Impact of prenatal multiple micronutrient supplement on survival and growth during infancy

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General Nutrition Obstetrics / Gynaecology Paediatrics Nutrition & Disease Management
Impact of prenatal multiple micronutrient supplement on survival and growth during infancy

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.

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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.
       
  • 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.
       
  • 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