Kenyan researchers are taking a leading role in a groundbreaking international effort to develop an improved dietary supplement for pregnant women. The initiative, named ‘Mother’s Micronutrient Supplement for Pregnancy and Lactation’ (MMS+), aims to enhance maternal and child health by addressing nutritional deficiencies that contribute to low birth weight, poor maternal well-being, and impaired cognitive development in infants.
The research is based in Bungoma County, a region in western Kenya known for its agricultural potential but also for persistent dietary challenges. Many households in the area rely on starchy staples such as ugali (made from maize, sorghum, millet, or cassava flour) and vegetables, with low intake of animal protein and fruits. A survey published by Herald Scholarly Open Access highlighted the lack of dietary diversity in the region, making it an ideal location to assess the impact of improved maternal nutrition.
More than 3,000 pregnant women will participate in the study, where they will be closely monitored throughout pregnancy and the first year of their babies’ lives. Researchers will track health outcomes, birth weights, cognitive development, and overall growth to determine the effectiveness of the supplement.
The initiative is funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Novo Nordisk Foundation, with a KSh 1.4 billion ($10 million) grant. It builds on World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines that recommend Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS) for pregnant women. However, scientists believe that the current MMS formulation can be improved further to maximize benefits
Pregnancy significantly increases a woman’s nutrient requirements. Inadequate nutrition during this period can lead to:
Low birth weight in infants
Increased risk of maternal complications
Impaired cognitive development in children
Higher susceptibility to chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular conditions later in life
WHO’s 2020 recommendation for MMS includes 15 essential vitamins and minerals, replacing the traditional iron and folic acid supplements. However, the Kenyan-led research project is going a step further by developing MMS+, which includes higher doses of certain nutrients and the addition of new components such as:
Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) – An omega-3 fatty acid essential for brain development
Choline – Supports brain function and reduces the risk of neural tube defects
Higher doses of Vitamin B3 – Enhances metabolic health and reduces pregnancy complications
Dr. Zipporah Bukania, a senior research scientist at Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), emphasized the importance of this research in improving global maternal health.
“Nutrient deficiencies during pregnancy have serious consequences, including low birth weight and poor child development. This grant is a major step in tackling these challenges. Our goal is to influence global health standards and create a lasting impact on maternal nutrition.”
Prof. Arne Astrup, senior vice president of the Novo Nordisk Foundation, highlighted the broader implications of malnutrition.
“Poor nutrition during pregnancy can contribute to chronic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular conditions. This project has the potential to improve health systems, train healthcare workers, and influence long-term health behaviors in Kenya and beyond.”
The project involves experts from Kenya, Norway, and Denmark, working together to develop an improved, evidence-based supplement tailored to the needs of expectant mothers in low-income settings. Researchers from the University of Copenhagen, led by Associate Professor Benedikte Grenov, believe that optimizing MMS will create sustainable improvements in maternal and child health.
“By including DHA, choline, and higher doses of vitamin B3, we aim to address nutritional gaps and create a supplement with lasting health benefits for both mothers and children,” says Dr. Grenov.
Beyond supplement development, the initiative seeks to:
Train healthcare workers in maternal nutrition
Strengthen local health systems in Bungoma and beyond
Improve awareness and adoption of MMS+ in antenatal care
This project places Kenya at the forefront of global health research, showcasing its growing role in medical innovation. If successful, the findings could set new global standards for maternal nutrition, ensuring healthier outcomes for mothers and children worldwide.
