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This new study—an individual patient data meta-analysis—looked at data from 112,953 pregnant women who were participants in 17 randomized controlled trials done in 14 low- and middle-income countries. The studies compared MMN supplements containing iron-folic acid to supplements with iron-folic acid alone.
Micronutrient deficiencies are common among women in low-income and middle-income countries. Data from randomised trials suggest that maternal multiple micronutrient supplementation decreases the risk of low birthweight and potentially improves other infant health outcomes. However, heterogeneity across studies suggests influence from effect modifiers. We aimed to identify individual-level modifiers of the effect of multiple micronutrient (MMN) supplements on stillbirth, birth outcomes, and infant mortality in low-income and middle-income countries.