Lactoferrin and Healthy Aging: Gut, Immune, Iron, and Mitochondrial Mechanisms

Aging is characterized by progressive dysregulation of interconnected biological systems, including immune function, gut integrity, iron homeostasis, and mitochondrial metabolism, which collectively contribute to inflammaging, oxidative stress, frailty, and age-related disease. Lactoferrin, a multifunctional iron-binding glycoprotein, has emerged as a potential nutritional intervention capable of modulating several hallmarks of biological aging. This narrative review examines current mechanistic and clinical evidence regarding lactoferrin's role in healthy aging. Evidence from in vitro, preclinical, and human studies suggests that lactoferrin supports gut health, iron regulation, and immune function and may support mitochondrial function and redox balance. Although much of the mechanistic evidence remains preclinical, early human studies demonstrating improvements in inflammatory and iron-related biomarkers support further investigation. Well-designed clinical trials in older adults are needed to determine whether lactoferrin supplementation can meaningfully improve functional outcomes, cardiometabolic health, immune resilience, and markers of biological aging.