Use of a Probiotic to Enhance Iron Absorption in a Randomized Trial of Pediatric Patients Presenting with Iron Deficiency.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the efficacy of low dose ferrous sulfate for the treatment of iron deficiency and if the probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum 299v (LP299v) enhances treatment.

STUDY DESIGN:

This randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial of the treatment of iron deficiency in children compared the use of low-dose ferrous sulfate (1-3 mg/kg/day), with or without probiotic (LP299v).

RESULTS:

Serum ferritin level increased in all children from a baseline of 23.7 ng/mL to 45.4 ng/mL after 6-8 weeks of treatment. There was no significant difference in the increase in serum ferritin in children taking the probiotic LP299v compared with controls (23.2 vs 20.0 ng/mL, respectively). Additionally, an increase in ferritin level was not significantly associated with probiotic use when controlling for other factors, including child weight and dosing. Overall, the treatments were well-tolerated, with mild side effects.

CONCLUSIONS:

Treatment with low-dose ferrous sulfate is well-tolerated and effective in correcting iron deficiency in children. However, the probiotic LP299v did not enhance treatment. Further attention should examine the dose-response effect in children, including an alternate day dosing schedule.

TRIAL REGISTRATION:

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01617044.

• Authors: Gerald M Rosen, Sue Morrissette, Amy Larson, Pam Stading, Kristen H Griffin, Timothy L Barnes
• Journal: The Journal of pediatrics (J Pediatr) Vol. 207 Pg. 192-197.e1 (04 2019) ISSN: 1097-6833 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 30732996 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Ferrous Compounds
• ferrous sulfate
• Ferritins
• Iron

Topics

• Adolescent
• Anemia, Iron-Deficiency (blood, drug therapy)
• Child
• Child, Preschool
• Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
• Double-Blind Method
• Female
• Ferritins (blood)
• Ferrous Compounds (administration & dosage, pharmacokinetics)
• Humans
• Iron (metabolism)
• Male
• Probiotics (therapeutic use)
• Treatment Outcome