Utilization of various honey, fruits, and vegetables to increase hemoglobin levels in pregnant women with anemia in Indonesia

Abstract

The aims of the study was to analyze the student’s theses research data of Midwifery Study Program at Faculty of Health Sciences Universitas Nasional regarding the use of honey, fruit and vegetables to increase hemoglobin levels in pregnant women with anemia in Indonesia. The research was conducted by analyzing student theses for four semesters between 2020 and 2023. The variables analyzed included location of the research, types of honey, fruits and vegetables, form of serving, method of consumption, and the effect on hemoglobin levels. A total of 522 student’s theses from 2020 until 2023 were recorded. The results showed 40 theses research (7.66%) were according to the research objectives. The research locations were cover 11 provinces in Indonesia. There are two types of honey, namely acacia honey and mutiflora honey. There are 10 fruits consumed with or without a combination (guava, star fruit, dates, tomatoes, dragon fruit, watermelon, ambon banana, papaya, lime, avocado). There are also 10 vegetables consumed with or without a combination (beetroot, carrot, red spinach, green spinach, katuk, moringa, matel, green bean, broccoli, and caulerpa). The mean increase in the hemoglobin level ranged from 0.85 to 3.71 g/dl. Prevention of anemia in pregnancy should not only be done by providing blood-boosting tablets or iron supplement but also by providing varied and nutritionally balanced food to increase the hemoglobin level and prevent anemia in pregnancy.