SynthesisBMC pregnancy and childbirth2025
Effect of different Iron-Folic acid (IFA) formulations, doses, and frequencies on pregnancy and neonatal outcomes compared to multiple micronutrients (MMN) among pregnant women: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Synthesis in BMC pregnancy and childbirth, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
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Who cites it
1 citing paper in PubMed.
- Barriers and Facilitators of Compliance with Iron-Folic Acid Supplementation Among Pregnant Women in Southern Afghanistan: A Qualitative Study.Patient preference and adherence · 2026Article
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
7 authors.
Funding
Abstract
backgroundIron-Folic Acid (IFA) supplementation during pregnancy is widely recommended to prevent maternal anemia and improve birth outcomes. However, the optimal formulation, dose, and frequency of IFA supplementation remain uncertain. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effect of different IFA formulations, doses, and frequencies on pregnancy and neonatal outcomes compared to Multiple Micronutrients (MMN) among pregnant women.
methodsA comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and TRIP databases to identify pertinent studies published up to December 31st, 2023. Outcome measures includes preterm birth (PTB), stillbirths, low birth weight (LBW), small for gestational age (SGA), miscarriage rate (MR), neonatal mortality, and perinatal mortality. Pooled risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated, and the quality of evidence was assessed using GRADEpro.
resultsAmong 20 studies comparing IFA to MMN, our analysis showed a significant increased risk with LBW (RR: 1.07, 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.13, p = 0.02, I2 = 24%) associated with IFA and MMN and elevated risk of stillbirth (RR: 1.08, 95% CI: 1.00 to 1.17, p = 0.05, I2 = 19%), SGA (RR: 1.03, 95% CI: 0.99 to 1.06) compared to IFA with MMN. However, non-significant risk of PTB (RR: 0.84, 95% CI: 0.38 to 1.84) and MR (RR: 1.04, 95% CI: 0.92 to 1.16, p = 0.54) was observed with IFA as compared to MMN. Neonatal mortality and perinatal mortality also did not significantly differ between the two groups. Certain formulations and doses showed trend of risk, particularly in relation to stillbirth and SGA.
conclusionsOur findings emphasize the importance of carefully considering the potential risks and benefits of IFA supplementation in pregnancy, and suggest the need for further research to elucidate the underlying mechanisms driving these associations and to optimize supplementation strategies for maternal and neonatal health.
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