Helaina human lactoferrin (effera®) is a potential, well-tolerated alternative for improving iron status in women who present with chronic iron deficiency. This case series reports on two active women who had persistently low iron levels and poor response to, or intolerance of, standard orally administered iron supplements. Both independently started oral ingestion of effera® at 100 mg/day for 6-20 weeks, and both showed notable increases in ferritin, with one also exhibiting marked increases in serum iron and transferrin saturation. The two participants reported better energy, fewer symptoms, and improved exercise capacity, all without gastrointestinal issues. These results align with growing evidence that lactoferrin supports iron homeostasis through receptor-mediated absorption, hepcidin-ferroportin modulation, and immune-balancing effects. While limited to case reports, these observations support further controlled trials of effera® as an adjunct or alternative for iron deficiency.
