A Systematic Review of Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation Trials Concerning Maternal Health

Abstract

Background: Maternal nutrition is critically important for the well-being of both the mother and the developing fetus. Multiple micronutrient (MMN) supplements have the added advantage of addressing nutritional deficiencies. This study aimed to review the effects of MMN supplementation trials to prevent maternal and fetal complications from the preconception period to the post-natal phase by incorporating adequate micronutrients into the daily diet.

Methodology: A comprehensive review of online literature was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Three databases—PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar—were searched for clinical trials from 2019 to 2023. MeSH terms such as "maternal," "micronutrient supplementation," "Pakistan," "trials," "clinical trials," and "micro-element supplementation" were used with Boolean operators "AND" and "OR." Titles and abstracts of the articles were screened initially, followed by full-text reviews in the second round. A total of seven articles meeting the inclusion criteria and diagnostic accuracy (STARD) were selected.

Results: Risk of bias and quality assessment of clinical trials were evaluated using a 23-item questionnaire, with scores ranging from 0 to 2.

Conclusion: Nutritional supplements were found to be most effective when taken daily for three months before conception and continued throughout the first trimester of pregnancy.