MORINGA LEAVES EXTRACT ON FOOD INTAKE AND WEIGHT GAIN OF PREGNANT WOMEN WORKING IN INFORMAL SECTOR

Abstract

Background : The research aimed to determine the effect of Moringa leaves extract on food intake and body weight of pregnant women who are working in nformal sector. This research was carried out in 4 local government clinics in Manggala district (Puskesmas) in Batua, Antang, Perumnas Antang and Tamangapa.

Method : This study was a double blind randomized controlled with pregnant women who were generally working as trader in traditional market. Subject divided into 2 group with intervention group (n=35) received extract Moringa leaves together with Fe tablet for 3 months and control group (n=33) received only Fe tablet. Food consumption and body weight were collected by well-trained field workers. T-test was used to measure the mean difference of the increased of food intake and weight gain between groups.

Result : The results showed that characteristic of subject was not difference before intervention (P>0,05). After intervention, the results indicatedthatenergyintakeandfolicaciddecreasedin both groupswith highersignificant reduction on control group (p<0.05), butthe decreased was not significantlydifferent(p>0.05). Intake of protein, iron, andfiberalsodecreased in both group,butnot significant (p>0.05). VitaminCandEintake decreasedin both groupswith agreater significant reductionin intervention group (p<0.05), butthe difference of decreasedwas not significant(p>0.05). Zinc intake increasedon intervention groupanddecreasedon control groupthatwere notsignificant, however,the comparisonamong the groupsshows significant differences (p<0.05). Beside that, Body weight seen increased in both intervension groups (56,06 ± 9,86 to 61,23 ± 9,85, p=0,000) nor control groups(58,66 ± 10,07 to 61,74 ± 9,86, p=0,000)and seen a significant difference for weight gain between two groups.

Conclusion : Moringa leaves extract can increasedweight gain but not for food intake of pregnant women informal sector workers.

Keywords : Moringa leaves extract, pregnant women, food intake