Figure 1.

Study design. Visit 1 (V1, screening): pregnant women were screened for study eligibility and blood collection was performed. Visit 2 (V2, baseline): eligible women meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria were randomized equally to one of the two study groups; nutritional status was assessed using a semi-quantitative FFQ. Visits 3 and 4 (V3 &V4, MMS supplementation or no supplementation): FFQ was administered and blood sampling took place—the red blood cell DHA level measured at Visit 4 was compared with the value measured at Visit 1 to assess the primary endpoint. Visit 5 (V5, delivery): obstetric evaluations were performed in all women and infant anthropometric parameters were measured. Concomitant medications and adverse events were assessed at all Visits. GA, gestational age; DHA, docosahexaenoic acid; FFQ, food frequency questionnaire; MMS, multiple micronutrients and DHA supplementation.