The Effect of Lactoferrin and Dosing Regimen on Iron Absorption From a Maize-based Porridge in Kenyan Infants

Infants and young children in sub-Saharan Africa have high rates of iron deficiency anemia (IDA), which adversely affects their growth and cognitive development. In-home iron fortification of complementary foods using micronutrient powders (MNPs) reduces risk for IDA by ensuring that the iron needs of infants and young children are met without changing their traditional diet. Oral iron syrups, typically containing iron as ferrous sulfate, can also be given to prevent/correct IDA. However, iron absorption from MNPs and iron syrups, particularly when given with complementary foods high in inhibitors of iron absorption, is low. Thus, there is a need to find iron formulations with higher bioavailability for use in African infants. In a recent trial in Kenya, the investigators demonstrated that a prebiotic could improve iron bioavailability from an iron-containing MNP.

In this study, the investigators plan to assess the human milk compound lactoferrin (Lf) as a possible enhancer of iron absorption. Lf is an important iron-binding protein in human milk, which has been thought to be responsible for the high bioavailability of breast-milk iron. It has many biological functions, including iron absorption, antimicrobial activity, immunomodulatory effects and stimulatory effect on cell proliferation. Lf has different iron binding statuses: the iron free form (apo-Lf) and the iron-saturated form (holo-Lf). One of the two main biological activities of Lf provided by the diet is the control of iron uptake, which is mediated by the Lf receptor (LFR) as undigested Lf can bind to LFR and facilitate the uptake of iron. Therefore, Lf may be a nutritional iron source and may enhance iron absorption in infants. To evaluate the possible role of Lf on the availability of iron, iron absorption will be measured from bovine Lf (bLf). BLf has GRAS (generally considered as safe) status by the US Food and Drug Administration.

To optimize iron absorption, timing of supplementation might as well be important. Hepcidin, a key regulator of systemic iron balance and a single dose of iron can increase hepcidin levels and potentially inhibit iron absorption from a second dose, consumed close in time to the first dose. The investigators will conduct two studies, where 24 infants aged 3-14 months in Msambweni, Kenya, will be enrolled. In study 1, on three alternate mornings, these infants will consume maize porridge containing a low iron dose (1.5 mg) to compare iron absorption between meals with apo-Lf, holo-Lf and ferrous sulfate (FeSO4) as a reference; and whether the addition of either apo- or holo-Lf has a beneficial effect on iron absorption. The investigators hypothesize that iron absorption will be higher when holo-Lf is present in the meal compared to apo-Lf. In study 2, the investigators want to compare two different dosing regimens, in which they measure iron absorption after one-day washout period and after a two-day washout period, and hypothesize that absorption will be higher after 2 days of washout.

The data from this project will provide valuable information towards the development of new, highly bioavailable iron formulations and dosing regimen that is most efficient.

Inclusion criteria

• Age of 3-14 months at baseline
• Complementary feeding of the infant has already started
• Assessment of good health as assessed by professional staff at Msambweni District Hospital
• The caregiver is willing to participate in the study
• The informed consent form has been read and signed by the caregiver (or has been read out to the caregiver in case of illiteracy)
• Willingness of the caregiver to provide five blood samples from their child in total during the studies during the visits at the hospital
• Residence in the study for the period of the study

Exclusion criteria

• Hb <70 g/L
• Severe underweight (waz <-3)
• Severe wasting (whz <-3)
• Chronic or acute illness or other conditions that in the opinion of the principle investigator or co-researchers would jeopardize the safety or rights of a participant in the trial or would render the participant unable to comply with the protocol
• Participants taking part in other studies requiring the drawing of blood
• Regular intake (>2 days) of iron-containing mineral and vitamin supplements or fortified foods within the last 2 months