Leapfrog Remedies is the UK's first lactoferrin supplement brand, offering this extraordinary ingredient in an innovative chewable format designed for fast absorption and cross-generational use. Formulated by our in-house nutritionist Emma Davies and scientific experts, our supplements bridge the gap between science and public knowledge, and our practitioner relationships sit at the heart of that mission.
This blog has been written by Leapfrog Remedies founder, Stephanie Drax.
At Leapfrog Remedies, we launched the UK's first dedicated lactoferrin supplement brand on an astonishing insight: that one of the most clinically studied immune proteins in nutritional science - present in mother's milk, produced by the human body every day, and the subject of over 11,000 peer-reviewed papers - was virtually unknown to the public. Five years later, and we have four products that address immunity, iron balance, sleep, cognitive performance, and foundational daily health. Each chewable supplement is formulated with our hero ingredient lactoferrin and addresses a distinct biological need.
Lactoferrin – “Pink Gold”
Lactoferrin is a multifunctional glycoprotein present at every mucosal surface where the body meets the outside world - in tears, saliva, nasal secretions, and the intestinal lining, as well as in colostrum and breast milk. It’s an extraordinary modulator of innate and adaptive immune response, with benefits to the body that are so myriad, it’s been hailed by scientists as a “miracle molecule” (1) and the “Swiss army knife of the human host defence system.” (2)
When used supplementally, lactoferrin has well established antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immunomodulatory activity, and with an excellent safety profile. One of its defining mechanisms is iron sequestration: by binding free iron lactoferrin deprives opportunistic bacteria of the nutrient essential for their replication, inhibiting colonisation before an immune challenge escalates. (3)
With regards to respiratory viruses, lactoferrin has been shown to block viruses from entering healthy cells and to inhibit their replication, prompting a SARS-CoV-2 screening study by Mirabelli et al, in which lactoferrin emerged as one of the most effective compounds in demonstrating antiviral effects across multiple cellular models. (4) Dr Hamid Merchant's 2021 systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials found that lactoferrin supplementation showed promising efficacy in reducing the risk of respiratory tract infections, confirming its role as a key component of the body's natural defence against invading viruses. (5)
In addition, lactoferrin modulates innate immunity by activating natural killer cells and neutrophils, regulates pro-inflammatory cytokines to prevent excessive inflammatory response, crosses the blood-brain barrier to support neurological function, and influences inflammatory pathways involving IL-6 and hepcidin. (6, 7) Clinical studies, particularly in pregnancy and inflammatory conditions, report improvements in ferritin and haemoglobin with good gastrointestinal tolerability.
Because bovine and human lactoferrin share close structural similarity, lactoferrin can be sourced from cow's milk. With only 100mg present per litre of raw milk, lactoferrin is known as “pink gold” for its rarity, efficacy, value and colour. Leapfrog’s lactoferrin is extracted at greater than 95% purity from fresh bovine milk in Northern France and is formulated as a chewable tablet to be directly absorbed in the oral cavity (where lactoferrin is naturally present in saliva). The lactose content of lactoferrin is less than 0.01%, making Leapfrog products suitable for lactose-intolerant clients (although not suitable for those with a milk allergy). Across dozens of clinical trials in infants, involving thousands of subjects, no significant adverse effects or intolerances have been reported – one of the advantages of a nutritional supplement that is endogenously produced. (8) Lactoferrin exhibits benefits from birth to old age, and Leapfrog’s chewable tablets offer this valuable nutrient in a convenient and efficacious format for all the family.
Leapfrog DAILY: Daily resilience
Lactoferrin 100mg, Vitamin D3 1000IU, Vitamin K2 25mcg (MK-7), Vitamin C 40mg, Vitamin E 15mg (d-alpha-tocopherol), Zinc 5mg
DAILY is Leapfrog’s newest clinically considered formulation – a supplement that offers daily foundational immune maintenance for an adult navigating the compounding demands of modern life. The formulation begins with lactoferrin at a maintenance dose calibrated for baseline immune support and iron management - distinct in purpose from IMMUNE's acute 250mg dose. It’s paired with Vitamin D3 and K2 as MK-7 - a combination supported by multiple randomised controlled trials demonstrating greater preservation and improvement of bone mineral density than either nutrient alone (relevant to the accelerated bone resorption associated with declining oestrogen in perimenopause). Lactoferrin itself stimulates osteoblasts (bone-forming cells) while slowing down osteoclasts (bone-breakdown cells), so preserving bone mass but also improving bone microarchitecture. (9)
Furthermore, Vitamin C supports collagen synthesis alongside immune function, and Vitamin E as d-alpha-tocopherol works synergistically with Vitamin C in the antioxidant regeneration cycle. Zinc supports hormone regulation and antioxidant enzyme activity - both increasingly relevant as endogenous zinc levels decline with the hormonal shifts of midlife.
DAILY is not a multivitamin. It is a precision daily supplement for the biology of midlife – the dwindling lactoferrin levels depleted by lifestyle factors, the D3 and K2 deficiency, the oxidative load that accumulates with age and stress. At Leapfrog, we believe DAILY belongs in the protocol of every nutritionist working with adults, whether the presenting concern is immune resilience, bone health, skin vitality, cognitive clarity, or the fatigue that sits at the intersection of all four.
Leapfrog IMMUNE: Immunity and iron balance
Lactoferrin 250mg, Vitamin C 40mg, Zinc 5mg
IMMUNE contains 250mg lactoferrin - the dose that reflects the clinical literature on respiratory tract infection reduction (10,11) and offers a gentle way to support iron status in select individuals. The citrus-flavoured chewable tablets have been formulated for immune defence during stress, travel, seasonal shifts or high exposure and can be particularly beneficial for runners or athletes looking to prevent iron deficiency. IMMUNE is ideal for daily support or at the first signs of infection. Suitable from age 4 and safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Leapfrog SNOOZE: Sleep like a baby
Lactium 150mg, Lactoferrin 50mg, Vitamin B6 1.1mg
SNOOZE is formulated with Lactium – a milk protein hydrolysate that contains alpha-casozepine, a bioactive decapeptide studied in nine clinical trials across more than 500 adults. When babies drink milk, their digestive enzymes break down the liquid to release a calming pool of peptides. French scientists worked to break the bonds of milk using tryptic hydrolysis technique, recreating the calming magic of mother’s milk in supplement form to ease stress and sleep disturbance. Results indicate that Lactium helps to lower blood cortisol levels and acts on the GABA-A receptors in the brain to manage stress related symptoms, improving sleep onset, duration, and quality without the tolerance, dependency, or morning grogginess associated with melatonin or benzodiazepines. (12,13) Lactoferrin provides immune maintenance during sleep and vitamin B6 supports serotonin and melatonin synthesis. Suitable from age 7 and safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Leapfrog FOCUS: Clarity without caffeine
Lactium 150mg, Lactoferrin 50mg, L-Theanine 50mg, Vitamin B12 30mcg
The Lactium in FOCUS helps to address cortisol-driven cognitive interference during the day - reducing mental noise without sedation. L-Theanine complements this through alpha wave upregulation and modulation of dopamine and serotonin. Lactoferrin addresses the iron dysregulation and inflammation that underlie many presentations of brain fog and may also assist with memory and learning: a 2021 piglet study found that lactoferrin enhanced neurodevelopment and cognition and exerted neuroprotective effects. (14) Vitamin B12 as methylcobalamin supports myelin integrity, neurotransmitter synthesis, and energy metabolism. Suitable from age 12. Not recommended during pregnancy.
A Final Word from the Founder
At Leapfrog, we're tied to something ancient and extraordinary - the natural power of the body’s mechanisms and the connection with milk and its extraordinary bioactives. Using science and innovation, we work at a cellular level to create real, positive change. We stay ever curious about the natural, holistic solutions that bring us closer to nature - and to ourselves. Because your body recognises the lactoferrin in our formulas, Leapfrog’s products work powerfully, with quick, tangible results that allow you to feel your best self.
If you would like to work with us, we would love to hear from you: https://
About the Author
Stephanie Drax is a journalist and entrepreneur and founded Leapfrog Remedies in 2020. In 2018, Stephanie was looking for a solution to the merry-go-round of coughs and colds in her young family, and a scientist told her about Lactoferrin, saying he “hadn’t had a cold in 30 years”. She tried it, and it worked like magic, nipping the family’s coughs and colds in the bud. She felt compelled to bring it to market within Leapfrog’s debut supplement: IMMUNE.
References
- Vogel HJ. Lactoferrin, a bird’s eye view. Biochemistry and Cell Biology. 2012.
- Kowalczyk P. The Lactoferrin Phenomenon - A Miracle Molecule. Molecules. 2022.
- Legrand D. Overview of lactoferrin as a natural immune modulator. Journal of Pediatrics. 2016.
- Mirabelli C, et al. Morphological cell profiling of SARS-CoV-2 infection identifies drug repurposing candidates for COVID-19. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 2021.
- Ali, A.S., Hasan, S.S., Kow, C.S. and Merchant, H.A. Lactoferrin reduces the risk of respiratory tract infections: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Clinical Nutrition ESPEN. 2021.
- Naidu S. Lactoferrin for Mental Health: Neuro-Redox Regulation and Neuroprotective Effects across the Blood-Brain Barrier. J Diet Suppl. 2023.
- El-Khawaga AA, et al. Lactoferrin for iron-deficiency anemia in children with inflammatory bowel disease: a clinical trial. Pediatric Research. 2022.
- Pammi M, Suresh G. Enteral lactoferrin supplementation for prevention of sepsis and necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm infants. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2020.
- Guo Y et al. Orally Administered Lactoferrin Preserves Bone Mass and Microarchitecture in Ovariectomized Rats. The Journal of Nutrition. 2009.
- Ali AS, Merchant HA et al. Lactoferrin reduces the risk of respiratory tract infections: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Clinical Nutrition ESPEN. 2021
- Oda H, Kubo S, Tada A, Yago T, Sugita C, Yoshida H, Toida T, Tanaka M, Kurokawa M. Effects of Bovine Lactoferrin on the Maintenance of Respiratory and Systemic Physical Conditions in Healthy Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Nutrients. 2023
- Kim H et al. A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Clinical Study of the Effects of Alpha-s1 Casein Hydrolysate on Sleep Disturbance. Nutrients. 2019.
- Chang C et al. The impact of Alpha-s1 Casein hydrolysate on chronic insomnia: A randomized, double-blind controlled trial. Clinical Nutrition. 2024.
- Wang B et al. Functional Correlates and Impact of Dietary Lactoferrin Intervention and its Concentration-dependence on Neurodevelopment and Cognition in Neonatal Piglets. Molecular Nutrition and Food Research. 2021.