BACKGROUND: Multiple micronutrient deficiencies are common among women in low-income countries and may adversely affect pregnancy outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To conduct a meta-analysis of the effects on stillbirths and on early and late neonatal mortality of supplementation during pregnancy with multiple micronutrients compared with iron-folic acid in recent randomized, controlled trials. METHODS: Twelve randomized, controlled trials were included in the analysis (Bangladesh; Burkina Faso; China; Guinea-Bissau; Indramayu and Lombok, Indonesia; Mexico; Sarlahi and Janakur, Nepal; Niger; Pakistan; and Zimbabwe), all providing approximately 1 recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of multiple micronutrients or iron-folic acid to presumed HIV-negative women. RESULTS: Supplementation providing approximately I RDA of multiple micronutrients did not decrease the risk of stillbirth (OR = 1.01; 95% CI, 0.88 to 1.16), early neonatal mortality (OR = 1.23; 95% CI, 0.95 to 1.59), late neonatal mortality (OR = 0.94; 95% CI, 0.73 to 1.23), or perinatal mortality (OR = 1.11; 95% CI, 0.93 to 1.33). CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analysis provides consistent evidence that supplementation providing approximately 1 RDA of multiple micronutrients during pregnancy does not result in any reduction in stillbirths or in early or late neonatal deaths compared with iron-folic acid alone.
BACKGROUND: Multiple micronutrient deficiencies are common among women in low-income countries and may adversely affect pregnancy outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To conduct a meta-analysis of the effects on stillbirths and on early and late neonatal mortality of supplementation during pregnancy with multiple micronutrients compared with iron-folic acid in recent randomized, controlled trials. METHODS: Twelve randomized, controlled trials were included in the analysis (Bangladesh; Burkina Faso; China; Guinea-Bissau; Indramayu and Lombok, Indonesia; Mexico; Sarlahi and Janakur, Nepal; Niger; Pakistan; and Zimbabwe), all providing approximately 1 recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of multiple micronutrients or iron-folic acid to presumed HIV-negative women. RESULTS: Supplementation providing approximately I RDA of multiple micronutrients did not decrease the risk of stillbirth (OR = 1.01; 95% CI, 0.88 to 1.16), early neonatal mortality (OR = 1.23; 95% CI, 0.95 to 1.59), late neonatal mortality (OR = 0.94; 95% CI, 0.73 to 1.23), or perinatal mortality (OR = 1.11; 95% CI, 0.93 to 1.33). CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analysis provides consistent evidence that supplementation providing approximately 1 RDA of multiple micronutrients during pregnancy does not result in any reduction in stillbirths or in early or late neonatal deaths compared with iron-folic acid alone.
Authors: Parul Christian; David Osrin; Dharma S Manandhar; Subarna K Khatry; Anthony M de L Costello; Keith P West Journal: Lancet Date: 2005 Aug 27-Sep 2 Impact factor: 79.321
Authors: David Osrin; Anjana Vaidya; Yagya Shrestha; Ram Bahadur Baniya; Dharma S Manandhar; Ramesh K Adhikari; Suzanne Filteau; Andrew Tomkins; Anthony M de L Costello Journal: Lancet Date: 2005 Mar 12-18 Impact factor: 79.321
Authors: Henrik Friis; Exnevia Gomo; Norman Nyazema; Patricia Ndhlovu; Henrik Krarup; Pernille Kaestel; Kim F Michaelsen Journal: Am J Clin Nutr Date: 2004-07 Impact factor: 7.045