Evaluating Daily Calcium and Multiple Micronutrient Supplements Taken Together or Separately to Support Healthy Hemoglobin and Iron Levels in Pregnant Women and Newborns

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating whether taking calcium supplements and iron-containing multiple micronutrient supplements together affects the hemoglobin or iron status of pregnant women and their newborns. This study focuses on pregnant women in Burkina Faso and Pakistan, where diets often lack essential micronutrients. The trial aims to see if co-administering these supplements impacts maternal and infant health compared to taking them separately, as currently recommended by the World Health Organization WHO. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups one group takes a daily multiple micronutrient supplement with 30 mg iron together with a calcium supplement every morning, while the other group takes the multiple micronutrient supplement in the morning and calcium in the evening. The calcium dose is 500 mg elemental calcium as calcium carbonate. This trial includes 3,200 women in total and follows them from early pregnancy through delivery to assess the effects on hemoglobin and iron levels. During the study, participants visit antenatal clinics monthly for monitoring, including blood sample collection at early, mid 20-24 weeks, and late pregnancy 30-34 weeks. Researchers also collect blood from infants within 72 hours after birth. Assessments include hemoglobin concentration, iron status markers, and inflammation indicators. Adherence to supplement regimens and any side effects or anemia signs are tracked. The study lasts throughout pregnancy, with detailed follow-up of maternal and infant iron-related health.

Co-administration of Calcium and Multiple Micronutrient Supplements for Maternal and Newborn Hemoglobin and Iron Status