Data for: Optimizing nutrient supplementation among pregnant and reproductive age women in Kenya (Virutubisho)
Domain:
healthcare
Deficiencies of essential vitamins and minerals (micronutrients) can occur in women regardless of their weight and may result in poor health, pregnancy outcomes and development and growth of their children. The World Health Organization recommends the use of multiple micronutrient supplements for pregnant women in nutritionally deficient populations, commonly known as UNIMMAP (United Nations International Multiple Micronutrient Antenatal Preparation) formulation, to correct deficiencies and improve birth outcomes. The supplement doses are based on the recommended daily intake of healthy populations in North America. Data from supplementation studies in The Gambia and Bangladesh indicate that the dose of micronutrients in UNIMMAP may not be adequate for pregnant women in low-or middle-income countries (LMICs) with inadequate diets. The Kenya National Micronutrient Survey of 2011 reported micronutrient assay results for vitamin A, vitamin B12, folic acid iodine, iron, and zinc but the number of pregnant women providing samples was small (n=111).