Maternal multiple micronutrient supplementation in rural Pakistan increased some milk micronutrient concentrations, but not infant growth, at three-months postpartum: a randomized controlled trial substudy.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In Pakistan, maternal micronutrient deficiencies are highly prevalent, and stunting affects 43% of infants by 6-mo postpartum. Human milk composition for some micronutrients can be negatively affected by suboptimal maternal nutrition; however, it is unknown whether this affects infant growth.

Objectives

We aimed to determine whether mothers receiving multiple micronutrient supplements (MMSs) compared with standard of care had 1) greater concentrations of iodine, vitamins A, E, and B12, and folate in their milk at 3-mo postpartum; and 2) improved growth of their offspring. Associations between milk micronutrients and infant growth were also explored.

Methods

This substudy was nested within a district-based, cluster-randomized, controlled trial (MaPPS Trial;

SUBMITTER: Baxter JB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12308085 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature