Probiotics Did Not Enhance Iron Absorption in Iron-Deficient Children

In children with sleep disorders and iron deficiency anemia, serum ferritin levels were similar with or without a probiotic after 6 to 8 weeks of iron therapy.

Whether lactobacillus enhances therapy for iron deficiency in children is unknown. Investigators conducted a randomized, controlled trial comparing serum ferritin levels in 52 children (mean age, 10.2 years; baseline serum ferritin <50 mg/mL identified during sleep-disorder evaluation) who received low-dose ferrous sulfate (1–3 mg/kg/day) plus vitamin C, with or without a standard probiotic (LP299v). The average daily iron dose was 1.9 mg/kg.

A significant rise in serum ferritin was observed in both groups after 6 to 8 weeks of treatment (mean serum ferritin rose from 23.7 to 45.4 ng/mL). However, no significant difference in ferritin increase was observed between probiotic and no-probiotic recipients (25.4 to 48.7 ng/mL vs. 21.9 to 41.9 ng/…

Reviewing Author

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

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Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

Probiotics Did Not Enhance Iron Absorption in Iron-Deficient Children

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Reviewing Author