Recommendations for India-specific multiple micronutrient supplement through expert consultation

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Maternal Nutrition
• Formulation Science

Background:

• Maternal anaemia and feto-maternal health are critical concerns in India, impacting birth outcomes.
• Micronutrient deficiencies in pregnancy pose risks to fetal growth and neonatal health.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) advises rigorous research for multiple micronutrient supplement (MMS) use.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an India-specific multiple micronutrient supplement (MMS) formulation for pregnant women.
• To guide the use of MMS in research settings for improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes.
• To address the need for tailored nutritional interventions in the Indian context.

Main Methods:

• An Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)-led expert group convened over six months.
• Evidence on micronutrient deficiencies, supplementation benefits, and nutrient interactions was reviewed.
• A consensus was reached on the composition of the India-specific MMS.

Main Results:

• The India-specific MMS formulation comprises 10 vitamins and five minerals.
• It is similar to the UNIMMAP composition but with adjusted quantities for most nutrients.
• Specific adjustments were made for Zinc, Vitamin E, and Vitamin B6 quantities.

Conclusions:

• The expert group successfully finalized an India-specific MMS formulation for research use.
• This tailored supplement aims to address the unique nutritional needs of pregnant women in India.
• The report details the evidence-based process for developing this crucial maternal health intervention.