Bhutta 2009a

Methods	This cluster‐randomised trial was conducted in urban and rural areas in Pakistan.
Participants	Pregnant women with gestational age < 16 weeks were eligible for enrolment. MMN group (n = 1148), iron folic acid group (n = 1230).
Interventions	MMN group received vitamin A 800 mcg, D 200 IU, E 10 mg, C 70 mg, B1 1.4 mg, B2 1.4 mg, niacin 18 mg, B6 1.9 mg, B12 2.6 mg, folic acid 400 mcg, iron 30 mg, zinc 15 mg, copper 2 mg, selenium 65 mcg and iodine 150 mcg. Iron folic acid group received 60 mg iron and 400 mcg folic acid.
Outcomes	Size at birth, gestational age at birth, perinatal mortality, maternal anaemia (Hb < 11 g/ dl), mode of delivery (caesarean section). It should be noted that the data for SGA was obtained from a separate report (Food and Nutrition Bulletin 2009) and not from the individual trial report.
Notes	MMN and MMN + nutritional education groups were compared with iron folic acid and iron folic acid + nutritional education group. Iron folic acid given to all participants. Maternal malnutrition, vitamin A deficiency, anaemia and iron deficiency were common. 2 methods of community outreach were implemented that is, basic nutrition along with antenatal care messages and quarterly community‐based group sessions conducted by CHWs and social scientist. There was no significant difference in baseline characteristics between 2 groups. Data for caesarean section were presented (intervention 18/743; control 22/832). It was not included in the analysis as this was a cluster RCT.
Risk of bias
Bias	Authors' judgement	Support for judgement
Random sequence generation (selection bias)	Low risk	Quote: "a cluster‐based allocation strategy of supplements (either IF or MMN supplementation) by respective CHWs was implemented". Comment: probably done.
Allocation concealment (selection bias)	Low risk	Comment: "allocated to either the IF or MMN supplements according to their respective location and allocation by the AKU Pharmacy". Comment: probably done.
Incomplete outcome data (attrition bias) All outcomes	Low risk	Attrition (15.8%) and exclusion (around 1%) along with their reasons were reported. Attrition and exclusions were balanced across the treatment arms.
Selective reporting (reporting bias)	Low risk	Comment: results of all outcomes mentioned in methods section were presented in the paper.
Other bias	Low risk	Comment: no other bias was identified.
Blinding of participants and personnel (performance bias) All outcomes	Low risk	Quote: "Both tablets were identical in colour, shape and packaging" and "field staff (medical officers, CHWs, social scientists and data collection team) remained completely blinded as to the supplements allocation. All pregnant women were allocated a unique code and allocated a uniquely labelled and numerically coded specific supplement supply". Comment: participants and caregivers were probably blinded to the treatment assignment.
Blinding of outcome assessment (detection bias) All outcomes	Low risk	Quote: "Both tablets were identical in colour, shape and packaging" and "field staff (medical officers, CHWs, social scientists and data collection team) remained completely blinded as to the supplements allocation". Comment: outcome assessors were probably blinded to the treatment assignment.