (North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa) – Share, Size, Outlook, and Opportunity Analysis, 2024-2031

Lactoferrin Market Overview

Global Lactoferrin Market reached USD 362.3 million in 2022 and is projected to witness lucrative growth by reaching up to USD 641.3 million by 2030. The market is growing at a CAGR of 7.4% during the forecast period 2024-2031. The need for natural and beneficial ingredients in food, beverages, and dietary supplements is rising.

Since lactoferrin is a naturally occurring bioactive protein, it fits with this trend. In order to provide health advantages and satisfy customer desire for natural and useful ingredients, more and more products are being developed that use lactoferrin. 

Due to its potential advantages for newborn health, lactoferrin is increasingly being included in infant formula. Manufacturers are using lactoferrin to improve the nutritional profile and offer immunological support as they work to create baby formula products that closely mimic breast milk. Infant formula products that are lactoferrin-fortified are becoming more and more prevalent on the market. 

Lactoferrin Market Scope

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Lactoferrin Market Dynamics

Growing Demand for Infant Formula Driving the Growth of the Lactoferrin Market 

Lactoferrin naturally occurs in breast milk and plays a vital role in infant nutrition. It provides numerous benefits to infants, including immune modulation, antimicrobial activities, and intestinal health. According to CDC, early one in five babies receive formula within their first two days of life. As more infants are fed with formula instead of breast milk, there is a need to enhance the nutritional profile of infant formula. Lactoferrin is considered an essential component in the formulation of high-quality infant formula to provide these important health benefits.

Breast milk is the optimal source of nutrition for infants due to its unique composition that promotes healthy growth and development. Lactoferrin is a bioactive protein found in breast milk, and its inclusion in infant formula helps to mimic the composition of breast milk more closely. Manufacturers are incorporating lactoferrin into infant formula to provide a more comprehensive nutritional profile that resembles breast milk.

The Rising Prevalence of Skin Diseases is Driving the Growth of the Lactoferrin Market 

Skin disorders are among the most common ailments in the world, and their incidence is rising. Acne affects nearly 50 million Americans each year, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, with moderate acne impacting 85 percent of those aged 12 to 24. With acne being one of the most frequent skin problems among teens, the need for lactoferrin in acne treatments is increasing. 

According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, using lactoferrin for 12 weeks reduces inflammatory lesion count by 38.6%, overall lesion count by 23.1%, and acne grade by 20.3% compared to the placebo group. Lactoferrin is so frequently employed in wound healing and dermal immune response decrease by stimulating connective tissue with epidermal cells and repairing the skin. 

High Cost of Lactoferrin Can Restrain the Growth of the Lactoferrin Market

The primary natural sources of lactoferrin are bovine milk and human milk. However, compared to the total need for lactoferrin, the supply from these sources is inadequate. Due to the restricted supply, obtaining sufficient amounts of lactoferrin may need specialized sourcing and processing techniques, which might increase the cost of raw materials.

Supplements, functional foods, and baby formula that include lactoferrin may have higher pricing due to the high cost of lactoferrin manufacture. This may make certain goods more expensive for some customers, resulting in a decline in demand and possible market restrictions.

Lactoferrin Market Segment Analysis

The global lactoferrin market is segmented based on source,  application, end-use, and region.

Lactoferrin is Popular in Infant Formulae Because of its Nutritional Content Being Similar to Breastmilk along with Antibacterial Properties

The global lactoferrin market has been segmented by end-use into functional foods & drinks, dietary supplements, infant formula, cosmetics, and others 

In 2022, infant formula had the highest revenue share in the lactoferrin market. Infant formula frequently contains lactoferrin. Infants' growth is significantly impacted by lactoferrin's antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulator capabilities, which have also been linked to the development of the neurological system. Numerous studies have demonstrated that lactoferrin, particularly that from cows, is crucial for gut flora and increases resistance to infections.

Lactoferrin has particularly showed a favourable effect on underweight neonates since it lowers the incidence of delayed-onset septicemia (bacterial or fungal). The need for lactoferrin in newborn formulae has grown as a result of all these causes.  As baby food producers work to give newborns nutrition that is comparable to that found in breast milk, the inclusion of lactoferrin in infant formula maintains the growth of the lactoferrin market. For instance, in response to the rising demand for newborn nourishment, Friesland Campina stated in September 2020 that it is boosting its lactoferrin production capacity in the Netherlands.

Source: DataM Intelligence Analysis (2023)

Global Lactoferrin Market Geographical Share

Growing Population Preferences in Asia-Pacific Region  

In 2022, Asia -Pacific had the highest revenue share of the lactoferrin market with the majority of babies getting supplemented with infant formula belonging to the Asia-Pacific. China and India are the two most populous countries in the Asia and Pacific area, which has 4.3 billion people, or 60% of the world's population, according to the United Nations Population Fund. Due to the high birth rate in this area, there is a high need for baby-feeding products, such as lactoferrin.

Moreover, with increasing literacy rate coupled with rising consumer awareness regarding infant nutrition, personal care, and pharmaceutical products along with consumer inclination toward organic products is expected to drive the growth. China accounts for the majority of the shares of the market, due to the lowest breastfeeding rates in the country. The abandonment of one child policy has especially contributed to the rising demand for infant formula.

Source: DataM Intelligence Analysis (2023)

Lactoferrin Market Companies

The major global players include MILEI GmbH, Farbest Brands, Synlait Ltd., Glanbia Plc., Bega Bionutrients, Saputa Dairy Australia Pty Ltd., Forterra Co-Operative Group, Armor Proteins, Hilmar Cheese Company, Inc., Conagen, Inc. 

COVID-19 Impact on Lactoferrin Market

COVID-19 Impact 

Certain market segments have experienced a growth in product demand due to their higher efficiency in improving immunity. According to a research article published by iMedPub, lactoferrin has anti-inflammatory properties against COVID-19 and its use as nutritional supplements has been proposed by various health professionals. This is anticipated to boost its consumption in countries like China, Japan, and U.S. during the pandemic. 

One recent in-vitro study even suggested that the ingredient may provide a protective effect against Covid-19. Also, the increasing demand is exerting pressure on the suppliers and manufacturers. Thus, some of the market players have responded to the rising demand through capacity expansions. For instance, Bega Cheese Ltd. announced the completion of the expansion of its Koroit Australia plant, for USD 34 million in 2019. The expansion has doubled the lactoferrin production capacity of Bega Cheese

By Source

• Bovine Milk
• Engineered Rice
• Porcine Milk
• Human Milk
• Murine Milk
• Others

By Application

• Immune Health
• Oral Hygiene
• Gut Health
• Skincare
• Others

By End-Use

• Functional Foods & Drinks
• Dietary Supplements
• Infant Formula
• Cosmetics
• Others

By Region

• North America
  • The U.S.
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • The UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• South America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of South America
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
• Middle East and Africa

Key Developments

• In May 2023, Westland Milk Products, a producer and distributor of dairy products., launched the construction of a new lactoferrin plant in New Zealand.
• In August 2022, Turtle Tree, a producer of cell-based milk, announced LF+, the first-ever sustainable lactoferrin made with precision fermentation 
• In August 2022, Junlebo Dairy Group, a Chinese infant formula company, launched a new infant formula, which contains the highest amount of lactoferrin content.

Why Purchase the Report?

• To visualize the global lactoferrin market segmentation based on source, application, end-use, and region understand key commercial assets and players.
• Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development. 
• Excel data sheet with numerous lactoferrin market-level data points all for segments.
• PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
• Product mapping available as Excel consisting of key products of all the major players.

The Global Lactoferrin Market Report Would Provide Approximately 61 Tables, 64 Figures, and 102 Pages.

Target Audience 2024

• Manufacturers/ Buyers
• Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
• Research Professionals
• Emerging Companies