Transfer Factor
Research reviewed: 1993–2015
Transfer Factor (Transfer factor (dialysable leukocyte extracts)) is a dietary supplement with 8 published peer-reviewed studies involving 812 participants, researched for Immune Modulation, Infection Resistance, Autoimmune Support and 1 more areas.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Immune Modulation
ModerateInfection Resistance
ModerateAutoimmune Support
ModerateCancer Immunotherapy
ModerateResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Immune Modulation
Evaluate transfer factor on immune function in healthy adults
Study Type
Randomised Controlled Trial
Purpose
Evaluate transfer factor on immune function in healthy adults
Dose
1 unit/day oral transfer factor
Participants
65
Duration
8 weeks
Results
Significant increase in T-helper cell activity; NK cell function enhanced; Th1 cytokine profile promoted
How They Measured It
Lymphocyte proliferation, NK cell activity, cytokines
Assess transfer factor on immune modulation and cytokine balance
Study Type
Randomised Controlled Trial
Purpose
Assess transfer factor on immune modulation and cytokine balance
Dose
Oral dialysable leukocyte extract
Participants
80
Duration
6 weeks
Results
IFN-gamma significantly elevated; Th1/Th2 ratio improved; NK cell cytotoxicity enhanced; well-tolerated
How They Measured It
Serum IL-2, IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, lymphocyte subsets
Infection Resistance
Evaluate transfer factor for recurrent herpes infections
Study Type
Randomised Controlled Trial
Purpose
Evaluate transfer factor for recurrent herpes infections
Dose
1 unit transfer factor
Participants
70
Duration
6 months
Results
Significant reduction in herpes recurrence frequency (−60%); shorter duration of outbreaks; reduced severity scores
How They Measured It
Herpes recurrence frequency, duration, severity
Assess transfer factor for recurrent respiratory infections in children
Study Type
Randomised Controlled Trial
Purpose
Assess transfer factor for recurrent respiratory infections in children
Dose
Oral transfer factor
Participants
140
Duration
12 months
Results
Respiratory infection frequency reduced by 40%; antibiotic use reduced; school absence decreased; well-tolerated
How They Measured It
Infection frequency, antibiotic use, school absence
Autoimmune Support
Review transfer factor clinical evidence across conditions
Study Type
Systematic Review
Purpose
Review transfer factor clinical evidence across conditions
Dose
Various
Participants
135
Duration
Various
Results
Evidence supports immune modulation; antiviral effects well-documented; autoimmune data promising but limited; safe profile
How They Measured It
PRISMA systematic review of clinical outcomes
Cancer Immunotherapy
Evaluate transfer factor as adjunct in cancer treatment
Study Type
Randomised Controlled Trial
Purpose
Evaluate transfer factor as adjunct in cancer treatment
Dose
Oral transfer factor
Participants
80
Duration
12 months
Results
Improved immune cell function; quality of life maintained during treatment; trend toward improved outcomes
How They Measured It
Immune markers, quality of life, survival
Assess dialysable leukocyte extracts on T-cell function
Study Type
Clinical Study
Purpose
Assess dialysable leukocyte extracts on T-cell function
Dose
Oral DLE
Participants
62
Duration
8 weeks
Results
Significant improvement in T-helper/T-suppressor ratio; enhanced delayed hypersensitivity response; safe
How They Measured It
T-cell subset analysis, delayed hypersensitivity, cytokines
Comprehensive review of transfer factor as immune supplement
Study Type
Systematic Review
Purpose
Comprehensive review of transfer factor as immune supplement
Dose
Various
Participants
180
Duration
Various
Results
Consistent immune modulation findings; strongest evidence for viral infections; mechanism via T-cell education
How They Measured It
PRISMA review of human clinical evidence
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Transfer Factor research
There are currently 8 peer-reviewed studies on Transfer Factor (Transfer factor (dialysable leukocyte extracts)), involving 812 total participants. Research covers Immune Modulation, Infection Resistance, Autoimmune Support and 1 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Strong.
The evidence is currently rated as "Strong Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (8 human studies), and reported outcomes.
Transfer Factor has been researched for: Immune Modulation, Infection Resistance, Autoimmune Support, Cancer Immunotherapy. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 8 out of 8 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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