Summary
This randomised controlled trial examined whether lipid-based nutritional supplementation (LNS-PLW) could improve birth outcomes in underweight pre-eclamptic women in Pakistan. Sixty women were randomly assigned to routine care (iron and folic acid) or routine care plus daily LNS-PLW sachets until delivery. The supplemented group showed statistically significant improvements in neonatal birth weight, gestational age, head circumference, and birth length, suggesting that lipid-based micronutrient supplementation may mitigate fetal growth restriction in this high-risk population.
Regional applicability
This study was conducted in Pakistan and addresses maternal undernutrition and preeclampsia—conditions with high prevalence in low- and middle-income countries. Whilst the United Kingdom has lower rates of maternal undernutrition and preeclampsia-related fetal growth restriction, the trial methodology and micronutrient supplementation approach may be relevant to UK clinical practice guidelines for managing preeclampsia in resource-constrained settings or immigrant populations with similar risk profiles.
Key measures
Birth weight (grams), gestational age (weeks), head circumference (cm), birth length (cm)
Outcomes reported
The study measured birth weight, gestational age, head circumference, and birth length in infants born to underweight pre-eclamptic women receiving either routine care (iron and folic acid) or routine care plus lipid-based nutritional supplement for pregnant and lactating women (LNS-PLW). Significant improvements were reported across all four neonatal anthropometric measures in the supplemented group.
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