This report demonstrated the safety and efficacy of bovine lactoferrin (bLf) in pregnant women suffering from iron deficiency (ID)/ ID anemia (IDA). Two clinical trials were conducted on pregnant and non-pregnant women of child-bearing age suffering from ID/IDA. In both trials, women received oral administration of bLf 100 mg/twice/day (Arm A), or ferrous sulfate 520 mg/ day (Arm B). Hematological parameters, serum IL-6 and prohepcidin were assayed before and after therapy; IL-6 is a key proinflammatory cytokine and prohepcidin has been shown to play a role in iron absorption and metabolism in the intestine and placenta. Bovine Lf but not ferrous sulfate increased hematological parameters (P <0.0001). In pregnant women, bLf decreased serum IL-6 (P <0.0001), and increased prohepcidin (P=0.0007). In non-pregnant women bLf did not change the low IL-6 levels while it increased prohepcidin (P <0.0001). Ferrous sulfate increased IL-6 (P <0.0001) and decreased prohepcidin (P=0.093). Bovine Lf established iron homeostasis by modulating serum IL-6 and prohepcidin synthesis, whereas ferrous sulfate increased IL-6 and failed to increase hematological parameters and prohepcidin. Authors concluded that bLf is a more effective and safer alternative than ferrous sulfate for treating ID and IDA. (Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol. 2010 Apr-Jun;23(2):577-87.) PMID: 20646353.
