Focusing on Multiple Micronutrient Supplements in Pregnancy: Second Edition

Despite marked progress in improving nutrition and health globally, micronutrient deficiencies remain prevalent in low and middle income countries (LMIC), especially among pregnant women with far-reaching consequences for mother and baby including preterm birth, stillbirth or neonatal death, impaired fetal growth. Multiple micronutrient supplements (MMS) taken during pregnancy provide 15 vitamins and minerals to fill the dietary gaps often present in LMIC and the increased nutrient needs of pregnancy. Crucially, MMS provide benefits far beyond those of traditional iron and folic acid supplements (IFA) – prompting the World Health Organization to add the UNIMMAP (United Nations International Multiple Micronutrient Antenatal Preparation) MMS formulation to its Essential Medicines List (EML) in 2021. The Sight and Life Special Report, Focusing on Multiple Micronutrient Supplements in Pregnancy: Second Edition puts forth a compelling case that maintaining the status quo of IFA supplementation is no longer possible when so many stand to benefit from MMS, and demonstrates the benefits and process of switching to MMS. The report compiles the latest evidence, country case studies, and resources in a single place to support implementers and country governments in introducing and scaling-up MMS.