Preconception Micronutrient Supplementation Affects Maternal BMI and Body Composition Postpartum: A Randomized...

Area of Science:

• Maternal Health
• Nutritional Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Limited evidence exists on preconception nutrition's impact on maternal health, despite its known role in birth outcomes.
• This study addresses the gap by examining long-term maternal health effects of preconception supplementation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of preconception micronutrient supplementation on maternal body mass index (BMI) and body composition.
• To assess these effects 6 to 7 years postpartum (PP).

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial in Vietnam followed 1599 women receiving folic acid (FA) only, iron/FA (IFA), or multiple micronutrients (MMs) preconceptionally.
• Maternal anthropometrics and body fat (bioelectric impedance) were measured at baseline and up to 7 years postpartum.

Main Results:

• At 6-7 years PP, the MM group showed a lower prevalence of underweight (BMI < 18.5) and higher mean percent body fat compared to IFA/FA groups.
• While mean BMI and triceps skinfold were higher in the MM group, these were not statistically significant.
• No significant differences were found in fat-free mass or overweight prevalence.

Conclusions:

• Preconception multiple micronutrient supplementation was associated with improved maternal body composition, specifically reduced underweight and increased body fat, years after pregnancy.
• These findings highlight the potential for long-term maternal health benefits from preconception micronutrient interventions.
• Further research is warranted to explore these long-term effects.