Title: Effect of multimicronutrient supplementation on gestational length and birth size: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind effectiveness trial in Zimbabwe.

POPLINE Document Number: 194582

Author(s):

Friis H
Gomo E
Nyazema N
Ndhlovu P
Krarup H

Source citation:

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2004 Jul 1;80(1):178-180.

Abstract:

Multiple micronutrient deficiencies may contribute to low birth weight, which is a major global determinant of mortality. We assessed the effect of prenatal multimicronutrient supplementation on gestational length and birth size. We conducted a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind effectiveness trial among antenatal care attendees in Harare, Zimbabwe. Pregnant women (22–35 wk of gestation) were randomly allocated to receive a multimicronutrient or placebo supplement daily until delivery. Supplementation with iron and folic acid was part of antenatal care. Of 1669 women, birth data were available from 1106 (66%), of whom 360 (33%) had HIV infection. The mean gestational length was 39.1 wk, and 16.6% of the women had a gestational length <37 wk. The mean birth weight was 3030 g, and 10.5% of the infants had a birth weight < 2500 g. Multimicronutrient supplementation was associated with tendencies for increased gestational length (0.3 wk;95%CI:-0.04, 0.6 wk;P=0.06), birth weight (49 g;-6, 104 g; P = 0.08), and head circumference (0.2 cm; -0.02, 0.4 cm; P = 0.07) but was not associated with low birth weight (birth weight < 2500 g) (relative risk: 0.84; 0.59, 1.18; P = 0.31). The effect of multimicronutrient supplementation on birth weight was not significantly different between HIV-uninfected (26 g; -38, 91 g) and HIV-infected (101 g; -3, 205 g) subjects (interaction, P > 0.10). Antenatal multimicronutrient supplementation may be one strategy to increase birth size. (author's)

Keywords:

Zimbabwe
Research Report
Double-Blind Studies
Clinical Trials
Women in Development
Pregnant Women
HIV Positive Persons
Infant
Food Supplementation
Vitamins and Minerals
Low Birth Weight
Birth Weight
Antenatal Care
Gestational Age
Iron
Africa, Southern
Africa, Sub Saharan
Africa
Developing Countries
Studies
Research Methodology
Clinical Research
Economic Development
Economic Factors
Population Characteristics
Demographic Factors
Population
HIV Infections
Viral Diseases
Diseases
Youth
Age Factors
Nutrition Programs
Primary Health Care
Health Services
Delivery of Health Care
Health
Physiology
Biology
Body Weight
Maternal Health Services
Maternal-Child Health Services
Fetus
Pregnancy
Reproduction
Metals