Grant: DRA : Canada Graduate Research Scholarship - Doctoral Program (CGRS D)

Low blood iron levels in pregnancy can lead to serious outcomes for the baby, such as low birth weight or being born too early. In many countries, taking nutrition supplements that contain iron is recommended during pregnancy to protect against this. New global health recommendations now suggest that pregnant people take a multivitamin supplement that contains iron and other important nutrients to help support pregnancy and infant health; however, these supplements contain half the amount of iron as compared to the previously recommended ones. The government in Cambodia is interested in updating its pregnancy nutrition policy, but requires country-specific evidence to determine which nutrition supplements are best for its population. In this nutrition study, we will ask pregnant people to take one of the two supplements every day from their first trimester until delivery. A blood sample will be collected from study participants before starting the supplements and again just before delivery. We will assess iron status in the blood. At delivery, infant growth and other important birth indicators, such as preterm birth, will be assessed. Findings from this study will play an important role in updating the national nutrition policy for pregnant people in Cambodia.