Effectiveness of Bilih (Mystacoleucus-Padangensis) Nugget Against Serum Retinol Levels in Toddlers Stunted Aged 36-60 Months

Abstract

Background

Stunted in the world is still categorized as a public health problem because the percentage is more than 20%. Stunting is influenced by one of them because of the low appetite of children so that there is less nutrition. Giving certain micronutrients can increase appetite and improve nutritional status. Vitamin A is an essential micronutrient againts to protein synthesis and cell growth. This study aims to analyze the effect of bilih nugget againts serum retinol levels in toddlers stunted aged 36-60 months.

Methods

Quasi-experimental with Nonequivalent control group design. A sample of 24 toddlers in DesaSiwuluh was divided into two groups, among which 12 toddlers were given bilih nugget (intervention group) and 12 toddlers were given a placebo (control group) for 14 days. Blood serum was taken before and after intervention. The instrument of retinol serum tests using RBP ELISA with High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Analysis of Paired t test and Independent t test.

Results

The average level of retinol before and after intervention was 2.84 mmol/L to 3.83 mmol/L. In the control group, the average level of retinol before and after was 1.59 mmol/L to 1.85 mmol/L. Paired t test showed that there was influence of bilih nugget in increasing serum retinol levels of stunting toddlers aged 36-60 months (p-value < 0.05). Independent t test showed no significant difference between serum retinol levels in the intervention group and the control group (p-value > 0.05). 

Conclusions and Recommendations

Bilih nuggets contain retinol which is 0.446 mg. 200 grams of bilih nugget for 14 days has fulfilled daily vitamin A requirements for toddlers.