Preconception micronutrient supplementation positively affects offspring perceptual reasoning at 10-11 years of age: follow-up of a randomized controlled trial in Vietnam

Maternal periconceptional nutrition is important for birth outcomes, but few studies examine long-term effects on offspring growth and development. We assessed the impact of weekly preconception multiple micronutrients (MM) or iron and folic acid (IFA) supplements compared to folic acid alone, on cognitive function and nutritional status at 10–11 years. We also examined associations with early-life biological and socioenvironmental factors. The study came to a conclusion that preconception MM and IFA supplementation improved certain aspects of cognitive functioning at 10–11 years compared with folic acid alone, whereas early-life biological and socioenvironmental factors were positively associated with cognitive and academic outcomes.