Therapeutic effects of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) and Iron Supplementation on Hemoglobin Level among Pregnant women

Abstract

Background: Anemia occurs in 48.7% of pregnancies and causes various problems. Giving iron tablets as much as 60 mg per day for three months has not been able to overcome anemia that occurs in pregnancy because of complaints such as constipation, consumption of iron tablets together with types of food that inhibit absorption and not a variety of food consumption. Iron absorption will be more optimal if consumed with vegetables, especially those that contain lots of vitamin C. One option that can help meet iron needs and increase iron absorption is by consuming Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.).Okra is rich in carbohydrates, protein, minerals such as iron, folic acid and vitamins C and A. Objective: Globally, studies regarding the benefits of Okra for increasing hemoglobin have not been carried out. Therefore, this study was conducted with the aim of knowing the effectiveness of Okrain the treatment of anemia by increasing hemoglobin levels of pregnant women. Methods: This research is experimental study with pre-test and post-test approaches. The population in this study were all pregnant women with gestational age 16-32 weeks with Hb levels less than 11 gr/dl. The number of samples is 100 people taken by purposive sampling technique. Infused Okrawater is given as much as 150 ml every day for 90 days. After 90 days, the second Hb level was checked using the Hb test kit, then checked the data and data were analyzed using paired t-test. Results: There was a significant difference in the average hemoglobin level in the intervention group that was given infused water Okra + iron tablets and there was also a significant difference in the control group, which was only given iron tablets. Conclusions: Positive effect was seen after giving infused Okrawater along with the consumption of iron tablets in pregnant women.