This study investigated whether live-born children in Indonesia less than 5 years of age born to mothers who used antenatal iron and folic acid supplements had reduced risk of death. Survival information for 52,917 singleton live-born infants and 1525 deaths of children less than 5 years of age was examined. The results showed that the risk of death of children less than 5 years of age was reduced significantly by 34% if the mother consumed any iron-folic acid supplements. This protective effect was greatest for deaths on the first day of life but was also shown for neonatal deaths on days 1-30 of life and postneonatal deaths. There was a strong dose response of greater protection from death of children less than 5 years of age with increasing numbers of iron-folic acid supplements consumed.The authors conclude "In developing countries increased use of antenatal iron-folic acid supplements will reduce deaths of children <5 y of age, especially in the first year of life".
Dibley MJ, Titaley CR, d'Este C, Agho K. Iron and folic acid supplements in pregnancy improve child survival in Indonesia. Am J Clin Nutr. 2012 Jan;95(1):220-30.
