Improvement of Toddler Weight With Giving of Moringa Leaf Extract Biscuit (Moringa oleifera)

Abstract

Introduction: Weight is an indicator of the nutritional status of toddlers; it shows if they have poor nutrition, undernutrition, good nutrition, or overnutrition. One of the interventions carried out to solve the malnutrition problem is the provision of supplementary foods with various innovations, such as fortified biscuits with the extract of Moringa leaves (Moringa oleifera). This study aims to determine the effect of supplemental moringa biscuits on improving the nutritional status of toddler’s nutritional as seen from the increase in toddler weight. Methods: This quasi-experimental study uses a pre- and post- test design approach. The number of respondents in this study was 113 toddlers. The research was carried out in the work area of the Hinai Kiri Health Centre Integrated Service Unit, Langkat Regency, North Sumatra Province. Results: This shows that there is a significant difference in the weight of the toddler between the first measurement (before the intervention) and the second measurement (a month after the intervention). In the third measurement (2 months after the intervention) there was an increase in the average toddler’s weight, namely 1.18 kg with a p-value = 0.005 which indicated a significant difference between the toddler’s weight with the first measurement and the third measurement (2 months after the biscuit intervention). Conclusion: Moringa oleifera contains multivitamins that are effective in improving the nutritional status of malnourished toddlers. It is suggested that Moringa leaf extract can be used as a supplement to toddlers diets which can be processed according to toddlers’ tastes.