MMS, IFA, and MMS+IFA Supplementation in Pregnant Women

Maternal micronutrient deficiencies remain a major public health concern in low- and middle-income countries, including Pakistan. Iron deficiency anemia, along with deficiencies of folate, vitamin D, vitamin B12, zinc, iodine, and other micronutrients, contributes substantially to adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Although routine Iron-Folic Acid (IFA) supplementation is recommended during pregnancy, it may not adequately address the broader spectrum of micronutrient deficiencies commonly observed among pregnant women.

Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation (MMS) has emerged as a comprehensive alternative that includes iron, folic acid, and additional essential vitamins and minerals required during pregnancy. Evidence from randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews suggests that MMS may improve selected neonatal outcomes; however, evidence regarding maternal hemoglobin improvement and compliance remains inconsistent across settings. Furthermore, limited data are available from Pakistan comparing MMS, IFA, and combined MMS+IFA supplementation.

This study is a three-arm, parallel-group, open-label randomized controlled trial conducted at the antenatal clinics of the Sindh Institute of Child Health and Neonatology (SICHN) in Karachi and Jamshoro, Pakistan. A total of 402 eligible pregnant women with gestational age ≤20 weeks and baseline hemoglobin ≥10 g/dL will be enrolled and randomized in a 1:1:1 ratio to receive either MMS, IFA, or combined MMS+IFA supplementation.

Maternal hemoglobin concentration will be measured at baseline, 28 weeks gestation, and 36-37 weeks gestation or delivery. Maternal compliance will be assessed using pill counts and self-reported supplement intake. Neonatal outcomes including birth weight, low birth weight, preterm birth, APGAR scores, and congenital anomalies will be evaluated at delivery.

The study aims to compare the effectiveness of MMS, IFA, and MMS+IFA supplementation on maternal hemoglobin levels, neonatal outcomes, and maternal compliance. Findings from this study will contribute to strengthening evidence-based antenatal nutrition policies and maternal health programs in Pakistan.

Inclusion criteria

• Pregnant women aged 18 years or older
• Gestational age ≤20 weeks at enrollment
• Singleton pregnancy
• Hemoglobin concentration ≥10 g/dL at baseline
• Willing and able to provide informed consent
• Willing to comply with study procedures and follow-up visits

Exclusion criteria

• Severe anemia requiring injectable treatment (hemoglobin <7 g/dL)
• Pre-existing diabetes mellitus
• Pre-existing hypertension
• Renal disease
• Current therapeutic iron or micronutrient supplementation beyond routine antenatal supplementation
• Known fetal congenital anomalies
• Any medical condition that, in the opinion of the investigator, would interfere with study participation or outcome assessment