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

1) Background: Despite iron intake recommendations, over a quarter of pregnant individuals have iron deficiency. Lactobacillus plantarum 299v (LP299V®) 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.