16 March 2022: A new study published in the Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences by Gomes et al. has demonstrated that compared to iron-folic acid (IFA), multiple micronutrient supplementation (MMS) results in comparable protection against anemia during pregnancy, independently of iron dose.
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This study analyzed data from 11 trials from a recent Cochrane review and compared MMS to IFA, delivering either 30 or 60 mg of iron, in sustaining hemoglobin and preventing third-trimester anemia and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in pregnant women. It accounted for daily iron dose, total supplemental iron intake, and baseline prevalence of anemia. The results showed that there were no differences between MMS and IFA in third-trimester hemoglobin concentration or risks of anemia or IDA by iron dose or total supplemental iron consumed in pregnant women.
This study further strengthens the evidence on the efficacy of MMS in preventing anemia in pregnant women, even with 30 mg of iron delivered.
