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

Gerald M Rosen1, Sue Morrissette1, Amy Larson1

  • 1Children's Minnesota Sleep Center, Children's Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN.

The Journal of Pediatrics
|February 9, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Low-dose ferrous sulfate effectively treats iron deficiency in children. The probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum 299v (LP299v) did not improve treatment outcomes in this study.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nutrition
  • Gastroenterology
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Iron deficiency is a common nutritional deficiency in children worldwide.
  • Ferrous sulfate is a standard treatment, but optimal dosing and adjunctive therapies are still explored.
  • Probiotics are investigated for various health benefits, including potential roles in nutrient absorption.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the efficacy of low-dose ferrous sulfate in treating iron deficiency in children.
  • To determine if the probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum 299v (LP299v) enhances the treatment response.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial was conducted.
  • Children with iron deficiency received either low-dose ferrous sulfate (1-3 mg/kg/day) alone or with LP299v.
  • Serum ferritin levels were measured at baseline and after 6-8 weeks.

Main Results:

  • Serum ferritin levels significantly increased in all children, indicating effective treatment.
  • No significant difference in ferritin level increase was observed between the group receiving the probiotic and the control group.
  • Probiotic use was not significantly associated with improved ferritin levels after controlling for covariates.

Conclusions:

  • Low-dose ferrous sulfate is a well-tolerated and effective treatment for pediatric iron deficiency.
  • The addition of Lactobacillus plantarum 299v did not enhance the therapeutic efficacy of ferrous sulfate.
  • Future research should explore dose-response effects and alternative dosing schedules for ferrous sulfate in children.
Abstract

Keywords:
adolescentschildrensupplements

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