Micronutrient supplements to prevent anemia in pregnant women in Tanzania

Individually Randomized Trial of Higher-dose Iron (60 mg, 45 mg) Compared to Low-dose Iron (30 mg) in Multiple Micronutrient Supplements in Pregnancy on Moderate and Severe Maternal Anemia

Phase 3 Interventional George Washington University · NCT06079918

This study tests whether different amounts of iron in micronutrient supplements can help prevent anemia in pregnant women in Tanzania.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment6381 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorGeorge Washington University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Dar es Salaam)
Trial IDNCT06079918 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of multiple micronutrient supplements (MMS) with varying iron content in preventing moderate to severe anemia among pregnant women in Tanzania. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive MMS containing either 30 mg, 45 mg, or 60 mg of elemental iron. The study aims to determine the optimal iron dosage for maternal health, providing critical data for health policy in Tanzania. The trial will involve pregnant women attending their first antenatal care visit and will track their health outcomes until six weeks post-delivery.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are pregnant women under 20 weeks gestation, aged 18 years or older, who are planning to stay in Dar es Salaam until six weeks after delivery.

Not a fit: Patients with severe anemia, sickle cell disease, or those currently enrolled in another nutritional clinical trial may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved maternal health and reduced anemia rates among pregnant women in Tanzania.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies on micronutrient supplementation have shown promising results, indicating that this approach could be effective, though this specific dosage comparison is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Attending first ANC visit at study clinics
* Pregnant women \< 20 weeks gestation by last menstrual period (LMP)
* Aged ≥ 18 years old
* Intending to stay in Dar es Salaam until 6 weeks post delivery
* Provides informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Severe anemia (defined as hemoglobin \< 8.5 g/dL per Tanzania standard of care)
* Sickle cell disease (SS and SC) and hemoglobin C disease (CC) as tested by HemoTypeSC
* Concurrently enrolled in another nutritional clinical trial
* Pregnant women with disability or condition which would impair their ability to provide informed consent and complete study procedures.

Where this trial is running

Dar es Salaam

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Pregnancy RelatedPregnancyMultiple Micronutrient SupplementationIronAnemiaTanzania
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.