Studies
The vitabeginning effort consists of several studies, most of them are randomized controlled trials and most involve vitamin B12 supplmentation with or without other nutrients. In this collaboration we try to estimate the effect of nutrient exposure in early life on subequent growth and cognitive development. Link to protocol paper
Vitamin B12 status in infancy and the effect of providing vitamin B12 to infants with signs of suboptimal vitamin B12 status – a registry-based, randomized controlled trial (RART).
This screen-and-treat, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial is being conducted in Innlandet, Norway. Up to 2,500 infants will be randomized either to undergo screening for vitamin B12 deficiency or to a control group. Infants identified with suboptimal vitamin B12 status will receive supplementation. The primary outcome is neurodevelopment, while secondary outcomes include metabolomic profiles, epigenetic modifications, growth, and executive functioning.
NCT05005897 at clinicaltrials.gov
‘Mother’s Micronutrient Supplement for Pregnancy and Lactation (MoMS).
MoMS is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluating a novel, enhanced dietary supplement in 3,000 Kenyan women. The trial’s primary outcomes include birth weight, while secondary outcomes focus on maternal health, child growth, and cognitive development. MoMS is supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Novo Nordisk Foundation. Enrollment will start in July 2026.
The Micronutrient Survey in Nepal (Rieber)
A cross-sectional survey of 500 Nepali Infant mother pairs with a follow - up of a subsample of 350 children around their 5th birthday.
Vitamin B12 supplmentation in pregnancy
An ongoing randomized placebo controlled trial in 800 pregnant Nepalese women. Mothers and children are followed up for a long time
NCT03071666 at clinicaltrials.gov
Protocol paper for the RCT
Protocol paper for the follow - up
Link to codebook
Vitamin B12 supplementation in pregancy
A completed randomized, placebo controlled trial in Bangalore, India. 270 pregnant women were given B12 or placebo. Children were followed-up until their 5th birthday.
Folic acid and vitamin B12 trial in Indian Children
A randomized, placebo controlled trial in 1000 New Delhi children. Main outcomes were infections and growth during the follow up period. We visited the children again at school age.
Vitamin B12, Neurodevelopment and Growth in Nepal
A randomized, placebo controlled trial in 600 Nepalese children. Main outcomes were growth and neurodevelopment after one year. The children will be followed until their 5th birthday
Micronutrient supplementation in Tanzania.
Two studies where children or mothers were randomized to receive high doses of multimicronutrients or placebo. Children were followed for several years after the first phase.
NCT00421668 at clinicaltrials.gov