Multivitamins Urged for All Pregnant Women in Developing Countries (1/2)

A recent study in Tanzania found that when pregnant women took vitamins every day, fewer babies were born too small.

Babies that weigh less than two and one-half kilograms at birth have a greater risk of dying. Those that survive are more likely to experience problems with their development. And experts say that as adults they have a higher risk of diseases including heart disease and diabetes.

The World Health Organization estimates that every year 20 million babies are born with low birth weight. 9 out of 10 of them are born in developing countries.

The new study took place in Dar es Salaam. 4200 pregnant women received multivitamins. The pills contained all of the vitamins in the B group along with vitamins C and E. They also contained several times more iron and folate than the levels advised for women in developed nations. Pregnant women especially in poor countries may find it difficult to get enough vitamins and minerals from the foods in their diet.