Effect of lactoferrin addition on the dialysability of iron from infant formulas.

A possible enhancing effect of lactoferrin (Lf) on iron absorption by breast-fed infants has been suggested, however the available results failed to confirm this hypothesis. Nevertheless, Lf could be useful in protecting the lipid fraction of infant formulas against oxidation. Concerning the possibility of adding Lf to infant formulas with this aim, we considered it necessary to evaluate the effect of this addition on iron dialysability, which was used as a parameter indicator of bioavailability. An in vitro dialysability method was applied to three types of infant formulas, with and without Lf added, respectively. In none of the analysed formulas did the added Lf have a negative effect on iron dialysability, and in only two of them (adapted formulas) was a statistically significant (p < 0.05) increase observed, although of low practical significance value. In conclusion, iron dialysability, used as an estimate of bioavailability, seems to be neither enhanced nor lowered by Lf addition to infant formulas.