Significantly less gastrointestinal side effects were reported with lactoferrin treatment .
No significant differences existed with regard to other outcomes .
In conclusion , for pregnant women with IDA , daily oral bovine lactoferrin is just as good as ferrous sulfate in improving hematological parameters with fewer gastrointestinal side effects .
This systematic review and meta- analysis aim ed to evaluate the efficacy of daily oral bovine lactoferrin versus daily oral ferrous iron preparations for treatment of iron deficiency anemia ( IDA ) during pregnancy .
Factors determining compliance to routine iron supplementation in pregnancy at the University of Portharcout Teaching Hospital.
BACKGROUND Routine intake of iron supplements during pregnancy improves maternal health and pregnancy outcomes . This is observed in a background of increased availability and compliance to routine antenatal iron supplements . Poor compliance arises not only because of patient behavior but also from factors that may be out of patient 's control . The aim of this study was to determine the proportion of patients who comply , the level of compliance with the iron prescription given at the antenatal clinic as well as propose interventions aim ed at increasing compliance amongst the antenatal population . METHODS A total of five hundred antenatal clients were recruited r and omly ( the 3rd of clients presenting to the clinic ) during their antenatal visits between 1st May and 30th June , 2009 at the UPTH .  Prescriptions for iron supplements and folic acid were given and they were interviewed using a st and ard structured question naire . Women with low or high compliance were asked to explain what influenced their adherence to iron supplementation . RESULTS Overall compliance in this study was 88.0 % . Women who complied fully were of the perception that good blood level and birth weight were beneficial effects of the routine iron supplement .  Gastrointestinal side effects and forgetfulness were the main reasons for low compliance
Significantly less gastrointestinal side effects were reported with lactoferrin treatment .
No significant differences existed with regard to other outcomes .
In conclusion , for pregnant women with IDA , daily oral bovine lactoferrin is just as good as ferrous sulfate in improving hematological parameters with fewer gastrointestinal side effects .
This systematic review and meta- analysis aim ed to evaluate the efficacy of daily oral bovine lactoferrin versus daily oral ferrous iron preparations for treatment of iron deficiency anemia ( IDA ) during pregnancy .