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

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of low dose ferrous sulfate for the treatment of iron deficiency and if the probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum 299v (LP299v) enhances treatment. Study design: This randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial of the treatment of iron deficiency in children compared the use of low-dose ferrous sulfate (1-3 mg/kg/day), with or without probiotic (LP299v). Results: Serum ferritin level increased in all children from a baseline of 23.7 ng/mL to 45.4 ng/mL after 6-8 weeks of treatment. There was no significant difference in the increase in serum ferritin in children taking the probiotic LP299v compared with controls (23.2 vs 20.0 ng/mL, respectively). Additionally, an increase in ferritin level was not significantly associated with probiotic use when controlling for other factors, including child weight and dosing. Overall, the treatments were well-tolerated, with mild side effects. Conclusions: Treatment with low-dose ferrous sulfate is well-tolerated and effective in correcting iron deficiency in children. However, the probiotic LP299v did not enhance treatment. Further attention should examine the dose–response effect in children, including an alternate day dosing schedule. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01617044.