Efficacy of iron folic acid tablets vs. a powdered mixture of mineral and vitamins to control anemia during pregnancy

Introduction: A powdered mixture of mineral and vitamins (PMV) in a small sachet, Sprinkles™, is effective in controlling anemia in young children. A similar mixture targeted to pregnant women might be appropriate. Objective: To determine the efficacy of a PMV packaged in single serving sachets compared to IFA in pregnant women. Method: A cluster randomized trial was carried out in 42 antenatal care centers operated by BRAC in Bangladesh. Anemic women aged 15–45 years, gestational age 14–20 weeks and Hb 70–110 g/L were allocated to either tablets (n=92) or PMV (n=121). Each tablet and PMV sachet contained 60mg elemental iron and 400μg folic acid. Data collection was done at baseline and at gestational weeks 24, 28 and 34. Hb was…