Effect of enteric-coated lactoferrin on constipation during pregnancy

摘要

Symptoms of constipation, menstrual colic, discharge, and preterm labor are related to menstruation, aging, lower genital-tract infections, and pregnancy. We evaluated the alleviation of these symptoms, particularly during pregnancy, by oral administration of enteric-coated lactoferrin (LF, tablet, NRL-Pharma Inc.). This study was approved by the Showa University School of Medicine ethics committee. Following an explanation of this study, each of the 7 women (6 at 19 to 32 weeks of pregnancy at the start of the study and 1 non-pregnant subject) agreed to participate. All 7 were taking medication for constipation (typically 1000-2000 mg/d MgO2). Three of the 6 pregnant women were hospitalized for observation owing to preterm labor and cervical insufficiency, while the remaining 3 showed normal course and outcome and were not taking any additional known anti-inflammatory medications. Before and after the administration of LF (400 mg/d for at least 1 month), symptoms of constipation, menstrual colic, discharge, and preterm labor were observed and recorded.