Lactoferrin supplementation for Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) in primary school children

A better substitute for oral iron in the management of iron deficiency

After 30 days, primary school children with IDA consuming bovine lactoferrin with water versus the group receiving an iron supplement showed a significant improvement in:

  • Red blood cells
  • Hemoglobin
  • Serum Ferritin
  • Total Serum Iron

A prospective cohort 3-month study by El-Khawaga et al. in 2019 compared the efficacy of bLf treatment vs. elemental iron therapy in the management of iron deficiency anemia (IDA). The study had 94 primary school age children (6 – 12 years) with IDA.

They were randomised into two groups. The first group received a sachet containing 100mg of lactoferrin in water two times a day. The other group received 6mgl/Kg/day of elemental iron once a day.

At 30days, children treated with lactoferrin showed a significant increase of red blood cells (P < 0.001), haemoglobin (P < 0.001), serum ferritin (P < 0.001),  and total serum iron (P < 0.038).

For more information: El-Khawaga A et al. Effect of Lactoferrin Supplementation on Iron Deficiency Anemia in Primary School Children. IMJA. 2019