A Comparative Study to Evaluate the Efficacy of Oral Lactoferrin Fortified Bovine Colostrum with Oral Iron in the Treatment of Iron Deficiency Anemia

Context: Oral Ferrous Sulfate (OFS) is associated with 25 to 40% incidence of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in the treatment of Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA). Can there be a suitable alternative treatment for IDA? Aim: To compare the efficacy of oral lactoferrin fortified bovine colostrum (OLFBC), and in combination with Oral Ferrous Sulfate (OFS) in the treatment of IDA. Settings and Design: Prospective randomized open-label. Material and methods: Sixty eight anemic women were recruited in three parallel arms. The control arm was given OFS 333 mg (containing 100 mg elemental iron) once-daily, the study arm received OLFBC 2 g once-daily, while the combination arm received both for 30 days. Statistical analysis used: Baseline and post-therapy Haemoglobin (Hb) and iron parameters were assessed and analyzed using student’s paired t-test, ANOVA and Wilcoxon signed rank test. Results: A significant improvement in Hb and iron parameters was noted from baseline to post-therapy in the arms that received OLFBC and this treatment was associated with fewer ADRs. The ADRs were comparatively lesser in the arms that received OLFBC than the OFS arm. Conclusion: OLFBC is a safe and efficacious treatment modality for IDA compared to OFS.

Key messages: OLFBC is a better alternative than OFS in the treatment of IDA.