The MOM-CARE Trial : Evaluating Antenatal and Postnatal MMSPlus for Improved Infant Birth and Growth Outcomes

Launched by AGA KHAN UNIVERSITY · Jun 11, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial, called the MOM-CARE Trial, is studying whether a new type of vitamin supplement called MMS Plus can help improve the health and growth of babies when given to mothers during pregnancy and after birth. The researchers want to find out if MMS Plus is better than the standard vitamin supplements currently used, especially in helping babies grow well and stay healthy during their first six months. The study is taking place in certain communities around Karachi, Pakistan.

Women who are between 8 and 14 weeks pregnant, have only one healthy baby, and plan to stay in the area through pregnancy and after birth may be eligible to join. After giving birth, to continue in the study, mothers should plan to breastfeed their babies for six months and live nearby. Participants will be randomly given MMS Plus or standard vitamins during pregnancy, and then again after birth, they will receive one of three types of supplements without knowing which one they get. The study team will check on the mothers and babies regularly until the baby is six months old to see how well the babies grow and develop. This trial aims to help find better ways to support mothers and babies in similar communities.

Gender

FEMALE

Eligibility criteria

• Antenatal Phase::
• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Gestational age confirmed by ultrasound to be 8-14 weeks
• • Singleton and viable fetus on ultrasound
• • A resident of the catchment area for at least the last six months
• • Plans to stay within the catchment area during the pregnancy duration, during delivery and after birth of the baby.
• • Has provided voluntary written informed consent
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Women with known allergies or intolerance to any components of the MMS or MMS PLUS being studied
• • Women with pre-existing health conditions such as history of uncontrolled diabetes and hypertension or other chronic illnesses
• • Substance abuse, such as recreational drugs or smoking tobacco. Women chewing tobacco will not be excluded.
• Postnatal Phase::
• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Birth weight available within 72 hours
• • Intention to breastfeed for 6 months
• • Resides in the study area for the duration of the trial
• • Has provided voluntary written informed consent
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Congenital anomalies, birth defects, or severe neonatal complications
• • Infants who are already receiving supplemental formula feeding or other nutritional supplements (except pre-lacteal feeding, vitamins, and medications)
• • Infants whose mothers have conditions that significantly affect breastfeeding, such as severe postpartum depression, insufficient milk supply, or maternal use of medications that contraindicate breastfeeding