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Head-to-head evidence comparison — which supplement is right for you?
L. casei Shirota vs Lactoferrin: Lactoferrin has the stronger overall evidence (6.3 vs 5/10); they're alternatives for support immune system — the best pick depends on your goals. Take the 60-second quiz for a pick tailored to your goals.
Lactoferrin wins 2 of 3 categories. Both are solid choices — the best pick depends on your specific goals.
Verdict
Mostly mechanism / observational
Top outcomes
Verdict
Mostly mechanism / observational
1 of 1 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Shared outcomes (1)
Outcomes where both L. casei Shirota and Lactoferrin have evidence — compare verdict strength side-by-side.
One 65-100 mL bottle of the fermented milk drink daily, delivering roughly 6.5 x 10^9 to 1 x 10^11 CFU depending on the product. Doses across trials span this whole range with no dose-comparison study to separate them.
any
Fermented milk drink containing L. casei Shirota (Yakult), 65-100 mL daily
200–300 mg daily for adults; 100–200 mg/day for children
30–60 minutes before breakfast, Between meals on an empty stomach
Bovine lactoferrin capsule or powder (≥95% purity)
4 weeks
2 weeks
2-12 weeks
8 weeks
4–8 weeks of use
4–8 weeks
4–8 weeks
6–12 weeks
Efficacy of daily intake of Lactobacillus casei Shirota on respiratory symptoms and influenza vaccination immune response: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in healthy elderly nursing home residents.
Am J Clin Nutr (2012) · Rct · n=737
PRIMARY ENDPOINTS ALL NULL: no effect on days with respiratory symptoms, probability of respiratory symptoms, or post-vaccination antibody titre
Probiotics and synbiotics in chronic constipation in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Clin Nutr (2022) · Meta analysis
Probiotics overall increased stool frequency (SMD 0.71, 95% CI 0.37-1.04, p<0.00001) — but the effect was driven by Bifidobacterium lactis, 'not mixtures of probiotics, Bacillus coagulans Unique IS2 or Lactobacillus casei Shirota'
A study into the effect of Lactobacillus casei Shirota in preventing antibiotic associated diarrhoea including Clostridioides difficile infection in patients with spinal cord injuries: a multicentre randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
EClinicalMedicine (2021) · Rct · n=359
PRIMARY ENDPOINT NULL: antibiotic-associated diarrhoea at 30 days 45% vs 42.1% (RR 1.071, 95% CI 0.8-1.4, p=0.639)
Effect of Lactoferrin Supplementation on Inflammation, Immune Function, and Prevention of Respiratory Tract Infections in Humans: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
Advances in Nutrition (2022) · Meta analysis
Lactoferrin significantly reduced IL-6 in adults (mean difference: -24.9 pg/mL; 95% CI: -41.64, -8.08 pg/mL)
Lactoferrin reduces the risk of respiratory tract infections: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Clinical Nutrition ESPEN (2021) · Meta analysis
Pooled analysis of RCTs showed significant reduction in respiratory tract infection risk with lactoferrin supplementation
Comparative Effects between Oral Lactoferrin and Ferrous Sulfate Supplementation on Iron-Deficiency Anemia: A Comprehensive Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials.
Nutrients (2022) · Meta analysis
Lactoferrin was non-inferior to ferrous sulfate for increasing hemoglobin and serum ferritin
Based on multiple meta-analyses showing OR 0.78 for RTI reduction. Effect more pronounced in children and preterm infants. Conservative estimates due to heterogeneity in populations studied.
AI-estimated from published studies. Interpret as directional guidance.
Lactoferrin has a higher evidence score (6.3/10 vs 5/10) and wins in 2 of 3 categories.
For support immune system, Lactoferrin has a higher relevance score (92 vs 38).
No known interactions between L. casei Shirota and Lactoferrin have been documented in our database. However, always consult a healthcare provider before combining supplements.
The right pick depends on your goals. Answer a few quick questions for a personalised recommendation — or dig into the full evidence on each.