Lactoferrin versus ferrous sulphate versus iron injection in treatment of iron deficiency anaemia during pregnancy: A randomized study

Background: Iron deficiency anemia is a disorder marked by a lack of iron. Iron deficiency anemia occurs when accessible iron is inadequate to facilitate normal red cell formation, Objective: to assess the safety and efficiency of lactoferrin compared to ferrous sulphate and iron injection for the management of iron deficiency anemia throughout pregnancy, Methods: A randomized research involved 300 pregnant females identified with IDA who attended outpatient Obstetrics & Gynecology clinics of Al Azhar University Hospitals throughout a duration from April 2022 to May 2023, Results: Enrollment hemoglobin, HCT, and MCV were significantly greater in the lactoferrin group in comparison with the ferrous sulfate and injection groups. No significant variances have been observed among groups in hemoglobin after 1 and 2 months, RBCs, HCT, or MCV at 2 months. Baseline serum ferritin and TIBC showed no significant differences. After 1 month, serum ferritin and TIBC were significantly greater in the ferrous sulfate group in comparison with the injection and lactoferrin groups, Conclusion: Oral lactoferrin exhibited superior tolerance, with a greater elevation in mean hemoglobin in comparison with oral iron treatment over 2 months of management. It serves as an effective alternative to oral iron treatment for mild to moderate iron deficiency anemia throughout pregnancy. Lactoferrin can be regarded as a more efficient alternative therapy with fewer side effects in comparison with conventional ferrous sulfate therapy in pregnant females with IDA.