Reviewer ’s report  
 
Title: Impact of preconceptional micronutrient supplementation on mate rnal mental health 
during pregnancy and postpartum: Results from a randomized controlled trial in Vietnam  
 
Version: 1 Date: 05 Mar 2017  
 
Reviewer: Ahmed Nassr  
 
Reviewer's report:  
 
This is a well written RCT involving large number of women and addressing a new, clinically 
important problem (impact of preconceptual micronutrient su pplements on maternal mental 
health during pregnancy as a secondary outcome. I believe the revised version addressed many 
important issues.  
 
Main issues:  
1- The authors stated that women with severe anemia (Hb< 7 gm/dl) were excluded and 
referred for treat ment.  
The authors should discuss why other anemic women (>7 gm/dl) detected pre -conceptionally 
were not referred for treatment and randomized. (these women may be symptomatic or still in the 
severe range (7 -8 gm/dl) and were planning to become pregnant. W ere they counselled about 
risks associated with pregnancy and anemia especially those in the range of Hb 7 -8 g/dl)? before 
being offered to participate in the trial?  
2- I would suggest performing a subgroup analysis including anemic vs non -anemic women  
Are the methods appropriate and well described?  
If not, please specify what is required in your comments to the authors.  
 
Yes 
 
Does the work  include the necessary controls?  
If not, please specify which controls are required in your comments to the authors.  
 
Yes 
 
Are the conclusions drawn adequately supported by the data shown?  
If not, please explain in your comments to the authors.  
 
Yes 
 
Are you able to assess any statistics in the manuscript or would you recommend an  
additional statistical review?  
If an additional statistical review is recommended, please specify what aspects require further  
assessment in your comments to the editors.  
 
I am able to assess the statistics  
 
Quality of written English  
Please indicate the quality of language in the manuscript:  
 
Acceptable  
 
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