Effect of Lactoferrin Supplementation on Serum Iron level and Haematological Parameters after Sleeve Gastrectomy

Background and study aim: The sleeve gastrectomy is one of the most effective bariatric surgical techniques for treating obesity (SG). It might lead to both dietary deficiencies and anaemia at the same time. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of lactoferrin supplementation for three months on serum iron level and haematological parameters after sleeve gastrectomy operation. Patients and Methods: This study was done in Ain Shams university hospital, in the period between January-June 2021. This study included forty patients who underwent sleeve gastrectomy, they were divided into two groups each group included 20 patients. Group one included 20 cases received postoperative ferrous sulphate capsule once daily for 3 consecutive months. Group two included 20 cases received postoperative lactoferrin sachet twice daily with ferrous sulfate capsule once daily for 3 consecutive months. Results: : After three months on ferrous sulphate supplementation group and lactoferrin with ferrous sulphate supplementation group, there is a substantial rise in serum iron, haemoglobin, HCT, RBCs, MCHC, lymphocytes, and platelets. However, the group receiving lactoferrin supplementation and ferrous sulphate capsules had a greater improvement in haematological markers. Serving as inflammatory marketing obesity, there is a significant decrease in serum ferritin after 3 months follow up to be in the normal range. Regarding side effects, the ferrous sulphate supplement group experienced diarrhea more frequently than the other study group (P=0.35). Conclusion: : In combination with oral lactoferrin, oral iron supplements were more readily taken and accepted, and over the course of three months of supplementation, haematological markers improved more than with oral iron therapy alone.