Oral lactoferrin versus ferrous sulphate and ferrous fumerate for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy

A prospective, randomized, parallel-group, multi-center study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Menoufia University Hospital and central hospitals at Menoufia governorate, Egypt including 300 pregnant women in the second trimester diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia (IDA) who were divided into three groups, the first received lactoferrin capsules, the second received ferrous sulphate capsules and the third received ferrous fumerate capsules daily for two months.    There was a highly significant difference between the three groups (p< 0.001) regarding increments in Hb after one  and two months and overall increase in Hb in the lactoferrin group, there was a highly significant difference between the three groups(p< 0.001) with gastrointestinal adverse effects being the least in the lactoferrin group, there was a highly significant difference between the three groups(p< 0.001) with the best compliance, acceptability and overall satisfaction in the lactoferrin group.                           According to the results obtained in this clinical trial, oral lactoferrin was better tolerated and more acceptable with higher increase in mean hemoglobin when compared to oral iron therapy over two month treatment. Oral lactoferrin can be used as a good substitute to oral iron therapy in mild to moderate IDA during pregnancy.