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Small pilot studies suggest that lactoferrin supplements may improve some taste and smell symptoms after chemotherapy, but they do not prove that lactoferrin works or establish it as a standard treatment. The studies tested tablets containing lactoferrin—not drinking milk—and their results are not a reason to start a supplement without speaking to your oncology team.
What did the studies test?
Lactoferrin is an iron-binding protein found in milk and saliva. Researchers investigated whether taking lactoferrin might affect chemotherapy-related taste and smell abnormalities, including metallic taste. The proposed explanation involves iron-related chemistry in the mouth and salivary proteins, but the studies do not establish how the supplement works or whether any biological changes produce a meaningful clinical benefit.
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The 2018 feasibility study
Wang and colleagues enrolled 19 cancer patients with taste and smell abnormalities following chemotherapy, as well as 12 healthy participants. Participants took three 250 mg lactoferrin tablets per day for 30 days. The researchers collected saliva at the start, after supplementation, and after another 30 days. The patient group’s combined taste and smell abnormality score and salivary iron decreased, while some salivary proteins increased. The authors described the work as demonstrating feasibility, not proof of efficacy or a clinical recommendation. 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 those with complete day-60 assessments, the average composite 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). At day 30, the taste-only score improved by 0.6 points, a result that was not statistically significant (p = 0.062); the smell score improved by 1.1 points (p = 0.042). These were subjective symptom measures in a small pilot with participant attrition. The authors said further evaluation was 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 strong is the evidence?
The human findings are preliminary. Both investigations were small, and the later report had fewer participants at follow-up than at enrollment. Improvements in a combined self-reported score do not show that lactoferrin caused the change, nor do they establish how much benefit a patient can expect. The 2018 study also measured saliva, but changes in iron or proteins are biological findings—not proof that symptoms improved because of those changes.
A 2026 paper examined lactoferrin and zinc sulfate in mice with cisplatin-induced taste disorder. That is preclinical work: it cannot establish that either supplement treats taste changes in people receiving chemotherapy. Read the 2026 animal-model study in npj Science of Food.
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.
Should you take lactoferrin or zinc?
These studies do not establish lactoferrin or zinc as standard treatment for chemotherapy-related taste changes. Do not start either supplement based on these findings alone. Ask your oncologist or oncology dietitian before using supplements during cancer treatment; they can advise you in light of your treatment and individual needs. The studies’ tablets should not be assumed to be interchangeable with retail products.
What can help with metallic or bitter taste?
Tell your oncology team about taste changes, especially if they are making it hard to eat or drink enough. The National Cancer Institute provides practical suggestions for managing bitter or metallic tastes and information about nutrition support when someone cannot eat or digest enough to stay nourished. See the NCI’s Nutrition During Cancer guidance for advice to discuss with your care team.
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
Rank #3
- Suggested Use for Lactoferrin: Adults take 1 capsule once a day with food or as directed by your qualified healthcare professional
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