Evidence supporting the use of: Transferrin
For the health condition: Infection (viral)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Transferrin is a glycoprotein primarily responsible for iron transport in the blood. Its role in infection, including viral infection, has been the subject of scientific investigation. During infection, the body often reduces iron availability to limit microbial growth—a process called "nutritional immunity." Transferrin, by tightly binding iron, is part of this response. Some in vitro and animal studies have explored transferrin as a therapeutic, particularly lactoferrin (a related iron-binding protein), for its potential to inhibit viral entry or replication, including for viruses such as hepatitis C, HIV, and some coronaviruses. The hypothesized mechanisms include sequestration of iron (limiting viral replication), direct binding to viral particles or host cell receptors, and modulation of immune responses. However, most studies focus on lactoferrin, not serum transferrin, and clinical data are sparse.

There is limited clinical evidence supporting the use of transferrin supplementation or therapy for viral infections. Most findings are preclinical or based on theoretical mechanisms. As such, while there is scientific interest and some laboratory validation for transferrin and related proteins in managing viral infections, robust evidence (e.g., human trials demonstrating efficacy) is lacking. Therefore, transferrin is not currently used as a standard or widely recommended therapy for viral infections in clinical practice. The evidence level is rated as 2, reflecting weak scientific support primarily from laboratory studies rather than human trials.

More about Transferrin
More about Infection (viral)

Other health conditions supported by Transferrin

Anemia
Infection (bacterial)
Infection (viral)

Products containing Transferrin

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.