This study reviewed new evidence on the effect of multiple micronutrient supplementation (MMS) compared to iron folic acid (IFA) during pregnancy was reviewed to develop guidance for countries that may want to consider providing MMS to pregnant women. An expert task force was assembled by the Sackler Institute to assess the data from trials comparing MMS to IFA, the risks of reaching the upper intake levels with MMS, the risk of harm to pregnant women or their infants, and to do a cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) of MMS compared to IFA. Data from a Cochrane review (CR) and an Individual Patient Data meta-analysis (IDP) were assessed. It concluded that pregnant women in LMICs and their infants could benefit from MMS over IFA during pregnancy, as a cost-effective intervention. It also discussed the approach used by the expert task force, its conclusions, as well as a framework to help LMIC decide on which program to support, and ongoing efforts to pilot the adoption of MMS in sample countries.
