Effect of Lactoferrin Supplementation on Appetite And Weight Loss In Obese School Age Children

Abstract

Background Obesity is one of the most common nutritional disorders in the world. Increased appetite is one of the main causes of obesity. Objective The aim of this study was to determine the effect of lactoferrin on weight loss and appetite in obese school age children. Subjects & Methods This was a double arm prospective clinical trial which done on 50 obese children with an age range of 6-12 years. The children were recruited from Pediatric Nutrition Clinic of Ain Shams University. The children were equally divided into two groups; one group received 200 mg of oral lactoferrin for 12 weeks in addition to diet regimen and exercise. The other group did not receive lactoferrin but was only on exercise and diet regimen. Anthropometric measurements, body composition, dietetic history and appetite assessment using Child Eating Behavioral Questionnaire (CEBQ) were done for both groups before and after intervention. Results The results of our study revealed decrease in anthropometric measurements, serum leptin and Child Eating Behavioral Questionnaire (CEBQ) after lactoferrin supplementation. However, our study revealed only statistical significant decrease in CEBQ score after lactoferrin supplementation. Conclusion Despite decreasing weight, lactoferrin intake had no impact on weight loss when compared to patients who did not take lactoferrin. Lactoferrin intake decreased appetite in school aged obese children.