e-Library of Evidence for Nutrition Actions (eLENA)


An online library of evidence-informed guidelines for nutrition interventions and single point of reference for the latest nutrition guidelines, recommendations and related information.

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Multiple micronutrient powders for point-of-use fortification of foods consumed by pregnant women

Intervention | Last updated: 18 May 2023


Micronutrients are only needed in very small quantities but are essential for normal physiological function, growth and development. Deficiencies of micronutrients such as vitamin A, iron, iodine and folate are particularly common among during pregnancy, due to increased nutrient requirements of the mother and developing fetus. These deficiencies can negatively impact the health of the mother, her pregnancy, as well as the health of the newborn baby.

Point-of-use fortification with multiple micronutrient powders refers to the addition of powders containing vitamins and minerals to energy-containing foods at home or in any other place where meals are to be consumed, such as schools, nurseries and refugee camps

WHO Recommendations


Routine use of multiple micronutrient powders during pregnancy is not recommended as an alternative to standard iron and folic supplementation during pregnancy for improving maternal and infant health outcomes.

This recommendation is based on the very limited evidence to directly assess the potential benefits or harms of the use of point-of-use fortification with multiple micronutrient powders in pregnant women for improving maternal and infant health outcomes.



Cost-effectiveness Learn More Alternate Text


Relevant cost-effectiveness analyses have not yet been identified.