Class

Article

College

College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences

Department

Nutrition, Dietetics, and Food Sciences Department

Faculty Mentor

Stephan van Vliet

Presentation Type

Poster Presentation

Abstract

Background

  • Iron is essential for oxygen transport, energy metabolism, and overall health. 1
  • In the U.S., 20% of women aged 18–45 do not meet the estimated average requirement (18 mg/day). 2,3
  • Ferrous sulfate (FS) effectively improves iron levels but often causes severe gastrointestinal (GI) side effects. 4
  • Previous research has suggested that lactoferrin, a milk-derived glycoprotein, may provide comparable iron delivery with fewer GI issues. 4
  • Research suggests that lactoferrin, a milk-derived glycoprotein, delivers iron as effectively as ferrous sulfate, with fewer gastrointestinal issues. 4
  • This clinical trial, conducted at USU’s Center for Human Nutrition Studies, examined the effects of twice-daily consumption of a whey-based drink enriched with lactoferrin (200 mg/serving), vitamin B12 (5.2 μg/serving), and iron (6 mg/serving) (FerriUp™) over 16 weeks.
  • It was hypothesized that the whey-based drink would enhance serum ferritin and markers of iron metabolism while reducing GI symptoms compared to the control groups.

Location

Logan, UT

Start Date

4-9-2025 3:30 PM

End Date

4-9-2025 4:20 PM

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Included in

Nutrition Commons

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Apr 9th, 3:30 PM Apr 9th, 4:20 PM

The Impact of Lactoferrin and Iron-Enriched Whey on Iron Absorption, Gastrointestinal Symptoms, And Menstrual Health in Women

Logan, UT

Background

  • Iron is essential for oxygen transport, energy metabolism, and overall health. 1
  • In the U.S., 20% of women aged 18–45 do not meet the estimated average requirement (18 mg/day). 2,3
  • Ferrous sulfate (FS) effectively improves iron levels but often causes severe gastrointestinal (GI) side effects. 4
  • Previous research has suggested that lactoferrin, a milk-derived glycoprotein, may provide comparable iron delivery with fewer GI issues. 4
  • Research suggests that lactoferrin, a milk-derived glycoprotein, delivers iron as effectively as ferrous sulfate, with fewer gastrointestinal issues. 4
  • This clinical trial, conducted at USU’s Center for Human Nutrition Studies, examined the effects of twice-daily consumption of a whey-based drink enriched with lactoferrin (200 mg/serving), vitamin B12 (5.2 μg/serving), and iron (6 mg/serving) (FerriUp™) over 16 weeks.
  • It was hypothesized that the whey-based drink would enhance serum ferritin and markers of iron metabolism while reducing GI symptoms compared to the control groups.