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Updated: Dec 11, 2025

Author Spotlight: Studying the Impact of Maternal Dietary Deficiencies on Long-Term Offspring Health Outcomes
Published on: June 28, 2024
Multiple Micronutrients and Docosahexaenoic Acid Supplementation during Pregnancy: A Randomized Controlled Study.
Maddalena Massari1,2,3, Chiara Novielli3, Chiara Mandò3
1Department of Woman, Mother and Neonate, Buzzi Children Hospital, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, 20154 Milan, Italy.
Maternal supplementation with multiple micronutrients and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) significantly improved DHA and vitamin D levels in mothers. Infants born to supplemented mothers showed greater subscapular skinfold thickness, indicating improved fetal growth.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Nutritional Science
- Perinatal Medicine
Background:
- Maternal nutrition is critical for fetal development and meeting increased metabolic demands during pregnancy.
- Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is vital for fetal neurodevelopment, visual maturation, and immunomodulation.
- Fetal DHA levels are directly influenced by maternal dietary intake.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of daily multiple micronutrient supplementation (MMS) including DHA on maternal biomarkers and infant anthropometric parameters.
- To compare the effects of MMS plus DHA supplementation versus no supplementation during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.
Main Methods:
- A multicenter, parallel, randomized controlled trial was conducted.
- Pregnant women received once-daily supplementation with multiple micronutrients and DHA or no supplementation.
- Maternal red blood cell (RBC) DHA levels, other biomarkers, and infant anthropometrics were assessed.
Main Results:
- MMS significantly increased maternal RBC DHA levels and the omega-3 index.
- Vitamin D levels were also significantly elevated in the supplemented group.
- Infants born to mothers receiving MMS showed significantly greater subscapular skinfold thickness.
Conclusions:
- MMS with DHA is effective in improving maternal DHA and vitamin D status during pregnancy.
- This supplementation strategy positively influences infant anthropometric development, specifically skinfold thickness.
- The findings highlight the importance of micronutrient and DHA supplementation for maternal and infant health in industrialized settings.
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