Micronutrient supplement recommendations in pregnancy vary across a geographically diverse range of countries: a narrative review

Abstract

Specific food supplements are essential during preconception and pregnancy to ensure adequate intake of vitamins and minerals to support fetal growth and development and metabolic changes in the maternal body. Our objective was to identify food supplement recommendations, particularly those of folic acid, iron, Vitamin D, and iodine, during preconception and/or pregnancy across a geographically diverse range of countries. Further, we investigated whether country location and income-level related to the recommendations. We performed an electronic search and identified country-specific preconception and pregnancy food supplement recommendations, policy documents, and official guidelines of national organizations informing recommendations. To ensure the data were as accurate as possible, country-specific experts were contacted. Data were collected in 2017 and reevaluated in 2022. Country income level was determined by the World Bank classification. Each inspected country (n = 43) recommended folic acid supplementation, typically 400 µg/day, before and during pregnancy. About half of the countries recommended an iron supplement (dose range, 16–195 mg/day) and one quarter Vitamin D (typically 10 µg/d in higher latitudes) and iodine (150–200 µg/day). Country location and income level had some influence on the recommendations. Vitamin D was more often recommended in higher latitude, high-income countries. Almost all upper-middle and lower-middle income countries recommended iron supplementation, whereas less than one third of high-income countries had a corresponding recommendation. Findings suggest that food supplement recommendations for pregnant women vary across countries, likely influenced by geographic location as well as income level. These data may be used in the harmonization of food supplement recommendations.