Oral Administration of Bovine Lactoferrin Versus Iron Polymaltose for management of Iron Deficiency Anemia during Pregnancy: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) caused by deccreased iron requirements during pregnancy, represents a high risk for preterm delivery, fetal growth retardation, and low birth weight. Oral iron poly maltose for IDA in pregnancy often fails to increase hematological parameters, causes adverse effects . Recently, many researchers are studying safety and efficacy of oral administration of bovine lactoferrin (bLf) in pregnant women suffering from IDA. Pregnancy anemia is defined as a decrease in the level of plasmatic hemoglobin below 11 g/dL in the first and third trimester 10.5 g/dL in the second trimester. Up to 70% of the total body iron is found in hemoglobin, while the remaining 30% is found in ferritin, hemosiderin, and myoglobin or in other iron-binding proteins.