In pursuing healthy pregnancies, recent scientific advancements have highlighted the importance of multi-micronutrient (MMN) supplementation. This approach provides a comprehensive solution of essential vitamins and minerals, significantly improving over traditional iron-folic acid-calcium (IFC) supplementation.
A balanced diet, including vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, is widely recognized as vital for a healthy pregnancy. However, it is now understood that even the highest quality diets may not fulfil the intense nutritional demands of the crucial first 1000 days of a child’s life, starting from conception to their second birthday.
One common misconception is the idea of “eating for two,” which often leads to prioritizing quantity over quality in nutrition, potentially causing nutrient deficiencies. MMN addresses this by providing a targeted solution, ensuring both mother and child receive essential nutrients throughout pregnancy, postpartum, and breastfeeding.
Micronutrient deficiencies, often referred to as ‘hidden hunger,’ can have severe short-term and long-term effects on both the mother and child. For example, in India, iron deficiency leads to anaemia in 33% to 89% of pregnant women, increasing risks of low birth weight infants and maternal mortality.
Additionally, deficiencies in vitamin A, zinc, and vitamin D are widespread, potentially resulting in pregnancy loss, premature births, and developmental issues in children, as well as chronic health problems in mothers. A pivotal 2015 Cochrane study, involving 137,791 women across continents, demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of MMN supplements. This study revealed that MMN supplementation significantly reduces the risks of small-for-gestational-age births, low birth weight, and stillbirths, compared to iron-folic acid supplements alone.
Further support for MMN comes from the Supplementation with Multiple Micronutrients Intervention Trial (SUMMIT), showing notable reductions in early infant mortality, combined fetal loss and neonatal deaths, and low birth weight infants in women taking MMN supplements.
Beyond these benefits, micronutrients are essential for the healthy development of a newborn’s organs, bones, and body systems. For instance, folate and folic acid prevent brain and spinal cord defects; iron is crucial for oxygen delivery to the fetus; calcium and vitamin D strengthen bones and teeth; vitamin A supports healthy skin and eyesight; and iodine is essential for brain development.
MMN supplementation, by combining necessary vitamins and minerals in a comprehensive, cost-effective formulation, offers a practical solution to meet these nutritional needs. Health experts now recommend MMN supplements (including IFC) before and during pregnancy to ensure the well-being of both mother and child.
The prevalence of hidden hunger, affecting two-thirds of women of reproductive age globally and over half of pregnant women in India, underscores the need to transition from the traditional IFC model to the more comprehensive MMN model. This shift is supported by leading global health organizations, including the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), who advocate for MMN supplementation to promote healthy pregnancies.
Indian doctors are also now, recognising the benefits of MMN over IFC both in natural pregnancies as well as assisted reproductive treatments such as IVF. Pregnant women are being advised to have a nutritious diet and include a pregnancy supplement in their daily routine.
Shared By: Dr Rajkamal Agarwal,
Founder Let’s InfluenPresident, PlusPlus Lifesciences
