Multiple micronutrient supplements could reduce maternal mortality

Research indicates that anaemia is a significant, often overlooked contributor to severe postpartum haemorrhage (PPH), which is the leading cause of maternal death globally. In regions such as sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, anaemia may be responsible for half of all severe PPH cases.

While traditional interventions have focused on iron and folic acid tablets, experts suggest that multiple micronutrient supplements (MMS)—which include iron, folic acid, and 13 other essential vitamins and minerals—may be more effective. Modeling across 25 low- and middle-income countries suggests that replacing standard iron and folic acid with MMS could prevent approximately 186,000 stillbirths and 3.5 million low-birthweight births over a five-year period.

According to the World Health Organization, MMS use in pregnancy reduces maternal anaemia at term by 12 per cent compared to iron and folic acid alone. Additionally, these supplements may help reduce the risk of infant mortality by preventing the birth of small newborns and potentially decreasing childhood stunting.