Do Protein Supplements Help Babies Grow Better?
Prenatal fortified balanced energy-protein supplementation and birth outcomes in rural Burkina Faso: A randomized controlled efficacy trial
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Surprising Findings
The primary outcome (reducing small-for-gestational-age babies) was not statistically significant, despite strong positive results in secondary growth metrics.
Previous meta-analyses and smaller trials strongly suggested that balanced energy-protein supplementation reliably prevents SGA. This large, rigorous RCT contradicts that consensus, showing the effect is more nuanced.
Practical Takeaways
Pregnant women in nutritionally vulnerable regions should consider adding a balanced energy-protein supplement to their standard prenatal vitamins, as it safely supports fetal growth and extends pregnancy slightly.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Surprising Findings
The primary outcome (reducing small-for-gestational-age babies) was not statistically significant, despite strong positive results in secondary growth metrics.
Previous meta-analyses and smaller trials strongly suggested that balanced energy-protein supplementation reliably prevents SGA. This large, rigorous RCT contradicts that consensus, showing the effect is more nuanced.
Practical Takeaways
Pregnant women in nutritionally vulnerable regions should consider adding a balanced energy-protein supplement to their standard prenatal vitamins, as it safely supports fetal growth and extends pregnancy slightly.
Publication
Journal
PLoS Medicine
Year
2022
Authors
B. de Kok, L. Toe, G. Hanley-Cook, Alemayehu Argaw, M. Ouédraogo, Anderson Compaoré, Katrien Vanslambrouck, T. Dailey-Chwalibóg, R. Ganaba, P. Kolsteren, L. Huybregts, C. Lachat
Related Content
Claims (7)
Giving pregnant women extra protein and calories early in their pregnancy helps lower the chances of having a baby with serious health risks.
Giving pregnant women extra energy and protein supplements doesn't actually lower the chance of having a smaller-than-expected baby compared to just taking standard iron and folic acid pills. The study found the difference was too small to be meaningful, meaning this specific supplement isn't a reliable way to prevent babies from being born too small.
Giving pregnant women a special daily supplement with extra protein and energy helps their babies be slightly longer and have slightly bigger chest and arm measurements at birth compared to just taking standard iron and folic acid pills. This suggests the extra nutrition helps the baby's body grow in a more well-rounded way, not just gain weight.
Giving pregnant women in rural areas a daily supplement with extra energy and protein can help them carry their babies about 1.4 days longer than just taking iron and folic acid. This extra time in the womb helps the baby's organs develop better and might lower the chances of the baby being born too small.
Giving pregnant women in low-income areas a daily balanced energy and protein supplement, instead of just iron and folic acid, helps their babies be born about 50 grams heavier. This small but important weight gain can help prevent babies from being too small at birth.