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Supplementation With Lactoferrin and Lysozyme Ameliorates Environmental Enteric Dysfunction: A Double-Blind,
William D Cheng1,2, Karl J Wold1, Lucy B Bollinger1,3
1Department of Pediatrics, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.
The American Journal of Gastroenterology
|March 5, 2019
Summary
Breast milk components lactoferrin and lysozyme improved gut health biomarkers in children. This intervention also reduced hospitalizations and acute malnutrition, highlighting its public health importance.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Nutritional Science
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Environmental enteric dysfunction (EED) is a major cause of stunting and pathogen exposure in developing countries.
- Interventions for EED are crucial for children's physical and cognitive development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of lactoferrin and lysozyme supplementation on EED biomarkers and linear growth in children aged 12-23 months.
- To assess the impact of these breast milk components on EED and child development.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in rural Malawi.
- Children received daily supplements of lactoferrin and lysozyme for 16 weeks.
- The primary outcome measured was the change in urinary lactulose percentage, a biomarker for EED.
Main Results:
- A significant improvement in the EED biomarker was observed over 8 weeks in the supplemented group.
- While not sustained at 16 weeks, the intervention group showed significantly lower rates of hospitalization and acute malnutrition (2.5% vs 10.3%).
- No significant difference in linear growth was observed during the study period.
Conclusions:
- Supplementation with lactoferrin and lysozyme positively impacts gut health in children during their second year of life.
- This intervention offers significant clinical and public health benefits by protecting against hospitalization and malnutrition.
- Further research with larger cohorts and extended follow-up is recommended to optimize dosage and confirm findings.
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