Research
We continuously scan the most recent and innovative scientific research that demonstrates strong potential for patient health. We strive to incorporate the most promising research from peer-reviewed publications into our own research and scientifically formulated products where possible.
Provided below are descriptions of and links to the full text of some of this research to be accurate, not misleading, and transparent. We note that the scientific conversation between supplements and health is broad, fluid, and evolving rapidly. We welcome substantiated research that helps enhance and refine our inevitably incomplete understanding.
Note: the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has a rigorous and length review process before an approved drug product can gain approval by the FDA and make a disease claim, that is, a claim to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat, or prevent disease. An approved drug product is different than a dietary supplement product. The research below captures the ongoing scientific discussion related to specific compounds. It is not meant to imply, and does not imply, that any specific product classified as a dietary supplement is intended to diagnose, prevent, cure or prevent any disease. The statements and research below have not been evaluated by the FDA.
Lactoferrin and diphenhydramine improve survival rates of mice post SARS-CoV-2 infection
Ostrov et al. (2023) Sigma Receptor Ligands Prevent COVID Mortality In Vivo: Implications for Future Therapeutics. International Journal of Molecular Science 24(21): 15718
This study examines the post-SARS-CoV-2 infection survival using lactoferrin/diphenhydramine treatment in ACE2-transgenic mice.
They find that while all mice lost weight after being infected with SARS-CoV-2, those treated with diphenhydramine/lactoferrin recovered to their initial weight. Those mice under the control condition did not survive the SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Lactoferrin and diphenhydramine show synergistic results in inhibiting COVID-19
Ostov et al. (2021). Highly Specific Sigma Receptor Ligands Exhibit Anti-Viral Properties in SARS-CoV-2 Infected Cells. Pathogens, 10(11), 1514
"There is a strong need for safe drugs and vaccines to target emerging pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2. Although recent studies identified approved drugs that exhibit antiviral activities against SARS-CoV-2, current therapeutic treatment strategies for COVID-19 have limited effectiveness."
This study finds that antihistamines with antiviral activity and an dietary supplement Lactoferrin bind with sigma receptors and exhibit direct antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 with synergistic results inhibiting 99% cell replication, shedding, cytotoxicity using Vero E6 cells and human lung epithelial cells in BSL3 conditions.
Study finds that Lactoferrin used as a supplement can "potentially prevent and cure COVID 19 infection"
Serrano et al. (2020). Liposomal Lactoferrin as Potential Preventative and Cure for COVID-19. International Journal of Research in Health Sciences,2020,8,1,8-15.
This observational study was performed in 75 patients with COVID-19 symptoms who tested positive on a rapid test. The patients were treated with a combination of lactoferrin, zinc and vitamin C oral supplements. Family members in contact with the patients were also treated with a lower dose. The study found the treatment "allowed a complete and fast recovery in all patients (100%) within the first 4-5 days" and "prevented the disease in healthy persons directly related with the affected patients."
The authors suggest that Lactoferrin's "antiviral, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects" may "be important for the treatment of COVID-19 infection." They conclude that Lactoferrin can "potentially prevent and cure COVID 19 infection."
Antihistamine usage associated with reduced incidence of COVID positivity
Reznikov et al. (2021) Identification of antiviral antihistamines for COVID-19 repurposing. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021 Jan(538): 173-179
This study examines the electronic medical records of 219,000 subjects tested for COVID at USCF. It finds some antihistamines (some, not all) exhibit direct antiviral activity against COVID in vitro, and were associated with a reduced incidence of COVID positivity in subjects older than 61.
For example, people over 61 that were using diphenhydramine were 65% less likely to test positive for COVID.
Lactoferrin is the most efficacious hit inhibiting COVID from a library of 1,425 FDA approved compounds
Mirabelli et al. (2021) Morphological cell profiling of SARS-CoV-2 infection identifies drug repurposing candidates for COVID-19. Proceedings of the National Academy of Science (PNAS) 188(36).
This paper uses a quantitative high-throughput screen to identify the most efficacious agents that can inhibit COVID from among a library of over 1,425 FDA approved compounds.
Notably, lactoferrin stands out and exhibited direct antiviral activity against COVID-19 in vitro by inhibiting viral attachment and enhancing antiviral host cell responses. "Given its safety profile, lactoferrin is a readily translatable therapeutic option for the management of COVID-19."
Lactoferrin-treated COVID patients show faster time to negative COVID test and faster symptom recovery with no adverse events reported
Campione et al. (2021) Lactoferrin as antiviral treatment in COVID-19 management: preliminary evidence. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2021(18): 10985
This paper conducts a preliminary study to investigate the antiviral effect of lactoferrin in COVID management in asymptomatic and mild-to-moderate COVID patients. They recruited 92 patients (67 mild-to-moderate and 25 asymptomatic) and divided them into 3 treatment groups: (1) lactoferrin-only treatment; (2) "standard-of-care" (SOC)-only treatment; (3) in-home isolation with no treatment.
They found that patients treated with lactoferrin had a faster negative COVID test (14 days) than “standard-of-care” patients (27 days), as well as faster symptom recovery, improved bloodwork, and no reported adverse events
Lactoferrin shows an ability to inhibit COVID in vitro across different COVID variants of concern
Wotring et al. (2022). Evaluating the in vitro efficacy of bovine lactoferrin products against SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern
This study finds that “bovine lactoferrin strongly inhibits SARS-CoV-2 infection in vitro through direct entry inhibition and immunomodulatory mechanisms.”
They tested bovine lactoferrin in vitro against some of the most common COVID variants of concern. These included the WA1 variant (US 2020 strain), the B.1.1.7 variant (United Kingdom strain), B.1.351 variant (South Africa strain), P.1 variant (Japan/Brazil strain), and Delta variant (Indian strain).
They conclude that bovine lactoferrin has “potent efficacy across different viral strains” and is "an exciting clinical candidate for treatment or prevention of SARS-CoV-2 in the future."
Provides an summary of the literature that suggests lactoferrin "as an effective and safe option for the treatment of several common disorders"
Presti et al. (2021) Lactoferrin: cytokine modulation and application in clinical practice. Journal of Clinical Medicine 2021(Dec) 10(23): 5482.
This paper summarizes "the uses of lactoferrin in clinical practice as a new, safe, and evidence-based treatment for many types of disorders."
It notes that "decades of in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated the important antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and immunomodulating properties."
A case study of long COVID and OTC antihistamines
Pinto et al. (2022) Antihistamines for postacute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Journal for Nurse Practitioners March 2022 (18)3: 335-338
This study describes 2 case studies of long COVID patients.
They find that after administration of OTC antihistamines, both patients had "significant improvement in symptoms and ability to perform activities of daily living."
Due to the small nature of the case study, future studies are required to understand this potential role.