Effects of Lactoferrin on Subjective Skin Conditions in Winter: A Preliminary, Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Abstract

Objective

To investigate the effects of lactoferrin (LF) on subjective skin conditions in winter.

Design

A preliminary, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial.

Setting and subjects

Healthy adults in Japan.

Interventions

Intake of placebo, 200 mg, or 600 mg of LF for 12 weeks in winter.

Endpoints

Changes in the scores of subjective skin conditions.

Results

Three hundred and forty-six subjects were randomized. Nine subjects (placebo, n=0; 200 mg, n=5; 600 mg, n=4) withdrew consent, and 7 subjects (placebo, n=4; 200 mg, n=2; 600 mg, n=1) were lost to follow-up, resulting in 330 for a full analysis set.

Outcomes

Changes in the scores of moisture were greater in the 600 mg group than in the placebo group. Changes in the scores of moisture were greater in the 200 mg and 600 mg groups, and of texture were greater in the 600 mg group than in the placebo group in female subjects.

Conclusion

Intake of LF may improve moisture or texture of skin in winter.

Keywords:

• lactoferrin
• winter
• skin
• moisture
• texture

Acknowledgments

Authors thank all subjects, directors in kindergartens and nursery schools, municipal officials in Matsumoto-city, Ikeda-town, Minowa-town, Yamagata-village, and Chikuhoku-village, Matsumoto Regional Health Industry Promotion Council, and Matsumoto City Medical Association for contribution in this trial.

This study was registered at the University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN) Clinical Trials Registry in Japan on November 11, 2015 under the registration number UMIN000019752. Full details on the protocol and dataset used in the present study (in Japanese) are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Author Contributions

All authors contributed to data analysis, drafting or revising the article, gave final approval of the version to be published, and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

HO, Momoko Miyakawa, MT, KY, and FA are employees of Morinaga Milk Industry. The authors report no other conflicts of interest in this work.

Additional information

Funding

Morinaga Milk Industry provided research funds and the test foods.