Multiple Micronutrient Versus Iron-Folic Acid Supplementation in Pregnant Women in Indonesia

Overview

Micronutrient deficiencies during pregnancy may affect the mother's nutritional status and the baby's growth. This study compared two types of daily supplements for pregnant women: a multiple micronutrient supplement and an iron and folic acid supplement. Pregnant women in Indonesia who were at 12 weeks of gestation or earlier were randomly assigned to receive one of the two supplements for eight weeks. The study measured maternal body weight, mid-upper arm circumference, hemoglobin concentration, and serum zinc concentration before and after supplementation. Infant birth weight and the occurrence of low birth weight were assessed after delivery. The purpose of the study was to determine whether multiple micronutrient supplementation produced greater improvements in maternal nutritional indicators and birth outcomes than iron and folic acid supplementation.

This study was designed as a randomized, double-blind, parallel-group trial comparing daily multiple micronutrient supplementation with daily iron and folic acid supplementation among pregnant women in Indonesia. Participants received the assigned supplement for eight weeks. Maternal anthropometric and biochemical indicators were assessed before and after the intervention, and birth outcomes were assessed after delivery. This study was registered retrospectively because prospective registration was inadvertently omitted during study initiation. Information entered in this record was derived from the original study protocol and available study documentation.

Conditions