The Tanzania Food and Nutrition Center (TFNC) carried out research studies in Mbeya Region, Tanzania to inform the Improving Maternal and Adolescents Nutrition (IMAN) project. One component of the IMAN project was a trial integrating multiple micronutrient supplements and nutrition interventions into an existing maternal, neonatal, and child health program. To inform the trial, TFNC conducted a dietary assessment study among pregnant and lactating women. The objective was to assess micronutrient intake and the prevalence of inadequate intake among non-pregnant, non-lactating women of reproductive age (WRA; 15-49 years). This study will help guide nutrition programs to improve interventions to address micronutrient inadequacy in the area. Inadequate consumption of 11 key micronutrients is highly prevalent among WRA in Mbeya Region, Tanzania. Nearly all women in the study population would benefit from increased consumption of vitamin C and E, riboflavin, iron, and zinc.
