Wolfgang StuetzVerena I. CarraraRose McGreadySue J. LeeKanlaya SriprawatBasi PoBorimas HanboonkunupakarnTilman GruneHans K. BiesalskiFrançois H. NostenUniversitat HohenheimMahidol UniversityNuffield Department of Clinical MedicineGerman Institute of Human Nutrition2018-12-112019-03-142018-12-112019-03-142016-01-26Nutrients. Vol.8, No.2 (2016)207266432-s2.0-84957109020https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/41759© 2016 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. Micronutrient fortified flour (MFF), supplementary food rations and micronutrient (MN) supplements may prevent deficiencies among pregnant women. Objectives of cross-sectional surveys in 2004 (n = 533) and 2006 (n = 515) were to assess the impact of new food rations (flour, oil) and supplements on MN status by trimester of pregnancy in the Maela refugee camp. Hemoglobin, iron status, zinc, retinol, β-carotene and tryptophan decreased, while α-/γ-tocopherol and 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) increased from first to third trimester. In 2006, mean zinc and α-tocopherol for each trimester was significantly higher than in 2004. The weeks of supplemented thiamine and folic acid were positively correlated with thiamine diphosphate (TDP) and 5-MTHF, but not for ferrous sulfate as iron deficiency was observed in 38.5% of third-trimester women. Frequent consumption of fish paste and owning a garden or animal were associated with significantly higher iron status, retinol, β-carotene, and 5-MTHF. In conclusion, MFF and supplementary oil were most likely to explain improved zinc and α-tocopherol status, while thiamine and folate supplements ensured high TDP and 5-MTHF in late pregnancy. MN supplements, MN-rich staple food, small gardens, and programs to improve iron compliance are promising strategies to prevent MN deficiencies during pregnancy in vulnerable populations.Mahidol UniversityAgricultural and Biological SciencesArticleSCOPUS10.3390/nu8020066