The effect of giving combination boiled chicken egg and red dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) to increase hemoglobin levels in women during menstruation

Abstract

Background: Menstruation women are susceptible to anemia, due to loss of blood during this period. One alternative to prevent the occurrence of iron deficiency anemia is to consume food that contains iron and vitamin C such as egg chicken and red dragón fruit. Aims: To investigate the effect of the combined consumption of boiled chicken egg and dragon fruits to increase hemoglobin levels in women during their menstruation. Subjects and Methods: Thirty-two women (18 – 22 years) were randomized into two groups: 16 received boiled chicken eggs, 36 g/day, red dragón fruits, 365 g/day, and 16 were considered as controls. Hemoglobin level data were obtained at baseline (T0), 3 days (T1), and 5 days (T2) after the start of the treatment. Results: Results report a change in hemoglobin levels in the intervention group compared to the control. An increase (p < 0.05) in level hemoglobin was recorded at T2. Meanwhile a decrease in hemoglobin levels in the control (p < 0.05) who does not have any treatment. Conclusions: The intervention of boiled chicken eggs and red dragons fruit increase hemoglobin levels in women and may lead to decreased iron deficiency anemia during menstruation. Keywords: chicken egg, red dragon fruit, iron, vitamin C, menstruation, hemoglobin level.