TurtleTree launches first-ever animal-free lactoferrin

TurtleTree, a global leader in animal-free functional dairy proteins, will today debut the world's first precision fermentation-produced lactoferrin —LF+—a high-value bioactive milk protein and one of the most powerful parts of cow's milk, with great functional benefits for immunity, iron regulation, and digestive health.

Lactoferrin, otherwise known as "pink gold" because of its high value and iron-rich pink hue, is naturally found in cow's milk but the low concentrations and current resource-intensive extraction processes limit access for many people. To put the value of lactoferrin into context with other dairy proteins like whey, which costs approximately $1 USD per kilogram, lactoferrin retails at between $700 to $1,500 USD per kilogram. These prices reflect the significant resources necessary to extract the highly-prized protein, with up to 10,000 liters of milk—or nearly 50 cows producing a week's worth of milk—required to obtain just 1 kilogram of purified lactoferrin.

Supply scarcity

While lactoferrin is already used in supplements and infant formulas today, supply scarcity means that demand cannot be met for other fertile segments like sports nutrition. Accessing lactoferrin directly through off-the-shelf whole cow's milk can be a challenge, with pasteurization removing up to 50% of the naturally occurring protein. Furthermore, for conscious consumers who make the switch to plant-based milk, where lactoferrin is not inherently present, maintaining intake of this important nutrient can be a struggle.    

Through the use of precision fermentation, TurtleTree is removing cows from the lactoferrin supply chain and unlocking an abundant, sustainable, and affordable source of the highly-prized nutrient. In doing so, TurtleTree is enabling the fortification of plant-based dairy products and other everyday foods, allowing all segments of the population to enjoy lactoferrin's benefits. 

TurtleTree Founder and CEO Fengru Lin: "By unlocking access to one of the most powerful and multifunctional proteins in milk, we are envisioning a better food future where more people than ever before can improve their personal nutrition sustainably. Harnessing the power of precision fermentation will provide us with an abundant supply of these vital nutrients that can be enjoyed by all segments of the population through everyday food products."

Prnewswire.com