Bibliographic Info
GuidelineWHO antenatal care recommendations for a positive pregnancy experience: nutritional interventions update: zinc supplements during pregnancy.
Year of Publication2021
Issuing InstitutionWorld Health Organization
Recommendation
Status
Maintained
Recommendation in research context
Only in research contexts
Certainty of evidence
Low
Zinc supplementation for pregnant women is recommended only in the context of rigorous research
Notes and Remarks
- 1.The Guideline Development Group agreed to retain the WHO recommendation found in the 2016 WHO antenatal care (ANC) guideline.
- 2.WHO does not recommend zinc supplementation as part of routine ANC. It is recommended in the context of rigorous research to improve our knowledge of its effect on maternal and newborn health outcomes. Research is particularly needed on how zinc status is impacted by other nutritional supplementation (e.g. iron and/or calcium) given as part of routine ANC. Additionally, research is needed on the efficacy of zinc supplementation, provided either alone or with other nutritional supplements (e.g. iron and folic acid, calcium, according to national guidelines/standard of care), on maternal and neonatal outcomes. Multiple doses of zinc, iron and/or calcium may need to be evaluated based on the current national standard of care. Research on the effectiveness or the implementation of zinc supplementation is not identified as a priority at this time.
- 3.Pregnant women should be encouraged and supported to receive adequate nutrition, which is best achieved through consumption of a healthy, balanced diet, and to refer to guidelines on healthy eating.
Also Featured In
This recommendation also appears in the following guidelines:
Guideline
WHO recommendations on maternal health: guidelines approved by the WHO Guidelines Review Committee, second edition. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2025
Year2023
InstitutionWorld Health Organization