Fig. 1

Directed acyclic graph for the mediated association between iron deficiency and low birth weight. Sequential mediation analyses were performed to assess the effects of iron deficiency on low birth weight, directly or mediated through malaria at enrolment by light microscopy, moderate anaemia at enrolment (Hb < 9 g/dL) and placental malaria at delivery by light microscopy. Gravidity, maternal education, mid-upper arm circumference, gestational age and smoking were considered confounders. The results of the analyses are shown in Table 3. MUAC mid upper arm circumference