Mia Dustin, Utah State University

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.