MMS, IFA, and MMS+IFA Supplementation in Pregnant Women
For patients and families
In plain language
An automatic summary of structured registry data. It is an orientation aid, not a substitute for the official protocol or a physician assessment.
- What is being studied
- The protocol lists: Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation (MMS), Iron-Folic Acid (IFA).
- Who it may be relevant to
- Registry conditions: Maternal Anemia, Micronutrient Deficiency, Pregnancy Outcomes, Maternal Nutrition. Basic parameters: from 18 years · Female.
- What needs checking
- Age, condition and sex are only basic indicators. Prior treatment, laboratory values and other mandatory requirements appear in the eligibility criteria below.
- Where it takes place
- Center list to be confirmed — check the primary protocol.
- Next step
- Save the trial, show it to the treating physician, and confirm current recruitment with the study center. Costs, documents and travel →
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Official title
Comparative Effectiveness of Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation (MMS), Iron-Folic Acid (IFA), and Combined MMS+IFA on Maternal Hemoglobin Levels and Neonatal Outcomes Among Pregnant Women: An Open-Label Randomized Controlled Trial
Overview
This study aims to compare the effectiveness of Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation (MMS), Iron-Folic Acid (IFA) supplementation, and combined MMS+IFA supplementation among pregnant women. Maternal anemia and micronutrient deficiencies are common during pregnancy and can adversely affect both maternal and neonatal health outcomes. A total of 402 pregnant women with gestational age of 20 weeks or less will be randomly assigned to receive MMS, IFA, or combined MMS+IFA supplementation. Participants will be followed throughout pregnancy until delivery. Maternal hemoglobin levels, maternal compliance with supplementation, and neonatal outcomes including birth weight, preterm birth, APGAR scores, and congenital anomalies will be assessed. The findings of this study will provide evidence to guide antenatal nutrition policies and practices in Pakistan.
Detailed description
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.
Interventions
- Dietary supplement Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation (MMS)
WHO-standard multiple micronutrient supplement containing iron, folic acid, zinc, iodine, vitamins A, D, C, and B-complex vitamins administered daily during pregnancy - Dietary supplement Iron-Folic Acid (IFA)
Iron 60 mg and folic acid 400 µg administered daily during pregnancy.
Primary outcome measures
- Maternal Hemoglobin Concentration [Time frame: Baseline, 28 weeks gestation, and 36-37 weeks gestation or at delivery]
Secondary outcome measures (1)
- Birth Weight [Time frame: At birth]
Eligibility criteria
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
Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.
Healthy volunteers: Yes
Study design
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Model
- Parallel assignment
- Masking
- Open label
- Primary purpose
- Prevention
Study locations
Center list to be confirmed — check the primary protocol.
Identifiers
NCT: NCT07665957 · SICHN/IRB-011/2026