Impact of prenatal multiple micronutrient supplement on survival and growth during infancy
2 min read
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General Nutrition
Obstetrics / Gynaecology
Multiple micronutrient deficiencies might contribute to low birth weight. UNICEF/WHO/United Nations University have formulated a multiple micronutrient supplement (UNIMMAP) for pregnant and lactating women.
Improved linear fetal growth with continuation into early life and enhanced postnatal growth were 2 mechanisms that mediated the effect of the prenatal UNIMMAP on infant nutritional status.
- Background:
- UNIMMAP contains one recommended daily allowance (RDA) of 15 micronutrients.
- UNIMMAP contains one recommended daily allowance (RDA) of 15 micronutrients.
- Method:
1294 US pregnant women were randomly assigned to take either UNIMMAP or iron and folic acid supplement (IFA).- The growth of infants was assessed monthly up to 12 months and at 30 months.
- The growth of infants was assessed monthly up to 12 months and at 30 months.
- Key findings:
Compared to the IFA group, the UNIMMAP resulted in infants with:- A 27% reduction in the rate of stunting over the first 12 months
- A significant higher length-for-age z score of 0.13 over the first 12 months.
- A trend towards a higher weight-for-length and head circumference-for-age by the end of 12 months.
- A higher weight-for-height z score of 0.20 by the age of 30 months.
- A 14% reduction in reported episodes of fever.
- No difference in mortality or morbidity.
- Conclusion:
UNIMMAP supplementation in pregnant mothers improved fetal growth with continuation into early life.
WYE-EM-008-JAN-14
Reference
Roberfroid D, Huybregts L, Lanou H, Ouedraogo L, Henry MC, Meda N, Kolsteren P. Impact of prenatal multiple micronutrients on survival and growth during infancy: a randomized controlled trial. Am J Clin
Nutr. 2012 Apr;95(4):916-924. Epub 2012 Feb 29. Link to PubMed
