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Lactoferrin and iron absorption in newborn infants
S J Fairweather-Tait1, S E Balmer, P H Scott
1AFRC Institute of Food Research, Norwich, Norfolk, England.
Pediatric Research
|December 1, 1987
Summary
Bovine lactoferrin (Lf) does not affect iron absorption in newborn infants. This study confirms that Lf does not influence the availability of nonheme iron, similar to previous findings in rats.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Bovine lactoferrin (Lf) is a protein found in milk with potential iron-binding properties.
- Previous studies in rats suggested Lf does not impact iron absorption.
- The effect of Lf on iron retention in human infants remained unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of bovine lactoferrin (Lf) on iron retention in newborn infants.
- To compare iron retention from Lf-supplemented formula with iron from ferric chloride.
Main Methods:
- Bovine Lf was labeled with stable isotope 58Fe and administered to 7-day-old infants in milk formula.
- Iron retention was assessed by measuring unabsorbed 58Fe in fecal excretion over 3 days.
- Neutron activation analysis was used for precise measurement of 58Fe.
- Results were compared to a control group receiving iron as ferric chloride with ascorbic acid.
Main Results:
- A wide variation in individual iron retention percentages was observed among all infants.
- No significant overall difference in iron retention was found between the Lf group and the ferric chloride group.
- These findings align with previous animal studies.
Conclusions:
- Bovine lactoferrin (Lf) does not influence iron retention in newborn infants.
- Lf does not enhance the bioavailability of nonheme iron in this infant population.
- The study supports the conclusion that Lf is not a significant factor in modulating infant iron absorption.