A randomized double-blind clinical trial was carried out in semi-rural Mexico to test the efficacy of multiple micronutrient supplements (MM) compared to iron (FE) during pregnancy on maternal and newborn outcomes. Both supplements contained 60 mg Fe, but the MM group included 1-1.5 RDA of several micronutrients. Pregnant women were recruited early (8-13 weeks) and received the supplements 6 days a week at home until delivery. Maternal body measurements were obtained at recruitment, during pregnancy (26, 32, 37 weeks) and at 1 month post-partum. Women in both groups had similar characteristics at recruitment (age, parity, education, height, hemoglobin and weeks pregnant) except for body mass index (BMI) that was significantly higher for the FE group (24.5 ± 4.2) compared to MM (23.6 ± 3.7). In an intent to treat analysis, mean WT gain during pregnancy (recruitment to 37 weeks) was greater by about 700 g in the MM group (7.67 ± 3.48 kg; n=288) compared to the FE group (7.07 ± 3.68 kg; n=293). However, these differences were not significant after adjusting for BMI at recruitment. Therefore, MM supplementation may not have increased weight gain during pregnancy. (Supported by the Thrasher Research Fund, UNICEF, Conacyt and INSP, Mexico).
Learning Objectives: 1. Understand patterns of weight gain during pregnancy in a poor Mexican community. 2. Discuss the potential value of multiple micronutrient supplementation during pregnancy.
Keywords: Pregnancy, Nutrition
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.