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Effect of Moringa leaf extract capsules enriched with royal jelly on the growth and development of infants aged 0-3 months
Faradillah D.
Gazzetta Medica Italiana Archivio Per Le Scienze Mediche
Q4Abstract
BACKGROUND: Stunting become a priority mainstay of government programs with thus prevention. Stunting can start during pregnancy. The aim of this study was to evaluate differences in average growth based on weight/age (W/A), body length based on age (H/A), weight based on body length (W/H), and development.METHODS: The study used an observational research design with a cohort study. Growth was measured using a digital baby scale, body length meter, arm circumference meter, head circumference meter, and developmental assessments using a Developmental Prescreening Questionnaire. A total of 63 mothers participated, having received capsules or tablets for 6 months during the second and third trimesters. The intervention group received Moringa royal jelly (MRJ) (N.=31), while the control group received multiple micronutrient supplements (MMS) (N.=32).RESULTS: The study showed that weight/age (W/A) at birth obtained a P>0.05, as did the measurement at 3 months. However, at 1 month, the P<0.05, and at 2 months, the P<0.05. Body length/age (H/A) from birth to 3 months had a P>0.05, while body weight/body length (W/H) also showed a P>0.05, and development had a P>0.05. These findings indicate that several factors can affect the outcomes in the second group, where statistical tests showed some results to be significant (P<0.05) and others not significant (P>0.05). Possible factors include the mother’s age, education, family income, and nutritional needs during pregnancy.CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that both the intervention group (MRJ) and the control group (MMS) had similar average W/A, H/A, W/H, and developmental outcomes, with no significant difference between the two groups. However, there were certain months where significant differences were observed between the groups. These differences can be attributed to several influencing factors. Nevertheless, it is clear that both groups have the potential to be equally effective, as they both contain the same micro and macronutrients necessary for infant growth and development.