The Effects of Prenatal Corn-Soya Blend (CSB) Plus Supplementation on Maternal and Newborn Outcomes: A Cluster-Randomized Trial in Kampong Chhnang, Cambodia

Abstract

Objectives: CSB Plus, a dietary supplement that contains a mixture of macronutrients and micronutrients, is frequently used to assist nutritionally-vulnerable women and children. Little is known about the effectiveness of CSB Plus in pregnancy. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of CSB Plus on maternal weight gain, anemia, and birth size. Methods: Villages (n=75) were randomized to an intervention or comparison arm. Pregnant women (n=547) were recruited during the first 12 weeks of gestation. Supplementation began at enrollment and continued until delivery.  The daily ration provided approximately 800kcal. Women in the comparison group did not receive a dietary supplement. Weight and hemoglobin were measured for all women throughout pregnancy and birth anthropometrics were measured within 72 hours of birth. Results: Women receiving CSB Plus had a 16% lower anemia prevalence (p=.001) at 36-38 weeks compared to the comparison group. Further, there was a 5.0% lower rate of preterm birth (p=.006) in the CSB Plus group. Low birth weight was 4.5% lower in the CSB Plus group (6.2 vs. 10.7), but this was not statistically significant. Mean birth weight was similar between the groups (3000 g). There were no significant differences in mean maternal weight gain, birth length, or head circumference between the groups. Conclusions: CSB Plus reduced the rate of anemia, lowered the preterm birth rate, and showed a trend toward reducing low birth weight. CSB Plus did not have effects on other maternal and birth outcomes.