Feasibility Study of Lactobacillus Plantarum 299v Probiotic Supplementation in an Urban Academic Facility among Diverse Pregnant Individuals

Abstract

(1) Background: Despite iron intake recommendations, over a quarter of pregnant individuals have iron deficiency. Lactobacillus plantarum 299v enhances iron absorption in non-pregnant populations and may have positive effects in pregnancy among those with sufficient iron stores; however, no studies have evaluated the effect of Lp299v on maternal and neonatal iron status among individuals at risk for iron deficiency anemia in pregnancy. Thus, this study aims to assess the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of daily oral Lp299v maternal supplementation among diverse pregnant individuals. (2) Methods: In this double-blind placebo-controlled randomized supplementation feasibility study, participants were randomized to probiotic Lp299v + prenatal vitamin with iron or placebo + prenatal vitamin with iron from 15–20 weeks of gestation through delivery. (3) Results: Of the 20 enrolled and randomized participants, 58% (7/12) from the Lp299v group and 75% (6/8) from the placebo group were retained. Adherence to supplementation was 72% for Lp299v/placebo and 73% for the prenatal vitamin. A slower decline in maternal hematological and iron parameters across pregnancy was observed in the Lp299v group compared to placebo. (4) Conclusions: Lp299v may be a tolerable therapy during pregnancy and has the potential to affect maternal and neonatal hematological and iron status.