Effects of Food Supplementation During Pregnancy on Maternal Weight Gain, Hemoglobin Levels and Pregnancy Outcomes in Iran.

Abstract

Objectives In this study, the effects of food supplementation during pregnancy on maternal weight gain, hemoglobin (Hb) levels, and pregnancy outcomes were evaluated. Methods In this randomized controlled trial, we recruited 1360 pregnant women with a gestational age of 10weeks who had BMI < 18.5 and hemoglobin < 10.5/dL from rural areas of the east Azerbaijan province in Iran. Rural areas were randomly assigned into two groups: food-supplemented and control areas. In food-supplemented areas the food supplement was provided (1500kcal/d) from 10weeks of pregnancy through to the end. Information on demographic data were collected and anthropometric and Hb measurements were taken using standard instruments. Results The average weight gain was 9.1 ± 1.8kg and 7.9 ± 1.6kg in supplemented and control groups respectively, which was significantly different (p = 0.001). Also, a significant time × treatment interaction in maternal average weight gain (p = 0.001) was observed. The mean Hb decreased from 12mg/dl and 12.1mg/dl in week 10 to 11.9mg/dl and 11.7mg/dl in week 20 in the supplemented and control groups respectively, which was significant only for the control group. Between-group comparisons revealed significant differences in the rates of low birth weight (LBW) infants (p = 0.001) and preterm births (p = 0.013). Conclusion for practice Food supplementation significantly reduced the prevalence of poor maternal weight gain, infants with low birth weight, and preterm births compared to no intervention.