Dutch ingredient company Vivici has launched a precision-fermented lactoferrin ingredient, Vivitein LF, in the U.S. market.

Due to its low relative abundance in milk, the iron-binding protein, which is known for its role in supporting the body’s natural balance and resilience, has remained scarce. Precision fermentation, however, has solved the supply and cost issues associated with traditionally-produced lactoferrin, enabling health and wellness brands to develop transformational consumer products.

Lactoferrin is one of dairy’s most valuable bioactives, Vivici reported, and Vivitein LF is suitable for consumer product innovations in the gut health, performance recovery, and sustained vitality spaces. It is shown to optimize the microbiome balance and strengthen the gut barrier. It also modulates the body’s inflammatory response, which is relevant in sports contexts when exercise induces chronic low-grade inflammation. It also makes iron more bioavailable to the body, potentially helping the millions of women with low iron levels.

“The question that will define the health and wellness industry for years to come is how we can help the body’s own system maintain health from within,” said Stephan van Sint Fiet, CEO of Vivici. “Innovators who effectively fulfill this unmet consumer demand with innovative and transformative health products leveraging breakthrough proteins, such as Vivitein LF, will succeed.”

Vivici has self-affirmed the ingredient as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS). It is the second ingredient launched under the Vivitein brand following the launch of Vivitein BLG, a beta-lactoglobulin ingredient.

Vivici will showcase Vivitein LF and Vivitein BLG at Natural Products Expo West, where visitors can learn more and sample the ingredients at booth 3894.