Effect of amaranth flatbread on maternal anthropometry during pregnancy: Evidence from a cluster-randomized controlled trial in Southern Ethiopia

Maternal undernutrition and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) remain major public health challenges in Ethiopia, contributing to adverse pregnancy outcomes and poor maternal health. Amaranth, a nutrient-dense pseudocereal, has demonstrated potential to improve maternal nutritional status, yet evidence from rigorous trials is limited. To evaluate the effect of amaranth grain flatbread on maternal anthropometric indicators - mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), body mass index (BMI), and gestational weight change (GWG) - as proxies for overall nutritional status among pregnant women in Hawela Lida district, Southern Ethiopia.