TurtleTree announces first commercial partnership bringing its precision fermented lactoferrin to market

Mound of LF+ lactoferrin. Images courtesy of TurtleTree

TurtleTree (Sacramento, CA) has announced its first commercial partnership with Cadence Performance Coffee, which will commercialize a functional espresso shot that contains TurtleTree’s LF+ lactoferrin ingredient, made with precision fermentation. According to the company’s press release 30-50% of endurance sports athletes are effected by iron deficiency, which can lead to fatigue, shortness or breath, and weakness, among other symptoms. Supplementation with lactoferrin, which is an iron-binding protein may help improve symptoms and aid in iron absorption, says TurtleTree.

"With this partnership in place we are validating that there is a need for Lactoferrin to be more accessible within the global supply chain for audiences other than infants and that we as an organization now have the means to begin filling those gaps," said Fengru Lin, CEO in TurtleTree, in a press release. "It is so exciting to see LF+ be used in novel ways to support the athlete community to reach their highest potential."

Precision fermentation allows TurtleTree to scale production of Lactoferrin, while 60% of the world’s global supply of dairy-based lactoferrin, which is very process intensive with lower yields, is channeled largely to infants. Additionally, caffeine is known to reduce zinc and iron absorption from the diet, while LF+ helps countereffect these impacts.

"This collaboration signifies a commitment to health, sustainability, and innovation. This has been months in the making and we're thrilled to bring this partnership to fruition," said Dan LaValley, founder of Cadence Performance Coffee. "Together, TurtleTree and Cadence Performance Coffee are redefining how consumers view coffee, offering high performers and athletes a convenient and delicious way to support their well-being with the added benefits of LF+."