Multivitamin Supplementation Is Associated with Greater Adequacy of Gestational Weight Gain among Pregnant Women in Tanzania

Gestational weight gain (GWG) is a modifiable risk factor associated with adverse birth outcomes. Studies have shown that the provision of multiple micronutrient supplements to pregnant women reduces the risk of low birth weight. However, the effect of multiple micronutrient supplements on GWG has been understudied. We examined the effect of daily supplementation of pregnant women with multivitamins on GWG in relation to the GWG recommendation by the Institute of Medicine (IOM). Pregnant women with gestational age between 12 and 27 wk were randomly assigned to receive daily multivitamins or placebo until delivery. Weight was measured at enrollment and every follow-up visit. Percentage adequacy of GWG was calculated as actual GWG divided by the recommended GWG according to the IOM recommendation. Binary outcomes included severely inadequate (