Dietary intake changes in adolescent girl after iron deficiency anemia diagnosis

Abstract

Background: Iron deficiency may happen because of low consumption of foods rich in bioavailable iron and high consumption of foods rich in inhibitors of iron absorption. Improving dietary intake is the most effective way to break the chain of iron deficiency anemia problems. This study aimed to study the changes in dietary intake and health awareness among adolescent girl before and after iron deficiency anemia diagnosis. Method: Cohort study with 62 subjects from 2 junior high school in Wates after hemoglobin test (cyanmethemoglobin method) and were newly iron deficiency anemia diagnosed. Intake of energy, macronutrient (protein, fat, carbohydrate), micronutrient (iron, vitamin C, Copper, Zinc, vitamin B12), inhibitor factors (tannin, oxalate, phytate, fiber), also intake of fruit, vegetable, coffee, and tea, collected using semi quantitative food frequency questionnaire (SQFFQ), 3 months before and 3 months after iron deficiency anemia diagnosis. Data calculated with Nutrisurvey® and STATA 12® for paired T-test. Result: No significant changes (p>0,05) in energy, protein, fat, zinc, vitamin B12, copper, fiber, tannin, and oxalate intake. There were significant improvement in intake of carbohydrate (p=0,0161), iron (p=0,0057), phytate (p=0,000), and vitamin C (p=0,0017). No significant changes in mean intake of fruit, vegetable, and tea servings (p>0,05), but higher consumption of coffee (p=0,0018). Conclusion: Iron deficiency anemia diagnosis resulted in dietary intake changes. Subjects were more aware of their dietary intake after iron deficiency anemia diagnosis. Small fruit and vegetable intake and high tea and coffee consumption suggested that efforts were needed to encourage dietary changes in these foods. (Health Science Journal of Indonesia 2020;11(1):27-31)