The Efficacy of Nutritional Suplementation on Pregnancy Outcomes

Abstract

Background. The prevalence of anemia in the world still reached 41.8% and 11.9% in Indonesia. This problem requires special attention because it may cause interference or constraint on fetal growth, both in body and brain cells. Anemia can also cause death of the fetus, abortion, congenital defects and low birth weight (LBW). This can lead to maternal morbidity and mortality and increased perinatal mortality. Activities of anemia prevention and control issues have been widely implemented in the form of 90 tablets iron supplementation during pregnancy and special program for pregnant women with anemia (Hb<11 g/dl) are given special treatment in the clinic or hospital. The impact of these programs has not been satisfactory, since there were still high prevalence of iron deficiency anemia causing abortion (10.2%), prematurity (4.3%), and growth retardation (7.8%). Some alternative were studied using either combination or multi-micronutrient supplementation. Method. This study was a systematic review approach, study using 11 studies on supplementation in pregnant women. The article were obtained through google schoolar scientific electronic publications. Meta-synthesis carried out to obtain a new concept or a theory and a deeper level of understanding regarding the topic. The criterias for the study were selected on study on supplementation of nutrients in for certain period of time on pregnant woman. Results. Results showed that multivitamin (MVM) and multi-micronutrient (MMN) supplementation are very effective in improving pregnancy outcomes compared to single one such as Fe supplementation or even compared to 2-3 suplement combination. For example Fe with folic acid or a combination of Fe with Vitamin C. Suggestion. It is recommended that supplementation should be given in early pregnancy, or even before pregnancy in order to store nutrients in the body to meet the increased needs during pregnancy.