Schulze KJ, et al. - Researchers evaluated whether late pregnancy micronutrient status is beneficially affected by the administration of a daily multiple micronutrient (MM) (15 nutrients) vs iron–folic acid (IFA) supplement, each contributing nearly 1 RDA of nutrients and given beginning at pregnancy ascertainment, in women in rural Bangladesh. They evaluated 1526 pregnant women. A total of 749 received daily MM and 777 received daily IFA. Findings revealed a deficiency of micronutrients other than iron and folic acid at the commencement of pregnancy in rural Bangladeshi women. An improved micronutrient status was evident in relation to supplementation with MM, although deficiencies persisted. In undernourished populations, it may be justified to meet the nutritional demands of pregnancy via preconception supplementation or higher nutrient doses.