27 April 2023 – New Copenhagen Consensus Report identifies multiple micronutrient supplementation (MMS) for pregnant women as one of the 12 best investments for global development. The report, authored by leading international economists, highlights the substantial economic benefits of MMS. It estimates a total annual benefit of over US$3.1 billion, including US$94 million from averted stillbirths, US$428 million from averted preterm births, and US$ 2.6 billion from averted low birth weights when replacing iron-folic acid (IFA) supplements with MMS. 1
Micronutrients, or vitamins and minerals, are essential for good health and well-being throughout life, but pregnant women need up to 50% more micronutrients to support the physiological changes that occur in their bodies and meet the nutritional needs of their growing babies. Micronutrient deficiencies during pregnancy can lead to serious health consequences for both the mother and child, such as insufficient weight gain, impaired fetal growth, cognitive impairments in children, birth defects, and maternal and fetal death.2,3
Micronutrient deficiencies affect two in three women of reproductive age worldwide.4 Pregnant women in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) are especially at risk due to poor diets that fail to provide sufficient nutrients for the mother and fetus. Efforts to reduce these deficiencies include a range of complementary interventions including dietary diversification, commercial food fortification, and supplementation, such as IFA supplements.
Currently, 40% of pregnant women in LMIC (or 36 million annually) receive IFA supplements, yet studies show that using MMS instead can lead to better pregnancy outcomes and higher economic returns. The cost of replacing IFA supplements with MMS is just US$84 million per year, yet the benefits are worth US$3.16 billion, resulting in more than US$37 economic return for every one dollar spent. 1
Taking MMS during pregnancy can help to ensure adequate intake of essential vitamins and minerals that are vital for proper organ development, bone formation, cognitive development, and immune function. This reduces the risk of stillbirths, low birth weight, premature births, and small-for-gestational-age births.5-7
Children born prematurely or with low birth weight are less likely to go to school, develop reading and math skills, and earn higher wages in adulthood.8-10 Providing pregnant women with MMS can help reduce the risk of these adverse birth outcomes, which can lead to better cognitive development and increased employment opportunities for their children.
The report provides global and national decision-makers the critical evidence for making practical and smart investments to improve nutrition. It highlights MMS as a simple, safe, and cost-effective solution to combat malnutrition and ensure healthy pregnancies worldwide. 1
