veloping world and in disadvantaged populations in the United States. "Micronutrient deficiencies during pregnancy may predispose mothers to losing their fetuses, having low birth weight newborns or infants who grow poorly. In rural Nepal alone, where more than 40 percent of babies are born low birth weight, a widespread micronutrient supplementation program could have a tremendous impact on the health and survival of millions of children," she explained.

While researchers are optimistic that they are making progress, Dr. Christian said more work is needed to understand the health effects of antenatal micronutrient use among mothers before being widely adopted in the developing world.

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Contact: Tim Parsons
paffairs@jhsph.edu
410-955-6878
Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health
31-Mar-2003

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