Multiple micronutrient supplementation during pregnancy

Micronutrients are only needed in very small quantities but are essential for normal functioning, growth and development. During pregnancy, micronutrient deficiencies are particularly common due to increased nutrient requirements of the mother and the developing fetus. These deficiencies can negatively impact the health of the mother, her pregnancy, as well as the health of the newborn baby.

The most current evidence shows that giving multiple micronutrient supplements to pregnant women may reduce the risk of low birth weight and of small size for gestational age, compared with iron and folic acid supplementation alone. However, further research is needed to assess the comparative advantage of replacing of iron and folate supplementation with multiple micronutrient supplementation.