Effect of moringa leaf capsules and fe administration to increase hemoglobin levels, weight, and upper arm circumference (LILA) in trimester II pregnant women with chronic energy deficiency (KEK)

Abstract

Moringa leaves are nutrient-rich plants that increase hemoglobin (Hb) levels, nutritional intake, and nutritional status. Therefore, this research aims to determine the effect of administering Moringa leaf capsules and Fe to increase hemoglobin levels, body weight, and upper arm circumference (LILA) in second-trimester pregnant women suffering from chronic energy deficiency (KEK). It was carried out for 2 months in the working area of the Banabungi Public Health Center, Buton Regency, Indonesia. The method adopted was an experimental design using a double-blind randomized controlled trial with a pre and post-test as well as a control group pattern. The samples were 34 second-trimester pregnant women suffering from KEK and divided into 2 groups, namely Moringa capsules + Fe (n=17) and Fe (n=17). The data were analyzed using the Chisquare, Paired, and Independent T-Test. The analysis was conducted based on the characteristics of the majority of the samples aged from 20 to 35 years, gravida, higher education, work, and income less than the minimum wage with a p-value > 0.05. The results showed a significant increase in hemoglobin levels in the Moringa leaf capsule group + Fe from 9.47 ± 2.11 to 11.67 ± 1.32 p = 0.001.