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Efficacy of lactoferrin supplementation in pediatric infections: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

  • 2025-01-01
  • Biochemistry and cell biology = Biochimie et biologie cellulaire 103
    • Valerie S Mayorga
    • Rafaella Navarro
    • Victor D Torres Roldan
    • Meritxell Urtecho
    • Silvia Tipe
    • Bea Calvert
    • Laura A Wright
    • Theresa J Ochoa

Study Design

Type
Meta-Analysis
Population
population under 18 years old
Methods
systematic review and meta-analysis of oral LF supplementation randomized controlled trials
Pediatric infections account for approximately one-third of all deaths in children under 5 years globally. Lactoferrin (LF) supplementation has the potential to reduce infection-related morbidity due to its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and immunoregulatory properties. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of oral LF supplementation randomized controlled trials in population under 18 years old. The primary outcomes were infection-associated outcomes: late onset sepsis (LOS), diarrhea, and upper respiratory infections (URIs). We also analyzed mortality among LOS studies. Of 1594 citations identified, 25 studies met eligibility criteria, including 10 studies of LOS, 14 of diarrhea, and 8 of URI. LF supplementation was associated with fewer patients with culture-proven or probable neonatal LOS compared to placebo (odds ratio (OR): 0.60; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.42-0.86), with fewer patients with diarrhea compared to placebo in children (OR: 0.56; 95% CI: 0.41-0.75), and no significant fewer patients with URI (OR: 0.61; 95% CI: 0.27-1.40). Before LF can be used as a public health intervention, it is necessary to refine some aspects of the design of future trials. Ideally these trials should be conducted in countries with the highest burden of infections, where the potential benefit is expected to have the largest impact.

Research Insights

  • Lactoferrin→Reduced Diarrhea

    with fewer patients with diarrhea compared to placebo in children (OR: 0.56; 95% CI: 0.41-0.75)

    Effect
    Beneficial
    Effect size
    Moderate
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