Smart supplement strategy could save babies in ethiopia

NCT ID NCT06125860

Completed Prevention Sponsor: Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Aug 14, 2026 · Updated 3 times

Summary

This study in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, tests whether giving protein supplements only to pregnant women who are undernourished can prevent problems like low birth weight and stillbirth. Over 6,700 pregnant women are randomly assigned to receive supplements either universally or only if they are underweight. Researchers will compare which strategy works best and is most cost-effective.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: balanced energy and protein (BEP) dietary supplement
What this could lead to: If successful, this could show that targeting supplements to undernourished pregnant women is just as effective as giving them to everyone, saving resources and preventing complications like low birth weight.
What could go wrong: This is an effectiveness study, not a drug trial, so the supplement is already known to be safe. However, the results may not apply to other populations or settings, and the targeting strategies might not improve outcomes as hoped.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for BIRTH WEIGHT are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Birth Weight fetal growth restriction Gestational Weight Gain Perinatal Death pregnancy disorder with abortive outcome Premature Birth Stillbirth

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

BIRTH WEIGHT GESTATIONAL WEIGHT GAIN MATERNAL ANEMIA IN PREGNANCY, BEFORE BIRTH NEONATAL DEATH PERINATAL DEATH PRETERM BIRTH SMALL FOR GESTATIONAL AGE AT DELIVERY STILLBIRTH

Contacts and locations

Locations

Addis Continental Institute of Public Health (ACIPH)

Addis Ababa, Addis Ababa, Box 26751/1000, Ethiopia

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.