Prenatal Calcium to Prevent Preeclampsia and Preterm Birth in Resource-Poor Rural Settings: Can a Novel Differential Time-Release Microencapsulated Powder Overcome Barriers to Adherence and Scale-up?

We propose to develop a novel once-daily microencapsulated micronutrient powder containing iron, folic acid, and calcium (Prenatal Sprinkles) to overcome barriers to the integration of calcium into prenatal care in developing countries. If successful, our innovation - "differential time-release microencapsulation" - will mask the taste of iron and the gritty tongue-feel of calcium, and facilitate differential iron and calcium absorption.