Establishing Routine Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation During Pregnancy in an Impoverished Guatemalan Community

Abstract

Pregnant and breastfeeding women in impoverished settings face heightened nutritional demands, placing them and their children at increased risk of inadequate nutrition\u27s detrimental effects. Existing literature suggests that supplementing with multiple micronutrients (MMS) may offer superior protection against morbidity and mortality compared to traditional iron and folic acid (IFA) formulations. This research is set in the Land of Hope (LOH) clinic, located in Escuintla, Guatemala, a community served by the non-profit organization ER Abroad. The study aims to assess the feasibility of standardizing MMS provision to pregnant women at LOH, coupled with supplementary education on pregnancy and nutrition. The team distributed 84 bottles of MMS, sufficient for an entire pregnancy, to on-site community health workers, accompanied by education on supplementation, nutrition, hydration, and basic maternal and infant care. Post-implementation interviews with staff, conducted 1 month after the intervention, revealed the distribution of 58 MMS bottles to pregnant women with minimal challenges. This initiative contributes to standardizing prenatal supplementation practices at LOH and disseminating critical knowledge about the significance of nutrition during pregnancy. The project\u27s ultimate goal is to foster better birth outcomes through consistent MMS use and improved nutrition practices, thereby positively impacting the health of current and future generations in this underserved community