Effect of Maternal Multiple Micronutrient vs Iron–Folic Acid Supplementation on Infant Mortality and Adverse Birth Outcomes in Rural Bangladesh

<h3>Importance</h3> Maternal micronutrient deficiencies may adversely affect fetal and infant health, yet there is insufficient evidence of effects on these outcomes to guide antenatal micronutrient supplementation in South Asia. <h3>Objective</h3> To assess effects of antenatal multiple micronutrient vs iron–folic acid supplementation on 6-month infant mortality and adverse birth outcomes. <h3>Design, Setting, and Participants</h3> Cluster randomized, double-masked trial in Bangladesh, with pregnancy surveillance starting December 4, 2007, and recruitment on January 11, 2008. Six-month infant follow-up ended August 30, 2012. Surveillance included 127 282 women; 44 567 became pregnant and were included in the analysis and delivered 28 516 live-born infants. Median gestation at enrollment was 9 weeks (interquartile range, 7-12). <h3>Interventions</h3> Women were provided supplements containing 15 micronutrients or iron–folic…