The Effect of Moringa Leaf Extract in Breastfeeding Mothers against Anemia Status and Breast Milk Iron Content

Moringa leaves contain a wide variety of macro and micro nutrients, the results of the analysis of moringa leaf\ud extract contains vitamin C and minerals iron (Fe) respectively 1514.96 mg and 9.72 mg per 100 g. The purpose\ud of this study was to assess differences in the levels of change in the status of anemia and iron (Fe) of the breast\ud milk in breastfeeding mothers who acquire capsules Moringa leaf extract compared to the control. The study\ud design was a randomized controlled double-blind design. Samples were obtained from the working area of\ud Public Health Centers (PHC) Marusu, Maros District. A total of 71 breastfeeding mothers are willing to become\ud the samples were divided into 2 groups randomly. The intervention group (n = 35) and controls (n = 36) each \ud received 2 x 2 capsules moringa leaf extract and moringa leaf powder each (@ 800 mg). Interventions carried\ud out for 90 days. Statistical test used was the Independent t test, Wilcoxon test, Mann-Whitney U test and the\ud McNemar test. Characteristics of the sample did not differ significantly (p> 0.05). After the intervention\ud increased Hb levels of 0.30 mg / L in the intervention group, but not significantly different (p = 0.195). Status of\ud anemia decreased in the intervention group from 54.3% to 20%, significantly different (p = 0.012). \ud \ud ------------------------------------------------------------------------\ud * Corresponding author. \ud E-mail address: zakaria_gz@yahoo.com. \ud 321\ud \ud International Journal of Sciences: Basic and Applied Research (IJSBAR)(2015) Volume 24, No 1, pp 321-329 \ud Iron content of the milk both groups increased slightly, but not significantly different (p = 0.827). It was\ud concluded that administration of Moringa leaf extract has the potential to increase Hb levels so that the lower\ud the maternal anemia, although the iron content of the milk does not increase significant