Should We Change Pregnancy Supplements?

Summary of: Is now the time for revisiting supplements for pregnant women?

The Problem:

• Many babies die or face health problems because they are born too early or too small.
• In 2020, about 23 million babies were born underweight or too small, and 13 million were born too early.
• One big reason for this is poor nutrition during pregnancy, especially not getting enough vitamins and nutrients.

What Supplements Do Pregnant Women Get Now?

• The WHO recommends that pregnant women take iron and folic acid to stay healthy.
• Women in poorer areas may also get extra protein supplements.
• But new research suggests a better option: Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMSs), which include more essential vitamins and minerals.

What Did the New Study Find?

• MMSs help reduce the number of small, vulnerable newborns, especially among high-risk mothers.
• Another type of supplement, Small-Quantity Lipid-Based Nutrient Supplements (SQ-LNSs), had only a small benefit.
• MMSs are more effective at improving both mother and baby’s health.

Why Aren’t MMSs Used Everywhere?

• WHO has not fully approved MMSs for all pregnant women yet.
• There are concerns about cost, production, and distribution.
• However, studies show MMSs are cost-effective, especially in countries like Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan.

What Needs to Change?

• More pregnant women need access to MMSs—right now, only 5% of those who need them get them.
• Governments and health organizations should update guidelines to include MMSs.
• Local production of MMSs could help make them cheaper and more available.

Bottom Line:

MMSs could save lives and improve health for both mothers and babies. Experts are calling for a global push to replace iron and folic acid with MMSs in pregnancy care.

1. Is now the time for revisiting supplements for pregnant women?

   Das, Jai K et al.
   The Lancet Global Health, Volume 13, Issue 2, e185 - e186