Should we treat iron deficiency anaemia of pregnancy with lactoferrin? A randomised controlled trial

缺铁影响着20多亿人，其中妇女和儿童面临的风险最大。怀孕期间缺铁性贫血与出生体重低、儿童智商和学业表现较差有关。目前口服铁的治疗方法会引起恶心、便秘和胃痛，大约一半服用铁的女性会出现这种情况。牛乳铁蛋白是一种安全无副作用的乳蛋白。这项研究将测试有希望的证据，证明牛乳铁蛋白可能是一种更有效的治疗妊娠贫血的方法。

Iron deficiency affects over 2 billion people, with women and children at greatest risk. Iron deficiency anaemia in pregnancy is linked with low birth weight and lower IQ and school performance in children. Current treatment with oral iron causes nausea, constipation and stomach pain in about half of women who take it. Bovine lactoferrin is a dairy protein which is safe with no side effects. This study will test promising evidence that bovine lactoferrin may be a more effective treatment for anaemia in pregnancy.