Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Transfer Factor is a term referring to small immune messenger molecules, typically derived from colostrum or leukocyte extracts, that are hypothesized to transfer cell-mediated immunity from a donor to a recipient. The concept originated in the 1950s with Dr. H.S. Lawrence, who observed that extracts from immune donors could confer certain immune responses to non-immune recipients, specifically in the context of tuberculosis and other infectious diseases. While historically there has been interest in the use of transfer factor preparations for contagious diseases, modern scientific evidence remains limited and inconsistent.

Some small clinical studies and case reports have suggested potential benefits of transfer factor in supporting immune responses against certain infectious agents, including viral, bacterial, and fungal pathogens. For example, there have been exploratory trials in diseases such as herpes simplex, hepatitis B, and some fungal infections, showing possible immunomodulatory effects. However, these studies are often limited by small sample sizes, methodological flaws, lack of rigorous controls, and variability in the composition of transfer factor products. No large-scale, high-quality randomized controlled trials have definitively established efficacy in the prevention or treatment of contagious diseases.

As of 2024, transfer factor is not a mainstream or guideline-supported therapy for contagious diseases, and regulatory authorities such as the FDA have not approved it for this use. Its use persists in some alternative medicine contexts, but broader scientific validation is lacking, so the evidence rating is low.

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