A novel way to treat anemia?
Anemia is a very common condition in women, especially highlighted in pregnancy due to hemodilution and increased iron needs. It is very tricky to treat in all people, because of the poor bioavailability of iron, and undesirable side effects like nausea and constipation.
What is Lactoferrin?
Lactoferrin is an iron binding protein that is showing some promise in the treatment of iron deficiency anemia. It helps with iron absorption and can also help mitigate the inflammation that causes 'anemia of chronic disease' (anemia found in autoimmune & other diseases, which is also notoriously hard to treat!).
More research is showing numerous other benefits; it is antimicrobial, antiviral, an antioxidant, promotes wound healing and possesses anti-stress and analgesic actions.
How to take it?
Lactoferrin is easy to take - you don't need to avoid dairy, calcium, coffee etc., like iron. You can take it with a meal, it won't cause any digestive upset & it can help with any iron supplement you are already taking.
Wonder is this is something that could help you? Book in with Dr. Caitlin to discuss if it is a good fit for your case.
**Never start a new supplement without checking with your MD/ND.
Artym J, Zimecki M, Kruzel ML. Lactoferrin for Prevention and Treatment of Anemia and Inflammation in Pregnant Women: A Comprehensive Review. Biomedicines. 2021 Jul 27;9(8):898. doi: 10.3390/biomedicines9080898. PMID: 34440102; PMCID: PMC8389615.
Kowalczyk P, Kaczyńska K, Kleczkowska P, Bukowska-Ośko I, Kramkowski K, Sulejczak D. The Lactoferrin Phenomenon-A Miracle Molecule. Molecules. 2022 May 4;27(9):2941. doi: 10.3390/molecules27092941. PMID: 35566292; PMCID: PMC9104648.
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