Intervention Of Sea Grapes Powder Drink on Changes In Hemoglobin Levels In Adolescent Females At MAN 1 Banyuwangi

Abstract

 Anemia among adolescent girls remains a public health issue driven by high iron requirements during growth and blood loss associated with menstruation. Sea grapes (Caulerpa racemosa) known to contain iron and vitamin C represent a potential functional food alternative to help meet iron needs. This study aims to analyze the iron and vitamin C content of sea grape powder and to determine the effect of a sea grape powder drink intervention on hemoglobin levels among adolescent girls at MAN 1 Banyuwangi. This study employed a quasi-experimental design with a pretest-posttest control group structure. A total of 46 respondents were divided into a treatment group and a control group. The treatment group was administered 12 grams of sea grape powder drink daily for 7 days, while the control group received iron-folic acid tablets. Hemoglobin levels were measured before and after the intervention using an EasyTouch Hb device. The iron and vitamin C content of the sea grape powder was analyzed in the laboratory, while hemoglobin level data were analyzed using statistical tests appropriate for the data distribution.  Laboratory analysis results indicate that sea grape powder contains 29.92 mg/100 g of iron and 34.45 mg/100 g of vitamin C. However, the administration of a sea grape powder drink for seven days did not result in a significant change in hemoglobin levels among adolescent girls (p > 0.05). The mean hemoglobin level in the treatment group shifted from 13.34 g/dL to 13.03 g/dL, whereas in the control group, it remained at 12.67 g/dL both before and after the intervention.  A 7-day intervention using a sea grape powder drink did not result in a significant effect on hemoglobin levels among adolescent girls. Future studies are recommended to employ a longer intervention duration and a larger sample size, as well as to control for factors influencing hemoglobin levels, such as nutrient intake, menstrual cycles, and adherence to the intervention..