The global burden of maternal morbidity and mortality attributable to anemia is staggering, and this is especially true in low-resource settings. A recent review suggests 42% of pregnant women have anemia worldwide (1993-2005) with the vast majority of anemic women (90%) residing in Africa or Asia1; and in Asia, anemia was the second highest cause of maternal mortality2. Anemia was diagnosed in almost one third to one half of women presenting to the Shoklo Malaria Research Unit (SMRU) clinics on the Thai-Myanmar border for antenatal care (ANC) in a 2008 survey3, and anemia at first antenatal visit was associated with a two-fold increase in maternal mortality in this population4. Studies have also shown an association between anemia and small for gestational age infants, preterm delivery, infant and childhood anemia and developmental delays5.