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Fecal Lactoferrin

Published: July 27, 2026Updated: August 25, 2026

Fecal lactoferrin measures the concentration of lactoferrin, an iron-binding protein, in stool samples to detect intestinal inflammation.

Quick summary

Fecal lactoferrin is a biomarker for diagnosing intestinal inflammation.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 25, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

Units
ng/mL
Clinical utility
diagnostic
Result kind
quantitative
FDA-cleared
Buhlmann LF-CAL, Princeton Lactoferrin
interpretation: {"text":"0–8 ng/mL: Indicates no significant intestinal inflammation.","label":"Normal"}; {"text":">8 ng/mL: Suggests the presence of inflammatory bowel disease or other inflammatory conditions.","label":"Elevated"}

Fecal lactoferrin is a glycoprotein released by activated neutrophils during intestinal inflammation. Its presence in stool indicates inflammatory activity in the gastrointestinal tract.

The concentration of lactoferrin in stool is measured in nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). Elevated levels above the reference range (0–8 ng/mL) suggest inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or other inflammatory conditions.

This biomarker is particularly useful for distinguishing between IBD and non-inflammatory conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It aids in the diagnosis and monitoring of inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

Frequently asked questions

What is the normal range for fecal lactoferrin?
The normal range for fecal lactoferrin is 0–8 ng/mL.
What conditions can cause elevated fecal lactoferrin levels?
Elevated levels may indicate inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, as well as other inflammatory conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract.
  1. 1
    Lactoferrin as a Marker of Intestinal InflammationSource
  2. 2
    Fecal Lactoferrin Testing in IBDSource

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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy