Micronutrient supplementation during pregnancy is primarily given to prevent which conditions?

Micronutrient supplementation during pregnancy is primarily aimed at preventing conditions such as anemia and vitamin A deficiency. During pregnancy, the body's demand for essential nutrients increases significantly to support the developing fetus. Iron is a critical micronutrient that helps in the production of hemoglobin—necessary for carrying oxygen in the blood. Insufficient iron can lead to anemia, which poses risks for both the mother and the baby, including increased fatigue, complications during delivery, and low birth weight.

Vitamin A is vital for fetal development, particularly for the formation of the heart, eyes, and other organs. A deficiency in vitamin A during pregnancy can result in poor fetal development and increase the risk of maternal complications.

In contrast, other options such as obesity and diabetes, thyroid and kidney issues, and respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, while important health considerations, are not the primary focus of micronutrient supplementation during pregnancy. These conditions may be managed through different approaches and may not be directly correlated with deficiencies in micronutrients typically addressed by supplementation.