Australian biotech All G has announced the US launch of its apo-lactoferrin ingredient, LFX.
The ingredient has GRAS status and received an FDA 'no questions' letter for use in adult nutrition.
Apo-lactoferrin is the iron-depleted form of lactoferrin — a naturally occurring protein found in human and cow's milk. Lactoferrin has become a popular protein in immune health, iron regulation and gut health supplement formulations.
It helps transport and regulate iron, making it an effective alternative for managing mild anaemia or iron deficiency without the traditional gastrointestinal side effects (like constipation) caused by standard iron pills.
Lactoferrin in human breast milk is naturally in the low-iron, apo- state. In comparison, most dairy-derived commercial lactoferrins available on the market contain around 20% iron saturation after processing, while heavily iron-loaded holo-lactoferrin exceeds 80% saturation.
When iron levels are low, empty iron-binding sites can capture excess free iron, helping to regulate iron balance, limit iron for harmful bacteria, support gut health, enhance immune activity and improve iron absorption without needing even more dietary iron.
Thus, LFX acts as an iron regulator rather than merely an iron source.
All G says that LFX's apo-status gives it a clear point of differentiation compared to other lactoferrins, with greater open iron-binding capacity and greater potential to deliver lactoferrin's benefits.
“Lactoferrin’s ability to regulate iron is what drives many of its most valuable benefits,” said Dr Jared Raynes, Chief Scientific Officer at All G.
When lactoferrin’s iron-binding sites are already occupied, functionality becomes lessened. We are changing that with LFX by making the iron-free apo form commercially available at scale for the first time.
In addition to its low iron saturation, All G stated that its LFX ingredient has a greater than 95% purity, a reliable and scalable supply independent of dairy production, no lactose, hormones, or animal-derived residues and batch-to-batch consistency.
"Introducing LFX in the US is an exciting milestone for All G,” added Isidoor Maljers, Business Development Manager at All G.
There is tremendous interest from companies looking to formulate with the apo form of lactoferrin because it offers a level of scientific differentiation in mirroring the naturally low-iron form of lactoferrin.
All G said that it is currently producing LFX at a scale of multiple metric tons per year, ensuring supply security in a market that has traditionally been constrained. The ingredient is readily available for US manufacturers.
