Leaf Concentrate Fortification of Antenatal Protein-Calorie Snacks Improves Pregnancy Outcomes

摘要: Ready-to-eat (RTE) snacks are routinely distributed to pregnant women in India. These provide protein and calories but low micronutrients. We investigated whether RTE fortified with leaf concentrate (LC) could improve pregnancy outcomes, including maternal haemoglobin (Hb) concentrations infants’ birthweight. This randomized controlled two-arm trial was conducted over 18 months: control (sRTE) group received standard 120 g snack (102 wheat flour, soya flour); intervention (lcRTE) the same 7 LC. The study Jaipur, Rajasthan, One hundred five aged 18-35 years were studied. Among 105 two arms of trial, 2 (1.9%) severely anaemic (Hb ≤6.0 g/dL); 55 (53.4%) moderately 6.0-8.0 34 (33.0%) mildly 8.6-10.9 12 (11.7%) not ≥11.0 g/dL). In final month pregnancy, 83.0% (39/47) sRTE had Hb ≤8.5 g/dL compared 37.8% (17/45) lcRTE (p<0.001). After adjustment for age baseline concentration, difference due LC fortification 0.94 (95% CI 6.8-12.0; p<0.001). Mean live birthweight 2,695 (SD 325 g) 2,545 (297 (p=0.02). increased by 133.7 7.3-260.2; p=0.04) snacks. Leaf antenatal protein-calorie a low-income setting India protected against declining when unfortified findings require replication larger trial.