BACKGROUND: The problem of iron (Fe) deficiency anemia in adolescents often occurs due to incorrect food habits caused an imbalance in nutritional intake and the recommended dietary adequacy. Spinach and beetroot are alternative plants to meet the Fe needs of anemic adolescents. The content of Vitamin C or ascorbic acid in beets and spinach can help absorb Fe in the body. Beetroot also contains relatively sufficient Fe beneficial in overcoming anemia caused by Fe deficiency.
AIM: This study aimed to determine the effect of beetroot juice and red spinach juice on increasing hemoglobin (Hb) levels in anemic adolescents.
METHODS: It was a Quasi Experiment with a pretest-posttest, non-equivalent control group design. The research subjects were twenty people per group of anemic adolescent girls.
RESULTS: In this study, after 2 weeks of beetroot juice intervention to anemic adolescent girls, there was an increase in Hb levels from 11.47 g/dl to 12.02 g/dl. The increase in Hb levels was statistically different (Paired t-test) (p < 0.05). However, the 2 weeks of red spinach juice intervention also experienced an increase in Hb levels, from 11.4 g/dl to 12.08 g/dl. The increase in Hb levels was statistically significant (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSION: An effect of beetroot juice and red spinach juice consumption on Hb levels of anemic adolescent girls.